The Handcycling Association of the United Kingdom

_Whose advert was it? “There's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing” was a great slogan.  In the summer the problem is sometimes that you get too hot on a bike.  The cold of winter is what we have to reckon with now, especially if you're a para with poor circulation and your feet are like ice blocks at the best of times.

_It's easier to keep warm if you start off warm and can stay dry so:- 

• You have to keep your heat in and that means insulation, especially on your feet and legs which are doing nothing.  Wool, fleece, down, fibre pile are the best materials for insulation and cotton is one of the worst.
• You then need to let perspiration escape from your skin.  Base layers are good – get out the long johns, better known these days as thermal underwear.  They are not very trendy or sexy but they do wick moisture away from your body so you keep your heat to yourself.
• You also have to keep out the rain, hail, sleet, or snow.  Actually snow is easy to keep out till it melts.  Waterproofs often claim to breathe but when you are working hard they will not keep up and I don't care too much what the manufacturers and adverts say, if it is raining they hardly breathe at all but at least the wet is warm wet  - until you stop.

_When you stop exercising the cold creeps in, and if you are wet then it is can happen in a few minutes.  There is a real risk of hypothermia, so take extra clothes and if you are going to be stopped for long, remove the wet ones and put dry stuff next to your skin.  It's hard to make yourself strip off but it works.  Sooner or later you will get a mechanical breakdown in winter, so be prepared and carry some spare clothes.

_It's common to refer to wind chill in weather forecasts.  Basically it means that the wind removes heat from your body faster than still air does.  The temperature is not different because the wind is blowing but you get cold faster.  If it is cold then put the over trousers on at the start.  It's murder to mess about with them when wind gets up and the rain starts and your hands are cold and the ground is hard and cold and wet. A completely windproof top can make you sweat too much if you are working hard, so you need to get the balance right for yourself.  This is a matter of trial and error but carrying a lightweight windproof can be a lifesaver.

_Feet are the biggest problem. They are stuck out at the front, they get all the wind and spray, they are furthest from your heart, they do no exercise and most clothing is designed for upright use, not for us. The only good thing for most of us is we can't feel when they are freezing and the frost bite won't hurt – but it is part of your body freezing, which will kill the affected body  tissue, so just don’t go there! Thick socks, waterproof boots, gaiters, over trousers ... they all help, but none of it works perfectly and feet ending up like prunes are common.  I know plenty of cyclists who carry spare socks at this time of year and they change them at lunch time, not for the smell but the warmth of dry clothing. If you have cracked the problem of cold feet then email ideas to us please!

You need to think about wearing something warm on them too – a skullcap, beanie or balaclava on your head and windproof or waterproof gloves to keep your fingers warm.  All  these help to keep you  toasty.

_When you've done all that and got ready for a ride, I admit, it's probably time for a coffee and more food – another bonus there then.  I rarely regret having gone out on my bike at any time of year and there are fantastic bonuses when the risks are a bit bigger.