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Chris Hall and the psychology of winter riding

Winter riding is as much a psychological battle as it is a physical one. The cold, the dark, the quiet roads they challenge your motivation, your mindset, and sometimes even your sense of self. For Chris Hall, Le Col ambassador, mental health advocate, and long-time Movember fundraiser, this season offers a unique window into how riding can support and test our mental wellbeing.

Chris has spent years exploring the connection between cycling and mental health, using his rides to spark conversations, raise awareness, and remind people that asking for help is a strength. His experience makes him the perfect person to unpack why winter feels different, why motivation fluctuates, and how riders can build resilience without slipping into unhealthy pressure.

What are the lessons you have learned from the journey?

Good waterproofs are essential when doing anything in the UK! Also I think I have learnt to go with the flow a bit more. Don't force things. Listen to the body and take each day as it comes. There's always issues that can occur.

How do you manage motivation during darker months when getting outside is harder?

It's definitely something that I struggle with personally. I normally take some time off the bike in November and then slowly get back into the motions of things towards the end of November/ early December. Motivation is something that naturally will ebb and flow and it's also important to allow yourself to have some time off the bike. For me what helps is putting an event in the diary early in the new year. For me next year that will be Granguanche Road (a bikepacking event across the Canary Islands) . In the time between now and then I try and find a few other events, like TTs and Cyclocross races to force some intensity. I do a lot of turbo time in the winter and for easier sessions I find it a good way to catch up on TV series which I would otherwise be watching sitting on the sofa. Find ways to trick your brain into riding sometimes, like using it as a way to watch your favourite TV series on the turbo or a sprinkle of races. I also think doing shorter rides and things like virtual races are a good way to boost your mood and keep the legs ticking over.

Chris cycling towards in Le Col Kit on a tree lined road.

What advice would you give to riders struggling to keep their spirits up through winter?

TALK TO SOMEONE. Talk to a friend most importantly. Your mates may have noticed you have been a bit distant and will appreciate you opening up. Men are not great at talking and it's important to remember your mates will never judge you for sharing how you are feeling. Also it is important to remember that it's fine to not ride and take a break. It may actually be more healthy for you both physically and mentally. If you have a mate who has been a bit distant, there's tons of fantastic resources out there too on how to engage with difficult conversations.

Check out Movembers ALEC campaign
Black and white shot of Chris in Le Col kit inside a house.

Cycling is often linked to better mental health, how do you see winter riding contributing to that?

Winter riding can be hard but also incredibly rewarding at the same time. I think a lot of people probably struggle with the darker days and worsening conditions in the UK and Northern Europe especially but getting out with mates and going for a ride can hugely benefit your mental health. There's nothing more that I love than a crisp winter ride with friends where we stop in a Cafe to warm up and then at the end just chat about what we did that morning. Tackling the colder conditions is all about the right layers to help keep you warm and dry. This will help you ride much further and faster.

Chris on a static bike, training inside.

Winter riding can be tough, what keeps you getting out on the bike when conditions are at their worst, or do you swap to indoor training?

I do a mix of both. I do struggle with the cold since I have broken a few bones from crashes in the last few years. They just seem to ache a lot which isn't the nicest feeling but I do love a crisp dry winter day for a ride. The biggest problem I have where I live is that in the winter months it's often around the freezing/thawing temperatures so there's often a lot of ice around. Days like that I simply don't risk it and jump on the turbo. Slipping out on ice can be incredibly dangerous. I've found I do a lot of MTB in the winter as well. Yes it gets very muddy and there's a lot of cleaning to do after but it's also a lot of fun. Long and short I think it's important to mix it up to keep things fun.

Do you feel you get the same mental benefits from indoor riding vs outdoor riding?

I definitely find indoor riding harder mentally. I think a lot of people struggle with it. It's not exactly the most fun just staring at a screen or at a wall after all. I will say group rides with mates definitely helps with indoor riding or I find super structured sessions also help the time pass quicker.

Black and white shot of Chris smiling at the camera in the rain.
Chris in Le Col kit cycling in the rain past countryside fields.

How do you build mental resilience to face the cold, dark, and unpredictable weather?

That's a hard one to know. The wrong attitude is the old fashioned mentality of 'just man up and get outside.' I don't agree with that. The right thing to do is make sure you have the right kit to tackle the cold and potentially wet days. Then to remember what your goals are. What is it you are aiming for on the warmer days? Remember as well how lucky you actually are to be in a position to be able to get out there and ride too.

Have there been moments where you’ve wanted to quit a ride and what helped you push through?

SO many times. Winter is not the easiest time of year to ride in Northern Europe. Sometimes quitting is the right call if it's dangerous too for example. But often riding with mates does help a lot in pushing through, combined with some form of training structure. Like I mentioned it's important to remember WHY you are doing this? What's the benefits and what ultimately is the long term goal? Will this ride actually help you benefit towards that goal?

Chris cycling towards in Le Col Kit with moorland hill behind.

Winter often means quieter roads and fewer riders how does solitude shape your experience on the bike?

Personally I love that the roads here in the Peak District are somewhat quieter. It is often quite relaxing. I sometimes will listen to a podcast but often I do out in silence. I also enjoy those rides when I randomly bump into someone and we just ride along for a while before going our own separate ways. Riding in the winter can be incredibly rewarding and challenging in equal measures. Be kind to yourself. Find ways to make it fun. Wear proper winter kit. Mix up the disciplines. Ride with mates and try and enjoy it as best you can.

Are there any mental techniques or routines you use before or during a tough ride to stay present and focused

I really do believe that reminding yourself on WHY you are doing this is super important. What's the aim and the goal? I have a front cover from Cycling Weekly when I did a trenching challenge at the end of November for Movember which was brutal. These little things are reminders of what I have done, what I can do. What's the worst that can happen.

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