Making the most of autumn riding

2. Wear good kit, including a good base layer. Don’t wear too much though, as you’ll overheat once warmed up. In terms of kit, here’s our list of autumn and winter essentials:

Autumn & Winter Kit Essentials

• Overshoes – always useful in keeping your feet warm and dry and feeling snug. After all, they do most of the work.

• Good warm socks. Don’t just pick the same socks that you use in summer. Your body and your feet need more protection, so get cold weather socks.

• Bib tights that are insulated and also help to shed rain. Brands like ALÉ produce clothing specifically for cold and wet conditions, through their Klimatik range. They also tell you the ideal temperatures for each item in the range.

• Jersey and jacket –yes both. Temperatures and conditions vary dramatically during autumn and winter, so have both options available. Once again, take a look at the Klimatik range from ALÉ and at the great technical kit from Q36.5, also from Italy.

• Base layers – have options. Have a good light weight option and a good warmer option, and make sure that it’s breathable and fits closely.

• Gloves vary massively, so invest in a couple of good pairs. Once again, have a really warm air for those colder days, but also have an option available that’s less chunky for those days when the sun actually pops out.

• Neck warmer and head cover. You lose most heat through your head, so protect it in the cold winds. Trust me, you’ll thank us if you get a good neck warmer and head warmer from brands such as GripGrab who specialise in keeping you warm.

• Glasses. Make sure that your glasses have a variety of lens options for the lower light conditions. There’s likely to be more debris on the roads too, meaning that your glasses will provide two way protection.