As winter storms render the streets off-limits to all but the most intrepid riders, you may find yourself spending a lot of time on the internet, gazing with longing at photographs of pros training in the sunny Canary Islands...
This is a great time to think about your cycling goals for the coming year. I've put my goals on Post-It notes just above our kitchen table, where I can't miss them.
Then, read up on cycling skills. Here are some good resources:
Crash Coach: How NOT to crash, and other useful advice. Written in a frank voice, very readable. Relevant to riders of all stripes, including commuters (Don't Get Doored) though some posts are directed at racers (Pee Off the Bike).
Lovely Bicycle: This fantastic blog has some great posts about technical aspects of cycling, such as using your gears, hill grades, riding in the drops, riding in a paceline. I find the narrative is so absorbing, it's easy for me to digest the "advice," and figure out what I need to read up on.
Bicycling: The magazine is bursting with advice! Descending, pacelines, and more.
Of course, if you want to ride with confidence, you'll have to...ride! So, bring your bike to the shop for a tune-up, wash your favorite cycling kit, and put your best friend on speed-dial so when the nice weather hits, you'll be ready to ride.
--Kasia Nikhamina