With the cold weather just around the corner, you may think you should give up cycling until spring. Well, think again. You can ride in ice and snow to get a good workout or to stick with your favorite mode of transportation to get from A to B. All it takes is a bit of preparation, some common sense, and these helpful tips to keep you and your bike upright, safe, and moving when there’s snow on the ground.
Dress for Success
You know you need to bundle up when it’s cold outside, but you should take extra care when you plan a bike ride. You may want to dress in layers, such as compression tights under thicker pants, and be sure to pay extra attention to your hands and head. Gloves are a must, as is a helmet and eye protection. If you are a snowmobile or snowboard fan, you may have a helmet for those activities that would work well for a snowy bike ride.
See the Light
Most urban bikes may already have a light, but if you don’t have one, be sure to get one and use it before you venture out. You want to be as visible as you can to other vehicles on the road or easy to spot on a trail. What looks like a sunny day can turn rapidly to cloudy or foggy, so that bike light is a little extra insurance to make sure other drivers know you are there.
Under Pressure
Another way to prepare for the snow is to adjust your tire pressure to improve your traction on a slippery road or trail. Women’s or mens hybrid bicycles or road bikes, thin or fat tires….it doesn’t matter which kind of bike you plan to ride, just make sure to let out some air for better surface ground-to-surface contact. You shouldn’t worry about popping your tires because the snow adds a little extra protection against it.
Forget About It
Clipping in and out when you ride may seem like second nature, but in the snow, you may be more likely to have a mishap. You can trade out your usual pedals for flat ones to allow you to wear a riding boot or even a hiking boot. Boots offer you extra warmth and better traction if you need to get off and walk your bike through tricky spots. You can look for riding boots wherever you see clips, accessories, or womens bikes for sale.
Clean Up Your Act
If you do plan to go bike riding in the snow, take the time to properly clean your bike before you put it away. All that snow, slush, and salty residue can build up on your bike, which may, in turn, shorten the life span of your bike. You won’t need any extra equipment or products; just a quick wipe down should do the trick.
When you follow these helpful tips, you can be prepared for the wintery conditions when you go for a ride. That’s great news, especially if you don’t want to spend the colder months hibernating instead of moving or training.
