Welcome to Autumn riding tips. Cooler, more unpredictable weather awaits you on the bike. Autumn is the season where you want to use all the summer riding you have done to your advantage. You just need to be aware of the conditions you are potentially riding in and have solutions to any challenges.
Autumn – manage cooler weather & more time on your bike
To continue the success of your Summer riding into Autumn you need to get ready with some appropriate gear or bike accessories. Some additions are for safety, others to help protect you from the weather or fluctuating temperatures. During Autumn you may choose to ride a bit further or go on a bike trip… what does this mean for your comfort & safety?
Everyone will have a slightly different list of requirements to keep them smiling while Autumn riding. Just pick out the tips you think apply to you, in terms of how you would like to ride in Autumn. If your bike of choice is an E-Bike all this stuff applies – perhaps more – as you can go further and be out riding for longer.
Weather & Distance
The biggest challenge for Autumn riding is managing the cooler temperatures and continuing to be comfortable on your bike. Choosing to continue to ride your bike, ride further or to complete a track or trail in this season is a great idea and you won’t be alone out on the trails as many other riders choose this season to achieve a bit more on their bikes.
- Your comfort will be challenged as you ride greater distances. Keep yourself protected in the right way at your contact points with the bike, especially your butt and your hands. This important topic is talked about more below…
- Layering is a skill you will need to get good at. Light layers that can be easily removed or added as the weather changes or as you warm up on the bike. Have warmer clothing so you keep up your riding and are not put off by being cold on the bike
- Adding some length in your clothing. These ‘shoulder’ seasons are a great time to ride in 3/4 lengths, whether that is sleeve length or leg length.
- Carry a jacket whenever you head out to deal with sudden weather changes or unpredictable weather. This can be for simple wind protection or to help in a passing rain shower. A jacket that will pack down well and not be too bulky when carried in a bag or panniers.
- If you don’t already have one consider adding a bell to your handlebars especially if you want to ride on popular or shared cycle trails
- What are your bike gear carrying choices? With cooler weather and greater distances you will find you need to take more gear, mainly clothing. Can you easily manage this with your current options? Could you add a handlebar bag or attach some panniers to your bike? Perhaps a hydration bag would be a good idea…
FURTHER READING:
Riding Clothing: What to Wear on a Bike
Fabrics for Bike Riding: Fabric Choice for on the Bike
Bike Gear Carrying Options for Multi Day Unsupported Riding or for Trail or Fitness Riding (includes Supported Day Rides) or for Commute/Town Riding
3/4 length riding – sleeve and leg lengths
Distance & Your Contact Point Comfort
Autumn naturally leads itself to more time on the bike especially if you have enjoyed your riding over summer and feel fit and ready to take on an adventure. Prevent any issues arising from this increased riding by protecting your contact points (butt, hands, feet). Choose products that are designed for endurance riding offering greater protection from increased padding or gel inserts.
At your saddle you need to be prepared for greater discomfort. To manage this choose good padding in your padded bike pants or underwear. Endurance level padding will take you comfortably over 1.5hrs up to around 5 or 6hrs. Good technique is essential in your body position & pedaling to maintain good weight transfer through your seat.
At your hands endurance gloves may be a good idea. These can be full finger or fingerless depending on what style you like and what type of riding you do. For any off road riding that you know could be a bit rough, endurance gloves will really help with absorbing the forces that uneven surfaces create.
For your feet we recommend mid weight socks that are breathable. You may want to adjust the length and go longer covering more of your leg. Shoes are important and should always be closed in. Choose shoes that provide a solid platform to give you a strong feeling of connection to your bike.
FURTHER READING:
Comfort on Your Bike Seat: Stories & Support. View the large range of information we have on this important topic
Gloves – Why are gloves important?
Gloves: Bike Glove Buying Guide
Do you have the gear to keep yourself comfortable when taking on greater distance on your bike?
Endurance riding gloves will help with comfort on longer bike journeys
Be Safe When You Ride
Being responsible and thinking ahead is just part of safely completely any kind of ride on your bike, in any season, over any kind of distance. For more detailed information on helmets, tools, first aid, lights, carrying gear and how these things relate to safety, check out our Safety Stories.
Autumn is the Season to Clean
It’s always the right season to check over your bike and make sure all the parts and components are good to go but Autumn is a time to pay more attention to this often overlooked part of owning a bike… when was the last time you looked at your brake pads or cleaned your drive chain? If you are choosing to go a bit further or have a multi day trip planned this becomes even more important. Now is the right time to do some thorough cleaning, including your chain. When you clean your bike you can take the time to give it a good inspection. Before any tour or multi day riding you must be confident that your bike is ready for the distances ahead. A service is recommended with a qualified bike mechanic or someone who is capable and knowledgable.
FURTHER READING:
Bike Cleaning for You & the Kids
Simple Pre-Ride Bike Safety Check
Choose a Challenge this Autumn
Make the most of the Autumn riding season. Plan rides to places that will delight you. Autumn is a truely special time of year as the leaves change and the colour is breath taking. Whether this involves a series of small rides in fun places or building up to a bigger challenge. This can be individual, with the family or you can involve others, whatever suits. You could even simply choose to ride your bike more around town, leaving the car at home. We invite you to read through our extensive range of riding stories for inspiration… RIDE MORE PLACES
Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.
Ride More Places
Bike Gear Stories
Women and families learning ...
Buying Guides
Solution Finder
Types of Riding Stories
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