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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Fall Cycling: 10 Must-Have Items You Need

November 7, 2019

It’s Cold. No. Now it’s warm. Nope. It is definitely chilly. And where is that breeze coming from?  Does this sound like you? 

Fall riding can be great with the cooler temperatures, the hint of crispness in the air and the beautiful foliage. Yet, riding in the fall has its challenges from a temperature perspective.  One minute you may feel warm, followed by feeling chilled, and then warm again. When your focus shifts from enjoying your ride to your increasingly cold and numb hands and feet, then you either cut your ride short or just suffer.  Given you have the right cycling apparel and you know how to dress for winter riding, you don’t have to do either.   The trick is having the right cycling apparel with you for modulating your body’s temperature while riding.

With that said, the following are the must-have items to have in your cycling wardrobe for fall riding.  

1. Wind Vest – The wind vest is one of the most used pieces of cool weather gear. It keeps your core body protected from frontal winds, but vents in the rear to keep you from overheating. The wind vest is also very versatile and can be added to different clothing combinations, using it with regular jerseys, winter jerseys, and arm warmers. It’s also easily stowed in a pack or shirt pocket.

2. Wind / Rain Jacket – It’s always a good idea to keep a water-resistant jacket handy when rain is in the forecast.

3. Arm Warmers – Arm warmers are a must during the Fall season.  While they don’t take up much room, they are great for temperature control.

4. Full Finger / Windproof Gloves – When riding in cooler temps, one of the first things to get cold are the fingers. Protect your hands with full fingerers and/or windproof gloves. 

5. Knickers, Knee Warmers, and Pants – As the temperatures drop, it’s a good idea to cover your knees. Many cyclists prefer tights whereas others prefer leg warmers.  There are also knickers which allow more airflow over the legs, and they are good for those in-between days. Consider trying out each option and experiment to dial in your preference.

6. Head Band or Skull Cap – The vents in your helmet that are such an asset during the summer months become a major liability when the temperatures begin to drop. To prevent from losing heat from your scalp, be sure to wear a thin skullcap or headband under the helmet

7. Wool Socks – Keeping your feet dry and warm can be a challenge in the cold weather, but nice wool socks are your best bet.

8. Shoe Covers – Shoe covers, also known as booties, cover the exterior of your shoes and protect from cold and wind.  There are several options: some that cover just the toes and others that encompass the entire foot. Toe covers are great for Fall but as you transition to Winter riding, you may wish for a pair that covers your entire foot.  

9. Lights – Daylight Savings Time has ended and if you have noticed, the days have gotten much shorter! Plan ahead and get your lights ready. Get a red blinker for the rear that mounts to the bike or your pack, and a decent headlight for the front.

10. Tool kit – Nothing is worse than experiencing a mechanical issue with your bike when the weather is cold, wet, windy or a combination of all three.  Make sure you have handy bicycle tools or a multi-tool to have on hand in inclement weather.  

Ultimately, dressing successfully boils down to experimenting with what works for you. You may find you it’s important to keep your head and core warm for a productive ride rather than dressing full out and including knee and leg warmers.  Or, you may find a long-sleeved jersey sans a base layer works. Do your best with the weather and be sure to stop by Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop to pick up any cycling accessories, bike parts, or cycling apparel you may need.  And lucky for you, we have some great sales on winter tops right now. Up to 60% off jackets. https://bit.ly/2WLkYFT Stay warm and see you soon! 

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Essential Cycling Apparel for Fall Riding 

September 27, 2018

While we welcome cooler temps and colorful foliage that fall cycling offers, the shorter days and fatigue of the cycling season can beckon cyclist to cut their rides short – or skip them all together.  Perhaps missing a day or two of riding doesn’t seem like much but it does.  

According to the post, What Happens to Your Body When You Quit Riding, within a relatively short period of time, undesirable consequences result.  As in, your metabolism stagnates. Your blood pressure rises. Your blood sugar surges. Fitness declines.  And, inevitable wait gain surfaces.  Not fun!

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. The trick is making sure you are comfortable during transitional weather.  If you feel comfortable riding, then you will do it.  

Ask yourself, what clothing do you need to wear in different weather conditions to remain comfortable?  Do you have waterproof and wind resistant clothing? Do you have enough of the basic cycling necessities, as in leggings? Arm warmers? Knee warmers? Scull cap? What about your base layers?  Do you have enough of them or do you need to add in some fleece lined clothing?  Staying warm, dry, and comfortable is key to riding during the fall season.  

