5 Things to Remember for the Fall Biking Season

Avid cyclists understand that their riding habits and bicycle maintenance must change with every season. As the weather begins to cool off, take a look at these five things that all cyclists must remember during the fall and winter months. Lighting Changes Cyclists often stick to a rigid schedule when it comes to their rides, but this might need to change during the fall. An afternoon ride following work could have been perfectly safe during the summer, but the lighting will change during the winter. You should take a few moments to check on the sunrise and sunset times for your own area before heading off on your next ride. Winter Dehydration Hurts Your Health A number of studies have shown that the human body does not produce as many thirst-inducing hormones during the winter as it does during the summer, and this can lead to a condition known as winter dehydration. If you find it difficult to gauge your thirst during the winter, then you might want to start setting alarms throughout the day to drink water. Trails Change It does not take much for a winter storm to wash out a dirt trail or fill a bike path with rocks. Those that are used to road and hybrid bicycles should consider switching over to a mountain bike for the season if they are unsure of the trail conditions. Use places like Random Bike Parts to find the best complete mountain bike for your needs as well as other parts you might need. Riding Gear Must Be Swapped Out Layering is an absolute necessity when it comes to riding during the fall and winter months. A rider's arms and legs don't necessarily need to be layered with clothing unless the weather is extreme, but it is always a good idea to have some extra layers for one's chest and head. Weather Is Unpredictable Just because the morning news stated that there would be no rain in the afternoon does not necessarily mean that a storm won't blow in. Anyone that is planning a longer ride should check the weather at least once every few hours to ensure that nothing has changed and it is safe to ride. Anyone that has been riding for a length of time understands that preparation is the key to their safety and comfort. During the fall and winter months, preparation becomes even more important as the temperature changes and the weather becomes unpredictable. Keeping these five things in mind will allow you to hit the roads and trails with confidence no matter what kind of riding you prefer.