Cycling is not just a means of transportation or exercise; it's a way of life for many of us. Whether we are a daily commuter, a weekend rider or a dedicated cyclist, safety should always be our top priority. So lets explore the ways to stay comfortable and safe while the seasons are changing.
Weatherproofing for Fall into Winter:
One of the benefits of cycling is that we can do it year round. However, weather conditions can change in an instant. Being prepared for whatever Rochester throws our way allows us to be safe and comfortable throughout our rides.
Rain: Invest in a quality waterproof cycling jacket, like the Trek Circuit Rain Jacket. One feature we love to see in a rain jacket is that it packs down small when not in use to not take up much storage. Next think about if you want to invest in some fenders or mud guards to keep you dry from road spray. Finally if the temperatures are dipping lower we want to think about a protective shoe cover to keep our feet warm and dry. A good option we like is the Lizard Skins Dry-Fiant Shoe cover.
Cold: Layering is essential in cold weather. Wearing moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers and windproof outer layers. We will go into more information further along in this blog post.
Lighting The Way:
Proper lighting is crucial for both visibility and safety. Whether we are riding in the early morning, late at night, or during adverse weather, being seen and seeing the trail ahead is important.
Front Lights: A strong front light, like the Planet Bike Dual Blaze 1500, is important for lighting the road or trail in front of us. These lights will also alert other road and trail users to our presence. Before every ride we want to ensure that our lights have enough power to light our way the entire ride. If your light is USB powered it might also be a good idea for longer rides to bring a extra USB power bank that you can use as extra power.
Rear Lights: Rear lights, like the Bontager Flare 1, make us more visible to traffic and trail users coming up behind. The best rear lights blink in a way to catch the eye no matter what the lighting conditions are.
Reflective Gear: Reflective clothing and accessories add an extra layer of visibility that requires no power. Consider adding reflective tape to your bike, a reflective vest or jacket as your topmost outer layer, and maybe even reflective ankle bands so we are visible from the side as well.
Layering For Comfort:
Cycling in variable weather can be challenging, but layering allows us to adapt to changing conditions while out on the road.
Base Layers: Choose a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin. This allows us to stay warmer in the cold than a fabric like cotton allows. A good example of a wicking base layer for riding is the Pearl Izumi Thermal Cycling Tight.
Mid-Layers: In cooler weather, and insulating mid-layer helps trap heat in close to our body. Materials like fleece and merino wool are great for this layer. An example of this type of layer is the Endura Singletrack Fleece Long Sleeve Cycling Jersey.
Outer Layers: Our outer most layer should be windproof, waterproof and breathable. A great cycling jacket can be a ride saver in windy and rainy conditions. An example we use is the Trek Circuit Softshell Cycling Jacket.
Accessories: We should not forget to keep all our body covered and comfortable. If you prefer cycling shorts a leg warmer is a good way to layer. Neck gaiters can protect our necks and faces from the cold and wind. Insulated shoe covers can act as jackets for our feet. Gloves can help us keep our hands from getting too cold.
Cycling in the fall can be safe and enjoyable with proper preparation. We have talked about some of our favorite items, is there a layer or jacket that you love? Comment below with your favorites and Happy Cycling!
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