Lucky for you, at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we can help you with all of your cycling apparel needs.  In fact, we’ve got a great end of the year sale on 2018 bikes and cycling apparel in store right now!  At a minimum, these are the essential fall riding clothes you need to have on hand.

1. Wind Vest – The wind vest is one of the most used pieces of cool weather gear. It keeps your core body protected from frontal winds, but vents in the rear to keep you from overheating. The wind vest is also very versatile and can be added to different clothing combinations, using it with regular jerseys, winter jerseys, and arm warmers. It’s also easily stowed in a pack or shirt pocket.

2. Wind / Rain Jacket – It’s always a good idea to keep a water resistant jacket handy when rain is in the forecast.

3. Arm Warmers – Arm warmers are a must during the Fall season.  While they don’t take up much room, they are great for temperature control.

4. Full Finger / Windproof Gloves – When riding in cooler temps, one of the first things to get cold are the fingers. Protect your hands with full fingerers and / or windproof gloves. A popular item to consider are the Endure gloves. 

5. Knickers, Knee Warmers, and Pants – As the temperatures drop, it’s a good idea to cover your knees. Many cyclist prefer tights whereas others prefer leg warmers.  There are also knickers which allow more airflow over the legs, and they are good for those in-between days. Consider trying out each option and experiment to dial in your preference.

6. Head Band or Skull Cap – The vents in your helmet that are such an asset during the summer months become a major liability when the temperatures begin to drop. To prevent from losing heat from your scalp, be sure to wear a thin skullcap or headband under the helmet

7. Wool Socks – Keeping your feet dry and warm can be a challenge in the cold weather, but nice wool socks are your best bet.

8. Shoe Covers – Shoe covers, also known as booties, cover the exterior of your shoes and protect from cold and wind.  There are several options: some that cover just the toes and others that encompass the entire foot. Toe covers are great for Fall but as you transition to Winter riding, you may wish for a pair that covers your entire foot.  If you’re not a fan of shoe covers, opt for a warmer shoe all together! We have two favorite options.  The Giant Sojourn cycling shoes have a stiff and grippy bottom which are good for walking.  A great option for bike commuters.  The other favorite is the Defroster cycling shoe.  It’s a great option for fall and winter riding and especially on the cold days because these shoes doesn’t require shoe covers.  

9. Lights – At the end of this month, the days will be much shorter! Plan ahead and get your lights ready. Get a red blinker for the rear that mounts to the bike or your pack, and a decent headlight for the front.

10. Tool kit – The bicycle tools needed to have on hand in inclement weather matter.  Discover what the best bike parts for fall commuting and build a tool kit that meets your needs.

Which essential items are missing from the list? Let us know! Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.  Better yet, stop in the shop to say hi and browse our fall cycling apparel. 

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3 Ways to Enjoy Fall via Your Bicycle 

September 20, 2018

Each season has its own ups and downs.  Spring and summer seasons are marked with event registrations, travel, and enjoying the cycling lifestyle.  The winter season is the least exciting if you are inside riding on your trainer; yet winter can be fun if you are experiencing the joys of riding a fat bike. However, the fall season is somewhat of a mixture of all this.  As Saturday is the first day of fall, many cyclists are wondering how best to enjoy the season on their bicycles.  What are our suggestions?  Read on! 

If you haven’t noticed yet, the leaves on the trees are beginning to change colors.  One of the very best ways to enjoy the changing landscape is riding your mountain bike.  Consider making a bucket list of mountain bike trails to ride before winter comes.  Some of our favorite mountain bike trails include: 

  1. Buffalo Creek
  2. Centennial Cone
  3. White Ranch
  4. Mount Falcon
  5. Lair O’ the Bear
  6. Green Mountain
  7. Apex + trails
  8. Golden Gate Canyon 
  9. Hall Ranch 

Another great option for enjoying the fall season, while also maintaining fitness, is to bike commute.  Fall bike commuting 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. If you’re new to bike commuting, you’ll enjoy our post, What Are The Best Bike Parts for Fall Commuting and 15 Tips for Bike Commuting in Cooler Months.  Both posts offer tips and suggestions for route selections, necessary bike parts, and cycling apparel to make fall bike commuting fun and enjoyable.

If you still have some competitive energy left in you after the summer race season, then a third option to enjoying fall on your bicycle is to try a cyclocross race.  Last week we wrote about Why Race Cyclocross, and this week, we’re encouraging you to do it. It’s fun! It’s addicting! And we have all the bike parts and cycling accessories you need to get you into this cycling discipline.  

