What resonated with me is not necessarily clearing your desk off, and heading out the door on a wild adventure right this second, but instead, planning out WHERE you’d like to go next, and getting inspired. If you’re like me, you have a 50 degree rule. Anything less than that often includes ice and falls, so I stick inside. Given that, how do we stoke the cycling fire through the winter months?
Get inspired
2013 is YOUR year. Go ahead, think big. Gather your girlfriends and join Trek Travel for an affordable ride camp in Solvang, ride in Mallorca, or, pick at least two cycling events to participate in this summer (and of course, I do hope that Venus de Miles on July 28th is one of them.) Pick up Chicago Athlete’s Annual Event Guide or Competitor Magazine’s Keeper edition and choose some events that speak to your soul, will challenge you, and allow you to spend time with your girlfriends. 
Get cross-trained
I recently discovered Crossfit and I am hooked. Once the cycling season starts, I’ll be ready to ride; take a Nia class, pilates, yoga, spinning – anything, just get your body moving, and whenever possible, incorporate strength training into your weekly routine
Get educated
Now’s a great time to take a mechanic’s class, read about bike paths to explore, and get involved with organizations like Active Transportation Alliance and the League of Illinois Bicyclists, who are doing great things for cycling in the state. 
Get geared up
Make sure you have all of your essentials in place for this year – sunglasses, shorts, bibs, jerseys, vests, jackets, helmets, gloves, etc. I recently discovered Nuu-Muu, who make cycling dresses, or check out other feminine, flirty cycling options.
Get your plan in place
Your training plan should start now for your summer goals. Hire a coach, a training company like Vision Quest Coaching or check Bicycling’s websitefor training tips and plans.
Get a trainer
Indoor cycling at home doesn’t have to be boring. Pick up a trainer, prop your bike up, and put a movie on.
Get in tune
Take your bike to your local bike shop and have it tuned-up, so you’re ready to go!
Get connected
I love the Chainlink, which is your one-stop shop for Chicago cycling news, events, and tips.
An avid cyclist, Teresa also knew she wanted to create something to encourage women to get outside on their bikes and support a meaningful cause – Venus de Miles was born. Since its inception, Colorado’s first all-women’s road ride, which is orchestrated by and benefits Greenhouse Scholars, has raised $380,981 for the organization.
What great motivation, whatever your outdoor sport or activity is!
This is something I’d really love to get my family into. thanks for the tips!
I hope to do this soon with the whole family!
i love this idea!!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
Great post. Are you doing the Venus ride? Sounds really nice. Maybe I will come stay with you if you do it. 🙂
She is 🙂 I’ll make sure of it … on mechanical side 🙂
I have to set goals for myself or I’ll sit on my butt and not do a thing! I haven’t biked in years but each time I read one of your posts, I want to go out and buy a bike!
I miss bike riding too. I remember last winter was mild enough to ride in January but not this year. I’m hoping for a mild March.
I really want to get back into biking! I love this idea!
I really want to get back into biking! I love this idea!
The irony is vast majority of people who ride any cycle and live somewhere with four seasons have this “there is nothing to do” type of attitude while any non-riding friendly season. It can’t be farther from the truth. From my own experience, unless you’re done with biking there is always something to do. Tuneup and maintenance, clean up, new gadgets, research, etc. Find a forum of your interest and educate yourself. Get into new groups and see what kind of plans they have for the upcoming Summer, etc. See? No time goes to waste. 🙂
Great tips for getting through the wintertime blues. I enjoy all these posts about biking. Makes me want to find some bikes trails around here and buy myself another bike.
I had no idea there were such things as “ride camps.” Awesome!
Dawn
I totally have the winter-biking-blues! I ended up going to a Spin class this week just to have the sensation back, although I will say I actually really like high-intensity Spin classes. They make you feel like you are getting in a really solid workout. – Katy
Great post! Winter is definitely a great time to plan and prepare for outdoor sports.
One day…yes one day…I will actually get onto a bike and NOT fall off!! 😉