Spring, autumn and early winter cycling requires warm, moisturewicking clothing. If you turn into a hard-core winter cycler, cover all parts of your body. A good outer shell blocks wind, and several insulating layers for warmth protect you in deep cold and high wind. Those waterproof shoe covers from summer will still keep your feet warm and block wind once the weather turns cold.
FENDERS
Fenders help cut spray from wet roads and prevent that muddy line up the back of your jacket. In other words, they’re a “must have” item. Finding a proper fit can be challenging, so buy fenders from the dealer if you’re getting a new bike, and have an in-house mechanic bolt them on. Or bring your bike to wherever you’re buying fenders to ensure they fit. Besides fenders, other accessories can make rides more enjoyable and your bike-to-job transitions easy – a seat bag for wallet and keys, a water bottle with a flip top to keep dirt and mud off (but any water bottle is better than none). Decent sunglasses and a bottle of sunscreen are important too, winter and summer.
THE ROAD AHEAD
When deciding your route to work, you’ve got two choices: the fast route, or a longer but less busy one. Heed the wisdom of poet Robert Frost who wrote: “I took the one less traveled/And that has made all the difference.” A less congested route to and from work means you’ll arrive relaxed and refreshed, not all snarly and tense. Now you know just about everything necessary to hit the cycling trail to work. One final piece of advice… don’t try to break any speed records during your commute for at least the first couple of weeks. Your body needs to gradually get used to the routine. Slow and steady will make you want to continue cycling all spring, summer and fall.
Your source for bikes, repairs and much more. Rentals too! 5 HAWTHORNE AVENUE (AT PRETORIA)
(613) 567-8180 – www.CycoSport.ca
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Cycle into Spring with a new Trek bike from BUSHTUKAH!
Your destination for Great Outdoor Gear!
Bushtukah! The place to be for everything you need to play outside this summer! Great selection of Bicycles and Accessories, Kayaks, Canoes, Camping Gear, Casual, Active and Adventure Clothing and Footwear plus much more!
City, Road and Mountain Bikes for the whole family plus all the Clothing and Accessories you’ll need! Monday – Friday 9am–9pm – Saturday 9am–6pm Sunday 10am–5pm / 203 Richmond Road, Westboro
(613) 792-1170
OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SPRING/SUMMER’07
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