When you really think of it, fall is a transitional season. From a cycling perspective, fall isn’t the end of the summer cycling season, it is the beginning of next season.  Keep in mind that just as much as the spring cycling season inspires us to get in shape, tackle new challenges, and reach new cycling heights, the fall season can inspire us too. Discovering new ways to nurture our bodies, maintain the gains we’ve made during the season, and re-energize for the season ahead.  Celebrate the fall season by riding your bike! 

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10 Things You Need for Fall Biking 

October 20, 2016

Fall Colors along the Front Range

Fall Colors along the Front Range

Have you noticed the leaves changing on the trees lately?

The Front Range tree leaves are exploding with a vibrant mix of autumn hues.  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? The added bonus is maintaining fitness through the fall and even building it well into the winter months.  

True, we love fall rides, but it does take a little extra planning.  The days are shorter and the weather is becoming more unpredictable.  That’s why it’s more important during the fall season to have the right cycling apparel for the type of riding you are doing.

Ask yourself, what clothing do you need to wear in different weather conditions?  Do you have waterproof and wind resistant clothing? Do you have enough of the basic cycling necessities, as in leggings? Arm warmers? Knee warmers? Scull cap? What about your base layers?  Do you have enough of them or do you need to add in some fleece lined clothing?  

Staying warm, dry, and comfortable is key to riding during the fall season.  Lucky for you, at Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop, we can help you with all of your cycling apparel needs.  In fact, we’ve got a great end of the year sale on 2016 bikes and cycling apparel in store right now!  At a minimum, these are the essential fall riding clothes you need to have on hand.

1. Wind Vest – The wind vest is one of the most used pieces of cool weather gear. It keeps your core body protected from frontal winds, but vents in the rear to keep you from overheating. The wind vest is also very versatile and can be added to different clothing combinations, using it with regular jerseys, winter jerseys, and arm warmers. It’s also easily stowed in a pack or shirt pocket.

2. Wind / Rain Jacket – It’s always a good idea to keep a water resistant jacket handy when rain is in the forecast.

3. Arm Warmers – Arm warmers are a must during the Fall season.  While they don’t take up much room, they are great for temperature control.

4. Full Finger / Windproof Gloves – When riding in cooler temps, one of the first things to get cold are the fingers. Protect your hands with full fingerers and / or windproof gloves. A popular item to consider are the Endure gloves. 

5. Knickers, Knee Warmers, and Pants – As the temperatures drop, it’s a good idea to cover your knees. Many cyclist prefer tights whereas others prefer leg warmers.  There are also knickers which allow more airflow over the legs, and they are good for those in-between days. Consider trying out each option and experiment to dial in your preference.

6. Head Band or Skull Cap – The vents in your helmet that are such an asset during the summer months become a major liability when the temperatures begin to drop. To prevent from losing heat from your scalp, be sure to wear a thin skullcap or headband under the helmet

7. Wool Socks – Keeping your feet dry and warm can be a challenge in the cold weather, but nice wool socks are your best bet.

8. Shoe Covers – Shoe covers, also known as booties, cover the exterior of your shoes and protect from cold and wind.  There are several options: some that cover just the toes and others that encompass the entire foot. Toe covers are great for Fall but as you transition to Winter riding, you may wish for a pair that covers your entire foot.  If you’re not a fan of shoe covers, opt for a warmer shoe all together! We have two favorite options.  The Giant Sojourn cycling shoes have a stiff and grippy bottom which are good for walking.  A great option for bike commuters.  The other favorite is the Defroster cycling shoe.  It’s a great option for fall and winter riding and especially on the cold days because these shoes doesn’t require shoe covers.  

9. Lights – At the end of this month, the days will be much shorter! Plan ahead and get your lights ready. Get a red blinker for the rear that mounts to the bike or your pack, and a decent headlight for the front.

10. Tool kit – The bicycle tools needed to have on hand in inclement weather matter.  Discover what the best bike parts for fall commuting and build a tool kit that meets your needs.

Which essential items are missing from the list?  Make note of it and stop by the shop to check out all of the cycling apparel we have in stock and on sale. Whether you are enjoying the vibrant mix of autumn hues from a scenic country road, a bike path, or a cyclocross race course, fall bike rides in Colorado are the best way to get up close and personal with the season’s colors – enjoy! 

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5 Money Saving Bike Tips for Fall 

October 13, 2016

Replace Drivetrain parts in the Fall

Replace Drivetrain parts in the Fall

Each season has its own ups and downs.  Spring and summer seasons are marked with event registrations, travel, and enjoying the cycling lifestyle.  The winter season is the least expensive as most cyclist scale down their training or ride more indoors.  

