Happy holidays from Vermont! After a mild fall with lots of outdoor riding through Thanksgiving, just like clockwork on that fourth Thursday in November, it started snowing and has looked like a cold and festive New England winter ever since! Whether you live here, in another chilly climate, or maybe have warm weather year-round, the days are cooler and shorter here in the northern hemisphere this time of year, so I’ve braved the elements for you to help create my favorite UnTapped holiday gift guide.

Cycling is the main training method, but I mix it up in a few different ways all through the winter. On the coldest days that I still head outside, you’ll often find me on a fat bike roaming the woods. That’s because you’re protected from the wind courtesy of the trees and you’re riding really slowly so windchill is virtually nonexistent. I bring a thermal bottle to hydrate made with hot water and a double dose of Ginger Mapleaid or make my own version of a spicy hot chocolate with Ginger Mapleaid + Salted Cocoa.

I always have thick gloves when riding through the winter and even don mittens during the coldest arctic blasts. It’s easy to find yourself in an energy deficit because your body is working extra hard to stay warm, plus eating can seem like a chore when cumbersomely fumbling around with pockets and wrappers. The ease of taking down energy in the heat of a race with the UnTapped flask made me an instant convert and it’s something I use for the same simplicity in the winter too.

All through the winter there’s a feeling of cozy like none other than when I pull on something from Skida. The Snow Tour is absurdly comfy for these colder climates and the Sun Tour is a great option if your winter isn’t quite as fierce, but still want to keep those chilly mornings at bay.

There are of course times that I don’t want to deal with the half hour of kitting up only to spend another half hour shedding that thick layer of winter riding gear and thawing off. Which is to say, I log plenty of time indoors on my trainer. No matter how many fans I have pointed at me running full tilt, I sweat like a faucet! It can become an afterthought but hydrating in the winter is as critical now as peak summer heat and Lime Mapleaid is my refreshing go-to indoors. Is it odd that I drink my Mapleaid out of a Ted King Signature bottle? No, I don’t think so. Alternatively, if you’re living in warmer climates but long for images of the great white north, Ian Boswell has your back with his winter scened bottle. When riding indoors, I’m always switching between screens to stay entertained and reward myself periodically with Waffles. Chai and Cocoa are particular favorites this time of year and Lemon is an all year round kind of treat.

Off the bike and it’s time for a quick recovery before tackling the rest of the day. Let’s be honest, recovery is a bit of protein, carbohydrates, a dash of salts and some hydration so there’s no better bet than an UnTapped Latte. Salted Cocoa or Ginger Mapleaid are all favorites of mine or frankly something as simple as a shot of Maple UnTapped into the mix is divine. And let’s not forget, there are tried and true health benefits to making this switch from sugar to tasty maple syrup. Naturally, you’ll want to make this post-ride pick-me-up or stuff someone else’s stocking with the UnTapped mug.

I hope that helps just as I hope to see you out on those winter rides!

-Ted