It's cold outside. Should I go for a bike ride or stay home and do nothing?
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Get out the bike - you know you will feel a whole lot better. Once you start pedalling you'll be glad you did.
But it's worth planning your ride and your clothing, taking into account how your body handles the cooler conditions.
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Check the temperature before deciding what to wear. For anything at or below zero degrees you will need to be well rugged up.
The best policy is to rug up for a cool start and you will warm quickly.
Wear layers of clothes and chat to your riding friends about stopping every now and then to remove a layer.
If you are worried about moving too quickly in the cold morning air, a road ride may not be your best option.
Maybe choose a gravel ride or a mountain bike ride. It is a lot warmer in the bush. You will notice the temperature drops in the lower areas of Bendigo and especially near the creeks.
It's much warmer to ride up One Tree Hill than along a creek trail on a cool day.
If you cannot ride you have lots of options in wintertime to keep fit. Head down to your local gym and find a few classes that interest you.
Make a commitment to attend at least three times a week and take along a buddy: it's so much easier if you have a friend to meet. You could also seek out an exercise bike, set up a timer, set fitness goals and enjoy your time on the bike.
Or head out on the bike in "pro hours" - yes, during the day - and enjoy the slightly warmer weather.
Here's a thought: grab your bike and ride the long way around to your favourite coffee shop and take the even longer route home.
Have you found the O'Keefe Rail Trail yet? It's a great ride out to the Axedale Tavern for morning coffee and a slice of hummingbird cake. It's a gravel trail with no cars and beautiful local bushland to take in.
Spring will be upon us soon and, with it, events like the Bendigo Cycling Classic
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