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It’s been pouring for the past week, and while the rain stopped last night, this morning the cold set in. There was a frost on the front lawn which for me is a telltale sign of it being truly cold.

I’m giving myself one week to get sorted for winter. I’m a bit disorganised this year as I’ve had a few years off from commuting year-round, but now it’s time to get it all started again.

My bike is pretty much perfect for the winter commute. It’s single-speed so cleaning the drive-train is easy, and there are less parts to replace when they wear out. I have an awesome set of lights to use when I need to – two for my helmet and two for the handlebars. It’s like daytime when I use those things!

One thing I am missing though, is mud guards – known as fenders pretty much every where else in the world. I had some on an old bike that I had but sold that a few years ago. I should be able to get these by the end of the week with some luck. Fenders are the difference between being covered in crap from the road, or being clean when you get to work. Not all that “cool” but there are times to accept function over form.

Keeping warm and dry is another thing. I’m fairly well organised here, but really need some long knicks for the winter.

For those thinking about commuting during winter on their bicycle, I’d suggest the following:

• A weather proof drive-train (single-speed or internally geared rear hub)
• Mud guards (fenders)
• Quality lights to see and be seen with
• A backpack with waterproof outer layer
• Quality waterproof jacket
• Winter clothes – depending on how cold you have the options of gloves, skull cap, base layer gear, etc.

There are more things to think about, but to me these are the basics. Riding in winter is really empowering. Not being beaten by the weather makes you feel really good about yourself, but it is hard to get started. Next week I’m tackling the beast. No excuses.

After convincing four people in the office to start riding a bicycle to work, and with mum coming off of her bike a few days ago, it’s a hot topic in the workplace. I was talking to a co-worker this morning about driving to and from work and how much it stresses me out.

I enjoy driving. I consider myself to be a good driver. Safe, but able to handle myself at faster speeds and what not. With that said, I’m a lot more sensible now that I don’t have a fast car. When you don’t have the power there to use, you simply don’t need to drive fast anymore.

Put me in traffic though, and I end up frustrated, and often in disbelief at how terrible other road users are at driving. About two months ago, I sold my car and try to rely solely on my bike, and public transport. I used to work in the city a few years ago, and literally rode every day of the year. Since changing jobs, the distance has doubled and I ride far less than I’d like.

While I do have the soft option of driving (mum’s car, as she doesn’t drive it to work), I try to ride as often as I can.

Why do I ride to work? It’s relaxing. Sure, physically it can be demanding, but mentally it gives me time to think. To me, the ride is a wind down. Plenty of time to ponder my thoughts and figure out what I want from life. I can deal with things in my head so by the time that I get home I have some clarity. It gives me a lot more energy to use too.

Cycling is low-impact exercise (maybe less so when you ride like I do), and it’s great for your health and general well-being. It has been well proven that fitter employees are more productive while at work, and take less sick days during the year. It’s a win win for both the employer and the employee.

Now sure, it’s not as easy as just making the decision one day to go and ride to work. Incidentally I saw a girl riding home from the city yesterday that had obviously made that decision. Wearing a short skirt and knee high boots while riding a bike isn’t very convenient by the looks of it, but it was a sight to see. So it’s not as easy as just jumping on the bike and riding to work, but it’s not that hard to get started either.

A general list of things for riding to work include:

1. Finding a safe place to lock your bike, and getting a good quality lock.
2. Making sure you have comfortable clothes to ride in (very important during winter).
3. Finding a good route to ride (I try and stay off of main roads).
4. Having an emergency kit (multi-tool, pump, tyre levers, spare tube).

There are other things to consider, but usually they are easily fixed. Most workplaces have showers now, and if they don’t I have heard of people using baby wipes or just a sink and towel to wipe themselves down. A comfy backpack is good too, and setting your bike up to suit your situation (mud guards, panniers, lights, seat height, etc) help you to get comfortable, but this is something that will develop over time.

While fitness may be a challenge at first, it really doesn’t take long to “get up to speed” either. After riding to work the first time on a singlespeed I thought I’d made a bad decision. Two weeks later though I was riding it as easily as any other bike.

If you are sick of the rat race and want to slow your day down a little, give it a shot. Commuting by bicycle is a great way to mentally unwind, get some fitness, and save some money too. I love it, and I’ll be riding for as long as I can. Maybe even in Copenhagen next year!