December brings cold and wind to Iowa, and while some may hide indoors, true winter warriors are biking to work or class. But even the bravest warriors still need to protect themselves from the elements.

 That’s why Anne Duggan, president of Think Bicycles of Johnson County, was called to teach the bicyclists in Johnson County some of the best ways to get involved in winter biking, and tips on  keeping warm, dry and safe.

 Her presentation, “Breeze Through Winter Biking,” was held Nov. 29 at the Johnson County Administration Building as a collaboration between the Johnson County Green Team and Wellness Program, and Think Bicycles.

 Duggan started the conversation with how to properly bundle up. She told her audience that she starts by layering gently, starting with a fleece and gloves and adding more layers depending on the weather. This way, she can easily remove layers in case she begins to sweat as she warms up from biking.

Duggan also remembers to get bar mitts for her handle bars as well as wool socks for her feet. For head gear, she suggested thin nylon caps that can fit under your helmet.

A shower cap, or plastic bag on your seat when you park will prevent our seat from getting wet.

 For the tires, Duggan suggests investing in bigger, studded tires to help with snow and ice. She also recommends not investing in cheap bikes that easily break down.

 “One thing people worry about is price,” Duggan said. “Think of it as an investment. It may be more expensive upfront, but it’ll save you money in the long run.”

 Duggan recommended students or anyone in need of a bicycle visit the Iowa City Bike Library, which has a slew of different bikes available for checkout with a deposit.

While the bulk of the discussion was on gearing up for winter biking, the event was also held to show people biking in the winter may seem daunting but lead to many health benefits.

 According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, biking for transportation can count toward the minimum 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity recommended for physical health.

 Duggan admits the idea of biking in the winter may seem like a daunting task to many, but if you make that first effort it gets easier every time.

 “I had to learn how to be comfortable doing this. It takes practice,” Duggan said.  “It’s still fun to ride in our town, even when it’s cold. The more you do it the more fun it gets.”

 Becky Soglin, sustainability coordinator for Johnson County, said the Green Team and Wellness Program hope to host more biking workshops in the future as a step to becoming certified as a bike-friendly business through the League of American Bicyclists.