I never thought about writing an article like this until recently, when I went for a ride with a friend of mine, and he pointed out that what he enjoys the most about a winter ride is the aftermath—the benefits that riding outdoors leaves on him and his body.

The day I met with him was one of those days when it was really cold outside—not windy but cold. It had been very foggy since the night before, and in the morning, the mist surrounded us, creating a sort of silent ambiance to ride into.

The atmosphere outside was surreal; we could not see far into the distance. We exchanged a few chat messages discussing whether postponing the meeting by 15 minutes to half an hour was a good idea, hoping that in the meantime the sky would clear up a bit. When we finally met, the situation was still the same, and the fog persisted. Each of us left home with the hope that eventually it would get better along the way.

While we were riding, I told him that the real struggle for me was leaving a warm and cozy house, already knowing that it would be cold and humid outside.

He confirmed that this was also his impression but clarified that he actually likes committing to these types of rides—not so much for the ride itself, but for the benefits that riding outdoors provides for his mind and body.

From that moment, something clicked in me, and I realized that I was actually thinking the same. I am not one of those people who are very keen on spending lots of time on magnetic indoor trainers.

I prefer to do my riding outside and firmly believe that cycling is an outdoor sport.

I am not trying to convince anyone that training outside is better than training inside, but if you can choose and you have the opportunity to train during daylight, then yes, that is something you should definitely consider—even in winter.

For me, going for a ride outside, even in cold weather conditions, helps me reconnect with nature. Surrounded by the calmness of nature, I feel calmer myself. I find the peace that the urban environment can no longer provide.

Additionally, I truly believe that by spending time outdoors, I am strengthening my body, becoming more resilient, and literally acclimatizing to the elements. The wind in my face and the cold through my body help my circulation and improve my cardiovascular system. In some ways, it is a kind of struggle that I enjoy going through.

When I get back home and reflect on my time in the cold outdoors, I feel like I’ve challenged myself. I see that I was able to overcome the fear of leaving my comfort zone, and I feel stronger mentally.

Small successes in daily life, like being able to exercise outdoors and making it a daily routine, can also be seen as inner achievements—great ways to find confidence and motivation within ourselves. Exposure to fresh air and natural light enhances our mental health and well-being, which is something we should really prioritize nowadays.

Not only that, but by riding outside, we can also improve our riding skills. For those who are racers, this will prepare you to compete in scenarios where the weather is not on your side.

Exercising with friends, especially for those who struggle to find motivation, can be a significant advantage—more for the mental side than anything else. Additionally, dressing properly with good-quality clothing can drastically improve your experience on the bike.

Regarding what to wear, I recommend investing in one of those vests or windbreakers with double zippers. By opening the garment from either the top or bottom, you can regulate your temperature more easily during rides, access your pockets more conveniently, and manage layering without completely unzipping the garment.

When it comes to itinerary planning, I have some tips to share. My job as a guide has taught me many things over the years, and I know well how much a good route can improve the perception of a ride.

Start your ride with a level profile—a bit of climbing, but not too much at the beginning. Embrace the moment and prioritize quiet roads over busy ones. At this stage, the condition of the tarmac isn’t too important, especially if most of this segment is uphill. What really matters is adventuring into nature, away from noise, distractions, and traffic.

Make a quick stop to refuel with some pastries or a nice coffee. Here in Italy, espresso is the way to go, but trust me—in winter, a nice cup of Americano can be a great way to warm up your hands around the mug.

If you suffer from cold limbs, a quick stop can help you regain feeling in your hands and feet. To avoid numb fingers, you might also change your position on the bike every now and then, adding a few short sprints to raise your body temperature.

Make sure that the last climb on your ride is the biggest one. This way, especially if it’s toward the end of the ride, you won’t carry so much sweat afterward, and you’ll almost be home.

When planning your route, keep an eye on the wind direction. There’s another article I wrote about how to make friends with the wind that you might want to read.

Now you’re ready to cycle outside, even in winter, and enjoy the outdoors much more. One last thing to remember:

Enjoy the present moment, no matter the season.