However, the fall season is somewhat of a mixture of all that. Racing continues yet weather conditions cause havoc on bikes and bike gear. When you add up all the gear, maintenance, and event fees, then riding bikes can be expensive.  Following are 5 ways to save money saving bike tips for fall. 

  1. Patch your tubes.  When you get a flat, don’t just throw the tube away. Hang on to it and patch it when you get home. Patches are fairly inexpensive and can give your tube new life.
  2. Clean and maintain your bike regularly. The maintenance schedule for a bike can vary somewhat on how often it’s ridden. However, performing regular bike inspections can provide injury free and enjoyable riding. Also, regular bike maintenance can extend the life of your bike parts and cycling accessories.  
  3. Look for discounted gear online and at bike swaps.  At BikeParts.com we have ongoing closeouts that save on bike parts, cycling apparel, and cycling accessories.  Check out those options.  Another option is to check out the annual Veloswap here in Denver, Colorado on October 22nd.  
  4. Replace bike parts regularly.  Don’t wait until you hear odd little noises or you notice that your bike is taking too long for the brakes to engage before investigating.  Some parts of a bike have a set “wear life”. As you put in the miles, they gradually wear out and need to be replaced. Typically, this includes chains, cassettes, chainrings, brake pads, and cleats.  Stay one step ahead of the game by purchasing these types of bike parts on sale and have them on hand when you need them. 
  5. Sign up early for races or events.  Waiting last minute to register for events can be costly.  Avoid late or day-of registration fees for races and events by signing up ahead of time. You’ll have a little extra cash in your pocket—not to mention the extra motivation that comes with making a financial commitment. 

With a little planning, it’s easy to save money and continue to embrace the transition from summer to fall.  Enjoy! 

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Fall Isn’t End of Season – It’s the Beginning of Next Season. Here’s Why 

September 29, 2016

While we welcome cooler temps and colorful foliage that fall cycling offers, the shorter days and fatigue of the cycling season can beckon cyclist to cut their rides short – or skip them all together.  

Perhaps missing a day or two of riding doesn’t seem like much but it does.  According to the post, What Happens to Your Body When You Quit Riding, within a relatively short period of time, undesirable consequences result.  As in, your metabolism stagnates. Your blood pressure rises. Your blood sugar surges. Fitness declines.  And, inevitable wait gain surfaces.  Not fun!

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.  The article, Fix Your Flaws in Fall, reinforces this. “If you’re looking to take a big step forward in your racing performance for next season, you can’t wait until next season to start the process.”  With that being said, what are the best ways to boost your fall training regimen?  Here’s our take on how to make the best of the transitional season. 

Keep in mind that just as much as the Spring cycling season inspires us to get in shape, tackle new challenges, and reach new cycling heights, the Fall season can inspire us too. Discovering new ways to nurture our bodies, maintain the gains we’ve made during the season, and re-energize for the season ahead.

In fact, the  Fall season is a great time for experimentation.  Ride new routes (hint: read the above post 10 Best Fall Front Range MTB trails)! Enjoy the opportunity to get purchase and test out new bike parts.  During the racing and cycling season, the focus is on riding; whereas during the Fall, there’s more time for mental wanderings and fun! New cycling accessories don’t have to be costly.  Check out our daily closeouts and overstock items to spark renewed interest in your cycling program.  Finally, use the Fall Season to refine your cycling aspirations and goals for next year.  

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Boost Your Cycling Performance with Fall Riding – And Why it Matters!

September 24, 2015

Fall Cycling at BikeParts.com

While we welcome cooler temps and colorful foliage that fall cycling offers, the shorter days and fatigue of the cycling season can beckon cyclist to cut their rides short – or skip them all together.  Perhaps missing a day or two of riding doesn’t seem like much but it does.  According to the post, What Happens to Your Body When You Quit Riding, within a relatively short period of time, undesirable consequences result.  As in, your metabolism stagnates. Your blood pressure rises. Your blood sugar surges. Fitness declines.  And, inevitable wait gain surfaces.  Not fun!

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.  

The article, Fix Your Flaws in Fall, suggests “if you’re looking to take a big step forward in your racing performance for next season, you can’t wait until next season to start the process.”  With that being said, what are the best ways to boost your fall training regimen?  

