I always love this time in February when you know the lighter nights are just around the corner and that very soon you will be squeezing in a few extra miles after work.
But sometimes you need a little extra inspiration to get pedalling. Why not treat the cyclist in your life to a gift that won't break the bank?
Socks
It may sound naff, but don't underestimate the importance of a decent pair of socks. I love these BaaBaa Merino Winter Socks from Endura. They are super cosy, comfortable and look great. There's also a men's version available. Price: £9.99.
Visit endurasport.com
Cycling Stars: A Trump Card Game
Who is the toughest rider of all time? Would the 1960s racers beat the champions of today? The answers are contained in this 30-strong collection of illustrated trump cards featuring Laurent Fignon, Eddy Merckx, Marco Pantani, Bernard Hinault and Sir Bradley Wiggins. Price: £8.95.
Visit laurenceking.com
A tale of two cities
Freshnlo Pedal for Scotland from Glasgow to Edinburgh takes places on September 6 this year with early LoveBird rates available until midnight on February 14. The 47-mile challenge ride costs £23 and 110-mile sportive £36.
Visit pedalforscotland.org
Brooks Leather Trouser Strap
Stop flapping trousers being an irritant on that daily commute with this stylish cycling accessory. The Brooks Leather Trouser Strap, designed to keep your breeks from getting caught in the bike chain, comes in a range of colours including turquoise, mustard and apple green. Price: £14.99.
Visit evanscycles.com
Sing your love from the mountain tops
Billed as the UK's highest cycle sportive, the 3 Pistes Cycle Sportive on May 31 offers 2,690m (8,825ft) of climbing taking in the ski resorts of Glenshee, the Lecht and Cairngorm. The 102 mile event starts in Pitlochry and finshes in Aviemore. Early bird entry starts from £30.
Visit 3pistescycle.co.uk
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article