Riding in the Fall

November 12, 2020
Learn the essentials of riding during the fall. We’ll cover pre-ride preparation, proper layering, staying warm and dry, and a hack for finding weather windows!

The leaves are turning and temperatures are dropping. Yes, Fall is certainly in the air but don’t put those bikes away just yet. The cooler temps can make for a comfortable outing and you may find it to be less crowded. At the same time, you also run the chance of being caught in a freak snow/hail/rain/sleet storm. Especially here in Colorado! But with a bit of preparation, you can prepare yourself for the elements. Bringing along the proper layers will help keep you warm, dry, and hopefully smiling on your fall bike ride.

Grand Teton National Park on a Fall Day. Featuring the 2020 Specialized Tarmac Sport.
📸 Hunter Swanson

Pre Ride Preparation

It’s best to check the weather before you head out. Using an app like MyRadar can be invaluable for seeing what the weather is doing. We’ve been able to sneak in some rides on days where calling it quits looks like the only option. If you plan things right, you might be able to find a weather window and enjoy your ride with minimal crowds. It’s also worth noting the type of riding you’ll be doing. You might need fewer layers when mountain biking, since your moving speed is typically slower. Road biking, on the other hand, can feel colder since you’re moving quickly. Know the type of riding and know your own tolerance for cold and wet conditions.

Layering Up

What type of person are you? Be bold, start cold? Bundle up at first then shed layers? There isn’t a right or wrong answer here but you’ll often hear that it’s best to not sweat, as this will make you colder in the long run. For that reason, it’s best to wear breathable, wicking layers that will keep you dry when you’re putting down the watts. We recommend avoiding cotton as it’s not known for quick-drying properties. Being prepared for precipitation is important too, so bringing along a packable windbreaker often does the trick. Keep in mind windbreakers won’t keep you completely dry if it really starts coming down. The plus side is, they’re often lighter weight and more compact than a full-on rain jacket. You make the call!

The S-Phyre booties from Shimano are fire! Note the Patagonia Houdini jacket stuffed in the water bottle cage! 📸 Hunter Swanson

Staying Warm and Dry

Stay warm but avoid sweating! Good areas to layer up include your head, hands, and feet. Something as simple as a buff under your helmet or long finger gloves can make all the difference if the weather turns south. As you’re riding try to shed layers as necessary. This is where apparel like arm and leg warmers, booties, or overshoes can come in handy. They don’t take up much space and if it gets too warm, you can easily stash these in your jersey, saddlebag, or SWAT tube. Look for fabrics that dry quickly like polyester, rayon, or Lycra.

Get Out For a Ride!

Fall is a great time to ride and enjoy the cool weather. Doing a pre-ride preparation by analyzing the weather goes a long way. Bringing along the right layers that will keep you warm and dry. Remember to bring layers that are breathable and packable while keeping in mind your personal tolerance for cold weather and plan accordingly. Happy fall everyone! 

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Make the Most of Fall Riding with These Colorado Cycling Events 

October 6, 2016

As we transition from summer to fall, the Colorado mountain colors are beginning to explode into a vibrant mix of autumn hues. The hot, summer days are replaced with cooler temperatures making riding even that more enjoyable.  What better way to enjoy the brisk temperatures and vibrant colors of the leaves turning than from the view of mountain bike or road bike?

However, not all cyclist are motivated to ride in the fall.  As we mentioned last week in our post, Fall Isn’t End of Season – It’s the Beginning of Next Season. Here’s Why , Fall is actually the best time to transition from peak cycling form to a relaxed one.  Doing so doesn’t include missing rides.  It means shifting your mindset to embrace fall cycling while actually boosting your cycling performance for next year. 

You can make the most of fall riding easily in Colorado because there are so many options available to you.  Consider adding one or more of these cycling events to your October schedule.  You’ll enjoy the added bonus of maintaining fitness through the Fall and even building it well into the winter months.

Road cycling: 10/9 Ride of the Ancients

Mountain bike: 10 /8 12 Hours of Penitence MTB Race

Cyclocross races: 

10/15 – 10/16 US Open of Cyclocross

10/23 Shimano CX Series

10/30 Shimano CX Series

It’s important to note, that as you make the transition from summer to fall to winter riding safely, it’s wise to make sure that your bike is working and that you have the proper cycling apparel to keep you warm and also motivated to ride in the cooler temps.  

Just as much as your body has taken a toll from training stress over the season, so has your bike!  At Peak Cycles Bicycle shop, we recommend getting a tune-up and replacing workout bike parts.  The summer rush has slowed a bit and we have service slots available. Call 303-216-1616 for an appointment. See you soon! 

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Success Secrets for Kids Biking to School – A Win for Kids and a Win for Parents! 

October 1, 2015

A BikeParts.com bike commuter

Fall bike riding offers the chance to enjoy cooler temperatures, view the changing colors of the leaves, and reinvigorate your spirit with the freedom riding a bike inspires.  What is true for adults is also true for kids!  As the school season is underway, many children are coping with new daily routines which include more structure and less playtime.  Riding a bike to school is a great way for kids to get exercise, develop healthy habits, as well as, enjoy some extra playtime.

