Winter Biking
Think cycling is just for fair weather?
Think cycling is just for fair weather? Oregon's relatively mild weather makes year-round biking easier here than in many parts of the country. You can continue to enjoy the benefits of burning calories instead of oil with just a little planning and gear. Here are a few winter biking tips.
- Dress in layers. A thin hat, gloves, helmet cover, waterproof jacket and pants will keep you dry and warm. Have some waterproof booties on hand to keep your feet dry during the heavy rains.
- Gear up. Full fenders are a must to keep tire splatter off you. Tires lined with Kevlar will significantly reduce the number of flat tires. Street tires provide better traction on pavement than knobby tires which work well for unplowed snowy streets. Slightly deflate your tires for better traction in wet conditions and consider investing in studded tires if your area gets a lot of snow.
- Be seen. By 5pm it's already dark, so you'll need reflectors and good lights – blinking red in the rear and white in the front.
- Ride defensively. Make eye contact with drivers and watch out for slippery spots. Slow down when making turns and use the rear brake more than the front to avoid spinouts.
- Maintain your ride. Check your chain regularly and keep it oiled with bike lubricant. Keep your bike clean and remember that winter is not the time for a $3K racing bike – use a bike that can take a beating.
- Give yourself a break. If you suspect black ice, you’re not prepared for riding in the snow, or you just want to dry out those rain pants for a day, go ahead and take public transit. Chances are you’ll be riding again in a day or two.
