Regardless of the weather, you benefit greatly by riding a bike more. Instead of sedentary transport by car, the very act of going from place to place by bike gets your heart pumping, blood flowing and the calories burning, leaving you with a glow rather than a fade. To help us prepare for cycling in any weather, I’ve invited our friends from Personal Injury Help to write a few tips for cycling in inclement weather – something we will be facing pretty soon with autumn and winter just around the corner.
If you are an avid cyclist, you’re probably already aware of all of the physical benefits that cycling does. Did you know that cycling can help overall reduce stress and can even help you with your sleep? Whether you’re planning your morning commute or your weekend ride, mother nature might not always be as accommodating as you you’d like. But, just because the weather isn’t ideal doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go out and enjoy yourself! Here are some tips for cycling in inclement weather.
In The Rain
Watch out for rainbow patches: If you’re cycling alongside the road, you might notice little rainbow patches on the road’s surface. That occurs when oil comes in contact with water. It will make that part of the road an oil slick, which could cause you to fall and hurt yourself. Always remember to wear a helmet as a safety precaution!
Lighten Up: The rain causes visibility issues, especially for motorists. You should attach an LED light to your handlebar or your tires. The more you stand out, the easier motorists will be able to see you.
Stay Dry: The colder and wetter you are, the more likely you are to get sick. Waterproof jackets and a hat to keep your head dry are a good start. You don’t want to wear a hoodie that covers your ears because it’ll be harder to hear the traffic.
In The Heat
Choose Wisely When to Head Out: Especially during the dog days of summer. You should try to plan your ride to be earlier in the day during sunrise or later in the day during sunset. That’s when the temperature is the coolest. The hottest time of the day is usually around 3:00 PM.
Check the Heat Index: Out of habit, you’ll probably check the weather on your phone before heading out on your ride. You should also check the heat index as well. The heat index will tell you what it’s really feels like outside.
Pace Yourself: This one is obvious, but you shouldn’t over exert yourself when it’s really hot it. Find your perfect pace and stick with it. Also make sure to stay hydrated! You should drink a bottle of water every hour. Failing to do so could lead to fainting or nausea, so water is your best friend on warmer days.
In the Winter
Layers, Layers, Layers: The key to riding in the cold is to make sure you’re comfortable. If you start shivering don’t ignore it. That means that your body is losing heat and you could run the risk of getting hypothermia.
Keep Your Bike Clean: Riding in the slush and snow can cause corrosion to your bike over time. After your ride, you should try to wash it.
Ride with a Friend: The more, the merrier! Studies have shown that people who work out with a friend work out longer than those who do it by themselves. As they say, misery enjoys company!
Before you head out on your next ride when the weather isn’t as perfect as you’d like, keep these tips in back of your head.
If you’re an avid cyclist, you probably know most, if not all of these. However, you should always err on the side of caution, making sure your ride is as safe as possible is the most important thing.
– This article was created by Personal Injury Help (www.personalinjury-law.com), an organization dedicated to providing the public with information on about personal injury and safety information. Nothing in this article should be construed as legal advice, and it is intended for informational use only. Be sure to review your local cycling ordinances to ensure you ride safe and legally! –
You can also read more about cycling in inclemental weather here on the blog… check out these post for cycling in all seasons.
Image Courtesey: Machines For Freedom