From Vermont to Colorado, fall is the season for foliage. Assuming you've taken proper COVID-19 precautions before any trips this year, plan a long weekend of biking through the Green Mountains or the Rockies to see the most stunning colors imaginable. Here are some fall riding tips:
Check the Weather
Shorter days and longer nights are destined to come as fall looms. Therefore, you must pay attention and be aware of the current weather conditions in your location. Pay close attention to the news, especially weather forecasts regarding weather conditions. This helps to know if there are major changes that are going to happen that day. Compared to cars and trucks, riding an e-bike in the rain or when the weather gets cold doesn't give you the luxury of cover or overhead shelter. Since you'll be riding your bike for minutes or even hours, depending on where you're going, you need to be informed and geared up.
Check Your Lights
Saying "don't ride without a feature light" isn't an exaggeration. There's always a tendency for low visibility in the fall, so don't assume lights are only needed at night. The day may become hazy, or as dusk approaches, you may forget the time and find yourself still outside. Cars, pedestrians, other cyclists, and even animals may be less likely to see you in dawn or dusk light. It is important to use an e-bike with front and rear lights. The headlights help you see pedestrians, potholes, debris, dirt, branches and loose gravel ahead. Then, you may have more time to slow down or fix the problem.
Drink a Lot of Water
It is always ideal to go for a ride with enough drinking water, highly recommended. You might not bring cold water with you when cycling in the fall, as it's not as hot as in the summer. Since the air is fresh and cool in the fall, we feel like we sweat less and you may not feel the need to drink as much as you do in the summer. However, you must never forget that you also need water, because even if you are not thirsty, your body still loses some water because there are fewer external reminders like sweat on our skin or heat on our backs.
Knee Pads
You may not need a full-leg warmer until winter hits, but you do want to cover your knees, which may be the first thing to do when riding. "Your knees are the lifeblood of every ride, and if you don't take care of them, you're going to suffer," says former Rally Cycling pro cyclist Brad Huff. At the same time, how you protect your knees from injury while riding is also important.
Warm Up
Another key tip for riding an e-bike in the fall is to warm up before riding.
Before starting your fall journey, do some light exercise to get your blood flowing and increase your heart rate. According to the Human Performance Lab at the University of Calgary, short, lightweight warm-ups are the best exercise for cyclists. A good warm-up might include jumping jacks, stretches, jogging in place, and even some push-ups. You don't want to fatigue your muscles because the main exercise is cycling. Reserve most of your stamina for the ride, but prevent injury or muscle strain by engaging in light, full-body movements and a wide range of motion.
Autumn will soon arrive as the leaves begin to change and fall in the blink of an eye. Don't miss it. Check out fall riding tips, get out and explore this fall!