When you think of winter activities, skiing and snowshoeing may come to mind, but what about cycling?
Jean Greig, program manager at Books: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop, in Peterborough, Ont., said that while there may not be a major boom in winter riding, cycling is always in season.
“There is a slow growth in interest in winter cycling,” she said. “A few years ago you could look around the city and you would not see anyone on their bike in the winter, but now you do.”
She said there are a few things you can do to make it easier for you and your bike. It turns out, for example, winter tires are not just for your car.
“Tires with metal bolts embedded in the rubber will help a lot with slipping and slipping, especially on hard-packed or icy surfaces,” Greig said.
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She added that splash boards are also a good idea to prevent sludge from splashing on your back and she said a rack or bag on your bike, instead of a backpack, can be helpful.
“Getting the weight off your shoulders and getting on the bike, where it’s closer to the ground, really helps with balance,” she said.
“It is a law to have a light on your bike, but in winter it gets dark earlier. “If it’s snowing or dark, it can be harder to see you, so it’s very important to be well lit,” said Greig.
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And while we may think winter is difficult for us, Greig said it can also be difficult on our bikes.
“It’s mostly the salt that causes the damage,” she said. “You want to make sure you wipe it all off regularly.”
“Your propulsion system (the area that includes your chain) gets everything that kicks up from the ground and it tends to rust pretty quickly,” Greig said.
“Once you see it turn a little orange from rust, you want to make sure you climb on it, clean it with a cloth and then put a chain lubricant on it to make it move and not stop.”
If you have rim brakes, she said you should be sure to keep your rims clean from grinding so that the brake can function properly.
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When it comes to what to wear, Greig recommended something that can cover your face and ears, windproof gloves that you can layer, and boots that will keep your feet dry.
“Plus, you want to dress in layers, so if you actually get too hot, you can open a layer,” she said.
And her last tip: start small.
“Do not feel that you have to walk out in a snowstorm or when it is -30 C,” she said.
If you are still looking for help, B! Ke offers a program called Winter wheels, intended to make people more comfortable with driving in the winter.
For more information you can visit the B! Ke website.
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