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• Monday, November 2, 2020
• Posted By Admin

We all know that a little thing like winter weather is not enough to dissuade avid cyclists from hitting the road and enjoying their favorite sport. So, if you don't want to hang up your bike at the first sign of snowflakes and you still wish to enjoy the health giving benefits that come with cycling, read on. Here are six things you should - and shouldn't do - to make the most of this winter cycling season.

Layer your clothing: Adding multiple layers to your cycling wardrobe can help you fend off the cold weather and at the same time it gives you the opportunity to remove some of these layers as you get warmer and the ride gets longer.

Start warm: Don't start your ride when you are already cold. This will make you get colder even quicker. Moreover, you may even begin to get so cold that you begin to feel pain in your extremities. (As we all know, the body redirects heat from our extremities during cold weather to protect our vital organs.) Start your ride feeling warm.

Be visible: In some places, drivers do not expect to see cyclists during winter weather. Also, the snow, sleet and other weather events reduce visibility for cyclists, motorists and pedestrians. Thus, you should wear brightly colored clothing, and use reflectors and lights even in the day time.

Explore new routes: This one is more about remaining motivated than it is about safety per se. Some people fall into the winter doldrums and need an extra push to continue cycling during the winter. By exploring new destinations - such as our Erie Canal vacations - you can remain motivated to ride. Wash your bike after every ride: Riding your bike during the winter can cause dirt and salt to build up on your bike left there by sleet and snow. This can corrode your bike over time. Therefore, it is a good idea to wash your bike thoroughly after ever winter ride. Ride with others: There are tremendous benefits to riding in a group. It can be a more enjoyable experience and you can shield each other from the wind if it becomes a problem. Finally, rider is safer and more convenient when others are around to help in the event of an accident.

Take the right precautions and you can reap the benefits of cycling year round. Join us on one of our bike tour vacations and enjoy those benefits while taking in some beautiful scenery.