Authored By: The Circuit Trails | December 14, 2020

Winter is coming #OnTheCircuit! With snow in our future forecast, it is important to make sure you are gearing up properly to help avoid ruining great days spent on the trails. If you’re a runner or walker, remember to wear an extra layer when setting out this winter. As for cyclists, we have a few additional tips to help you winterize your ride to keep your riding steadily through the freezing temperatures! Take a look below to see how you can prepare your bike for the cold and snow this season.

Photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash

1. Check Your Chain

Keeping your bike chain lubricated is always important, but especially so when the temperatures drop. Winter weather can really take a toll on your chain’s condition, causing it to wear down and rust quicker than usual. For rain and mild snow, using normal bike lube is appropriate, but during extreme weather, you might need to kick it up a notch. Bicycling.com recommends bar and chain lube designed for chain saws, but only in the most extreme winter weather conditions.

2. Fend Off

Fenders will help keep you, your bike and other riders dry and happy. This is a must for riding in winter weather, especially if you are commuting on the Circuit Trails. Try a clip-on fender for snowy weather, or just rig up a new fender out of cardboard if you’re in a pinch or feeling creative.

3. Bike Baths

The snow is really beautiful while it’s falling, but it sure can be messy to ride through! Salt and slush can really damage your favorite set of wheels. Washing your bike after each winter outing will keep it working properly and help you delay a professional tune-up. Be sure to dry the bike after and give special attention to your saddle and handle bars, which are extra vulnerable during winter months.

4. Get Tired

Studded tires might be necessary for extreme weather, but for everyday winter riding consider on road tires with a winter thread to give you that extra grip you need. Also, pay attention to your tire pressure. By reducing your tire pressure to the lower end of the suggested range, your bike will be able to grip the slick and frozen surfaces more easily, keeping you upright on your winter rides.

Although temperatures have been mild, winter weather is likely coming soon. Don’t wait until it’s too late to prep your bike – take advantage of these tips now to be prepared to navigate you rough winter rides this month and next!

Graphic by Recreate Responsibly Coalition

As reminder, when traveling on the trails, please remember to keep six-feet of distance or more between other, come prepared with a cloth face covering, avoid gathering in groups and #RecreateResponsibly. For more trail safety and etiquette tips, click here.