6 Things Every Cyclist Should Do This Autumn

 6 Things Every Cyclist Should Do This Autumn

6 Things Every Cyclist Should Do This Autumn

After a challenging summer training season, you're likely ready to focus on the fun side of cycling this fall. After all, there are few things more lovely than riding your bike in autumn – the weather begins to chill, the landscape colours shift, and there is a noticeable freshness in the air. However, the fall season is not without its own set of difficulties. Cyclists must adapt their riding schedule and gear to accommodate seasonal changes, such as cooler weather and shorter daylight hours. Here are some pointers to make sure you make the most of this fall.

1. Layer Up

The autumn season brings about ever-shifting weather. With cool, damp mornings and evenings, and dry, warm afternoons, it can be hard to decide on the appropriate kit to keep you comfortable with the changing temperatures. Wearing layers allows you to adjust to whatever the day throws at you and keeps you comfortable while travelling in any weather.

The rain is another significant challenge when it comes to fall cycling. However, a rainy day does not have to keep us from getting out for a ride. Even in the most torrential of downpours, good rain gear can keep you dry, toasty, and on your bike.

2. Stay Visible

With the arrival of shorter and shorter daylight hours, it is more important than ever to remember to stay visible to other cyclists and motor vehicles. Grab yourself a pair of front and rear lights for your bike, and consider adding reflective tape to your helmet, clothes and shoes.

3. Admire the Fall Foliage

Most of us stick to our favourite local roads and trails, but autumn is a terrific time to branch out because of the cooler temperatures and changing landscape. Whether you’re ready to explore a local route that you’ve yet to ride, or to venture out further on a weekend-long trip, you’ll surely enjoy the beautiful changing scenery as the autumn foliage turns to gorgeous shades of topaz and crimson.

4. Set Up Your Pain Cave

The importance of a decent pain cave should not be understated, because having the correct indoor place to work out will help keep you motivated. Spending a few hours setting up your ultimate cycling sanctuary will get you prepared for those cold autumn days when the weather is too dreary for outdoor cycling.

5. Plan Your Training

Although the previous season has only just ended, your experiences will undoubtedly have sparked new cravings. Pick some goals now — specific events, distance, or performance targets – so you can put them on a timeline and increase your chances of success. Create a training plan to help you achieve your objectives.

6. Get Your Bike Serviced and Fitted

If you wait until the shops are overburdened due to the bike boom this year, you'll be in line for a tune-up. However, if you take care of your maintenance in the fall and store your bike clean and lubed, you'll be ready to ride again in the spring.

Wet and dirty roads tend to kick up a lot of dirt, causing your chain and bike to become filthy. Keep your bike as clean as possible by cleaning your chain more frequently. A dirty bike will necessitate extra trips to the bike shop and the laundry machine.

Aside from preventing injury, a proper bike fit can help you boost your power output by encouraging you to engage the right muscles - the best effects will come if you train them all winter.