Every winter, as the weather cools and the rains slowly come, the competitive road cycling season comes to an end. This off season is a time for those that compete to rest, relax, and recharge. At the highest level, racers usually give themselves just four to six weeks off the bike before they start training again, with an eye on the next season. But, really, it is important for anyone that races their road bike regularly, at any level, to step back, relax, and mix it up athletically.

The trick is to rest your body, yet maintain fitness, have some fun, and avoid mental or physical burn out. Cold and wet winter weather also means heavier upkeep for your equipment as well as your health.

Sound impossible? Well, I asked some of our local experts in the sport how they manage it every year, and here they share some of their favorite off-season tips.

Kristin Drumm competed for years at the highest level of women's elite cycling before making the switch to running. She competed for the Bay Area-based Luna Chix Run team and then decided her real passion was back on the bike. Never one to slow down, her advice for a successful off season requires not really having one!

"My own personal preference is to continue riding throughout the winter and not take a long break, and instead reduce the intensity and duration and spend more time on other activities like the gym or running. Since I am a desk jockey, I do not spend as many hours training compared to a 'pro' so it is easier for me to ride consistently all year," she said.

And what if you are a professional? Or even just someone who takes their racing seriously? As a women's professional team director for the past three seasons, Lisa Hunt of Fairfax suggests a somewhat businesslike approach to the off season: re-evaluate the recent past and start working on an even better next season.

"Everybody thinks that the off season is about relaxing and enjoying some down time. It's true, but it's also a great time to re-evaluate your season: what did I do right, what did I do wrong? How can I improve? It's also a good time to reverse some unhealthy habits. For example, the food we eat. We spend all season eating energy bars, gels and drinks. Yes, they're great for training and racing, but how about eating some whole foods? During the off season, instead of an energy bar in your pocket, make a sandwich or pack a banana. And during race season, you may be eating too many burritos or too much fast food. Try cooking some healthy meals. Take advantage of the wonderful array of fresh and hearty vegetables -- roast them in a pan or make a meal in a slow cooker," Hunt suggested.

Dario Fredrick, founder and head coach of Whole Athlete in San Anselmo, encourages racers and riders of all levels to take advantage of the increased downtime in winter to address some crucial keys to success.

"My off season tip is to take the time to make sure your biomechanics are optimal. This entails a precise examination of your bike fit and assessment of biomechanical strengths and limiters. If changes are necessary, there is time to address the areas in need and implement exercises, stretching or other activities to create a more balanced and integrated system of body and bike," said Fredrick

Speaking of equipment, it too needs some special attention in these cold, wet months. With the rain and debris comes dirt and, often, flat tires. A perpetually dirty bike can lead to worn and broken equipment, which as we all know, is anything but cheap to replace. Tim Brennan, service manager at Paradigm Cycles and team mechanic for Peanut Butter & Co/Twenty12, gives us a few simple tips that can lead to avoiding some major headaches:

"I would recommend bigger, thicker tires to help avoid punctures," he said. "And maybe some fenders to help keep clean and dry. Fenders are great because they help keep you cleaner and dryer, and the people you ride with on rainy days won't get splashed as much either! And definitely wash the bike right after you ride; it will go a lot quicker when the dirt is still loose and wet and then you don't have to go back outside after your warm shower and get all wet and dirty again. It takes five or ten minutes and saves you replacing components all the time."

Nicola Cranmer, founder and general manager of the Peanut Butter & Co/Twenty12 Womens Professional Cycling Team, has some surprisingly simple yet effective advice: drink more water.

"With every breath you are exhaling fluid and it's sometimes so hard to remember to drink in the cold weather. I would say aim to drink even more when it's cold to really make sure you stay hydrated."

To that end, I would like to share my favorite off season tip, which was bestowed unto me by my first coach when I was just starting out on the bike. When I was competing, come October it was all I could do to so much as look at an energy bar or sip on electrolyte mix. I had been stuffing myself on them for months. My coach told me that for cold day rides, I should fill my water bottles with lukewarm green tea and honey. With this drink you get caffeine, calories, and all the healthy antioxidants to help combat winter sniffles. And best of all: it bares no resemblance to the taste of energy drinks on the market. To this day, I still fill my bottles with green tea and honey in the winter and I suggest you try it too.