As we’ve share in recent post,  Cyclocross is a wonderful way for road cyclists and mountain bikers to extend their competitive seasons and get a head-start on training for next season. The intensity of cyclocross racing provides a training stimulus that’s very difficult to replicate with standard interval training during the fall and winter, especially as the temperatures fall and athletes turn primarily to indoor cycling.  The post,  The Top 5 Fitness Benefits of Racing Cyclocross, reinforces this stating, cyclocross racing increases power at V02 Max, reduces off season weight gain, and toughens you up!  

If you don’t want to toughen up, then opt for an easier approach.  Add bike commuting to your fall regimen.   While it is not as strenuous as cyclocross racing, it is a chance to enjoy cooler temperatures, view the changing colors of the leaves, and reinvigorate your spirits with the freedom riding a bike inspires.  This is most helpful if you are mentally burned out from the season and need to rejuvenate your cycling spirit for the next season.  To truly enjoy fall bike commuting, at Peak Cycles Bicycle shop, we recommend getting a tune-up.  Who knows what your bike has experienced during the season and to make bike commuting truly enjoyable – your bike needs to be reliable.  We recommend having a set of reliable lights and wearing the right bike clothing. Frequently we’re asked what are the essential cycling apparel to have on hand for fall bike commuting.  Here’s a great list of bike parts and cycling apparel to have on available.   Remember, bike commuting is different than training; as such, your needs may vary regarding nutritional requirements, bike parts that are needed, as well as, clothing options.  

The Fall season is a great time for experimentation.  Ride new routes! Explore different trials before Winter weather arrives!  The Fall season can be a great opportunity to get test out new bike parts.  During the racing and cycling season, the focus is on riding; whereas during the Fall, there’s more time for mental wanderings and fun! Check out our daily closeouts and overstock items to spark renewed interest in your cycling program.  

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The 10 Essentials for Fall Cycling

September 4, 2014

fall leavesAs we transition from Summer to Fall, the Colorado mountain colors explode into a vibrant mix of autumn hues. 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? The added bonus is maintaining fitness through the fall and even building it well into the winter months.  Yet to 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.

At Peak Cycles Bicycle shop, we recommend getting a tune-up, having a set of reliable lights and wearing the right bike clothing. Frequently we’re asked what are the essential cycling apparel to have on hand. Here’s our list:

1. Wind Vest – The wind vest is one of the most used pieces of cool weather gear. It keeps your core body protected from frontal winds, but vents in the rear to keep you from overheating. The wind vest is also very versatile and can be added to different clothing combinations, using it with regular jerseys, winter jerseys, and arm warmers. It’s also easily stowed in a pack or shirt pocket.
2. Wind / Rain Jacket – It’s always a good idea to keep a water resistant jacket handy when rain is in the forecast.
3. Arm Warmers – Arm warmers are a must during the Fall season.  While they don’t take up much room, they are great for temperature control.
4. Full Finger / Windproof Gloves – When riding in cooler temps, one of the first things to freeze is the fingers. Protect your hands with full fingerers and / or windproof gloves.
5. Knickers, Knee Warmers, and Pants – As the temperatures drop, it’s a good idea to cover your knees. Many cyclist prefer tights whereas others prefer leg warmers.  There are also knickers which allow more airflow over the legs, and they are good for those in-between days. Consider trying out each option and experiment to dial in your preference.
6. Head Band or Skull Cap – The vents in your helmet that are such an asset during the summer months become a major liability when the temperatures begin to drop. To prevent from losing heat from your scalp, be sure to wear a thin skullcap or headband under the helmet
7. Wool Socks – Keeping your feet dry and warm can be a challenge in the cold weather, but nice wool socks are your best bet.
8. Shoe Covers – Shoe covers, also known as booties, cover the exterior of your shoes and protect from cold and wind.  There are several options: some that cover just the toes and others that encompass the entire foot. Toe covers are great for Fall but as you transition to Winter riding, you may wish for a pair that covers your entire foot.
9. Lights – Within a month, the days will be much shorter! Plan ahead and get your lights ready. Get a red blinker for the rear that mounts to the bike or your pack, and a decent headlight for the front.
10. Tool kit – The bicycle tools needed to have on hand in inclement weather matter.  Discover what the best bike parts for fall commuting  and build a tool kit that meets your needs.

Why is all this important?  Because having access to resources, tips, and a supportive environment makes it easier to enjoy all the benefits cycling has to offer.  It gets you outside – on the bike and riding!  Whether you are enjoying the vibrant mix of autumn hues from a scenic country road, a bike path, or a cyclocross race course, 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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