As many adults know, exercise helps reduce stress, aid with weight management and promote bone, muscle, and joint health.  But what you may not know, is that riding a bike to school may also help your child’s academic performance. Bicycling to school can help contribute to the developmental health of children.  Despite the benefits, some parents are left with concerns as to how to make bicycling to school a win – win.  A win for their child in that they enjoy the experience and a win for the parents in that you have confidence your child arrives safely on their commute. Here’s what you need to know to make biking to school a success for both you and your child. 

  • Think about whether riding a bike to school makes sense for your child. If your child attends a neighborhood school biking may be a good option. If you child is at a charter school across town where she plays the double bass in the orchestra, biking to school may not work. Look at your child’s schedule and consider biking to school on days that are best.
  • Scout a route to school. Look for side streets, other kids on bikes, low traffic speeds and good visibility. Ride the route with your child and make sure he understands the route. Have him lead to show you that he knows where he is going.
  • Talk with other parents and the principal to address real and perceived obstacles to getting kids on bikes. 
  • Dial in your child’s bike.  Bring it into the shop for bike maintenance and ensure all bike parts are working properly. 
  • Make sure your child knows the rules of the road.   
  • Invest in needed items.  Purchase a quality bike lock and teach your child how to use it wisely.  Consider getting a quality pannier or messenger bag instead of a backpack. Also, be sure to have the appropriate cycling apparel for the season.  

In fact, Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop is only store in Golden, CO that serves kids cycling needs. We have bike parts and cycling accessories that includes windbreakers, gloves, shorts, jersey’s, chamois, pedals, hats, backpacks, and bikes that kids love.  Most importantly, we have reflective materials to put on your child’s bike to make sure they are visible.  Stop by the shop or visit us online at www.BikeParts.com.  We’re here to help you and your family make biking to school a win-win for all! 

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Get In Gear Before Winter – Favorite Fall Rides Along Colorado’s Front Range

September 10, 2015

Fall bike riding offers the chance to enjoy cooler temperatures, view the changing colors of the leaves, and reinvigorate our spirits with the freedom riding a bike inspires.  Officially, fall begins September 23, early in the morning.  While we’re only two weeks away from the official fall season, you can see the season transitioning.  Days are shorter. The temperatures are cooler.  Kids are back in school. And, sadly, vacationing is nearing an end. Now is the time to mark your calendar to get in your favorite rides before winter heads our way.

Mountain bike enthusiast will enjoy several of our local trails.  In fact, surprisingly, Green Mountain Trail is a year long favorite for us.  Because Green Mountain is less technical than some of the surrounding trails in Golden, some consider it to be boring.  Yet, to others, it can be a great trail to do intervals or even test ride a new bike or dial in new bike components before heading out to a more challenging trail.  For some, Green Mountain offers the mental ease of road riding, but on dirt.  For others, it’s an opportunity to work heart rate and power zones.  Either option works, but what we like best about riding Green Mountain trail is that it’s a staple in the trail riding system along the Front Range.

Now, if you prefer grueling climbs, steep and narrow descents and tight switch-backs, then White Ranch may be the trail for you.  White Ranch Trail, located in Golden, Colorado near the Peak Cycles bicycle shop, offers an extensive trail system of 20 miles of multi-use trails over both gentle and rugged terrain.  You can read why this popular trail is a favorite of ours here.

Close to our shop is also Golden’s Apex Park –the Enchanted Forest trail. This mountain bike ride contains 11+ miles of trails of stellar single track and a delightful surprise with the Enchanted Forest trail.  True to its name, the Enchanted Forest provides lush tree cover and is considered a favorite among local riders.  Watch our video to see why!

Finally, a favorite to many, the Buffalo Creek trail system is a hands down favorite trail in the greater-Denver region. Why? With a diverse trail system consisting of 20 plus miles of sweet single track and 2,700 feet in elevation gain, you’ll enjoy mountain views, majestic rock formations, great downhills, smooth roller coasters, and almost ALL single track.

Aside from Green Mountain, most of these trails are unrideable in the winter months. Enjoy them now or maybe opt for some fall road rides. As many know, Colorado has some of the greatest road bike rides in the country. Some are shorter, convenient rides whereas others offer steeper, longer climbs and extended distances. Check out our list of 20 Colorado Front Range Bucket List Rides and make plans to get your rides in.

A third option for enjoying the fall leaves and maintaining fitness is bike commuting.  Granted, we don’t have a favorite bike commuting route, but we do know that selecting a good route matters! Learn how to pick a route you like. Google maps for cycling is a good option.  Because the days are getting shorter, be mindful of the time and we suggesting having a set of small, modern LED lights on hand in case you get stuck at the office.

It’s easy to embrace the transition from summer to fall when you have great rides to look forward to riding.  Being mindful of the best clothing options, cycling apparel, bike parts, and nutritional needs during the changing season helps too!  So, whether you are enjoying the vibrant mix of autumn hues from a scenic country road, a bike path, or a trail, fall bike rides in Colorado are the best way to get up close and personal with the season’s colors  while filling up their lungs with crisp Colorado air.

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