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We're ridin' in the rain By Ariel Rubinsky Winter seems like a good time to put your bicycle in storage for two or three months and to ease your guilty conscience by doing some spinning at the heated fitness club. After all, there is nothing crazier than waking up early when its freezing and still dark outside, getting on a bike and starting to pedal headfirst on purpose into the chill wind. But a brief survey shows that a morning chill and even rain will not take real cyclists off their seats. Besides it turns out that winter holds its own charm for them. "In Israel, the best riding season is actually the winter," declares Nimrod Cohen, of Ez Harim (Mountain Goat), which provides mountain-biking instruction and organizes events for riders. "Right after rainy days there's a problem with mud on most of the narrower biking paths, but two or three days later, everything is already dry, the traction is great and you can enjoy even higher technical levels of cycling than in the summer, when the trails are dusty. If we add to this the relatively pleasant weather, the scenery and smells, and the fresh air - it's a perfect experience." "In principle, people ride in all weather, but there is a difference between those who ride for pleasure only, and those who are preparing for a competition," says Yair Ben Ami, a coach of on-road racing and triathlon groups, and sports director of the Spingo bike-riding club. Ben Ami explains that a professional rider cannot miss a training session even in pouring rain, especially because most of the competitions take place in the fall and spring, and it is certainly possible that they will take place on a rainy day. Advertisement Ben Ami believes there is no special reason to get drenched if one rides as a hobby, and notes that there are alternatives, such as working out on a trainer (a device that makes a bike stationary, allowing one to pedal), as they do at Spingo on particularly stormy days. There are some people who actually like riding in the rain because of the challenge of dealing with the forces of nature, the particularly sweet taste of tea from a thermos at the end of a tiring workout, the fresh clean air after the rain, or simply because pleasurable suffering is part of the basic experience of the sport. But in order for that suffering not to become a nightmare or develop into a severe chill, bike riders should be careful about two things when going out to brave winter weather: clothing and bicycle maintenance. "The clothes should be light, windproof and breathable to allow sweat to evaporate," explains Adi Frumkin, of Matzman and Merutz. "You have to wear a snug mesh undershirt beneath your clothes. It helps sweat evaporate and prevents it from chilling the body. On top of that wear a regular shirt made of a breathable, fabric that wicks away moisture, and on top of that a vest or sleeveless shirt, or windbreaker with detachable sleeves." Frumkin says this is the preferred garb of winter riders. In the event of rain, any waterproof nylon jacket will do, but it is important to ensure that it can be folded up and tied to the back of the bike once the rain stops. It is also important to get cycling gloves that cover the hands entirely, because fingers are very sensitive to cold. Cohen believes, however, that for Israeli winters there is no reason to get special rain gear, which is very expensive and only useful a few days a year. "A windproof vest with detachable sleeves, leggings and gloves cost around NIS 600, and then you're set for the whole year." Bicycle maintenance mainly involves making sure that the brakes and tires are in good condition. "Off-road riding in the winter actually requires a thin tire with fewer studs," explains Frumkin. "The idea is that the tire slice through mud as if it were butter; a tire that is too wide or has too many studs can get stuck." If the bike gets covered in mud and dirt, it is advisable to wash it off immediately after the ride with water and detergent, preferably dish soap, "because the foam gets into all the nooks." Another tip: After a long ride in the rain, it is advisable to remove the seat, turn the bike upside down and empty out all the water that has accumulated in the seat post. "People aren't aware of it, but over an entire winter, it is possible to accumulate over a liter of water in the seat post," claims Frumkin. Also one should remember that lights or reflectors are vital in winter, especially for road riders who are cycling in conditions with poor visibility. Winter is a good time for cycling in the desert. The combination of little rainfall, comfortable weather during the day, vast desert panoramas and a variety of trails, suitable for pros and families alike, make the Negev and Arava preferred wintertime destinations. "This is the season to come to the desert," says Assaf Amichai of Geofun, a cycling center located at Sde Boker. "It's not hot or cold, and you can get in a long day of riding." However, he recommends first checking the weather and trail conditions with the Society for the Protection of Nature's information stations, because when it rains in the south, there is often a danger of flash floods. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Dancing on graves It is hard to believe that Pakistan is behind the Mumbai carnage. 'Tis the season Bethlehem mayor says Christmas season will cap a boom year for tourism.

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