Now that Summer has gone, that’s no excuse to stop riding your bike. There are many reasons to continue riding your bike through the months ahead and to help you we have a few tips:
CLOTHING: They say there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing. In cycling this is often the case and the correct clothing can make all the difference to your comfort. You don’t have to have all the latest expensive kit, normal clothes are fine if you don’t have far to go, just remember to layer and try not to have clothes flapping in the wind as this will make cycling harder.
LUGGAGE: If you are often carrying a change of clothes, why not set your bike up to carry luggage and make it easier on yourself. Most bikes will take a rack and with a set of panniers, bags for your bike, it is often possible to avoid using a backpack.
LIGHTING: With the days getting shorter, front and rear lights and a red rear reflector are needed to keep you legal. There are many different types and sizes of lights available with a price to suit every pocket, so make sure the ones you are using or thinking of buying are legal and suitable for the job.
MAINTENANCE: It goes without saying that your bike should be in a roadworthy condition. This is very important in the months to come when your bike will be put under more pressure from the harsher weather conditions. Make sure it’s well maintained.
Finally, if you are cycling during the week and would like to try a longer ride at the weekend, check out the CTC website for your local group for rides, cycling events in your area and more information on all things cycling:
- Discover routes for cycling where you live with CTC's concise 'Cycle A-way' web guide.
- Build your confidence: find out where you can get some cycle training near you.
- What about the report a pot hole function? Useful for regular cyclists.
