Flats are the most common mechanical problem and freezing your fingers while trying to fix a flat does not make for a pleasant experience. Plan a route that has options for problems in cold weather. Road speed is your friend and enemy. On cold and rainy days your body moves slower. You may be able to ride at your summer speed but you probably will not be able to react and brake as quickly.
Road conditions can vary greatly on a winter's day ride.
When possible, avoid roadway snow, ice, leaves, sand and puddles. They are all slippery and can hide debris. When you must ride over a potential hazard, ride as upright as possible as if your were crossing railway tracks. To reduce the frequency of collisions, cyclists must become more visible and conspicuous to motorists by using lights, reflectors and a road position that permits good sight lines. Lights have two uses, to see and be seen.