Tips for cycling at this time of year
SARAH ROE
IT’S a bright cold winter morning, pale sunlight silhouettes the leafless trees and crows cackle loudly as I wheel my faithful old Cannondale tourer out on to the street.
There’s a low mist hanging over the local golf course and my tyres crunch through leaves and twigs.
Grey squirrels are scurrying through the undergrowth and people are out with their dogs, wrapped up in colourful winter layers with bright woolly scarves and hats.
I love cycling in all seasons – and winter is no exception.
As long as it’s not pouring it down with rain, I’ll usually find an excuse to get out on my bike.
It’s a great way to get some fresh air and exercise to counteract the inevitable overload of chocolates, mince pies, Christmas pudding and roast potatoes at this time of year.
It can be bracing, and you’ll need good gloves and a waterproof.
But the secret is to plan your route with warming cafes or pubs along the way to reward you for your hard work.
There are many off-road and on road paths throughout Greater Manchester as part of the National Cycle Network, which was created by the charity Sustrans.
Much of the network is made up of old railway lines and canal towpaths, which make a pleasant and easy cycle ride, and there is a great choice of refuelling stations.
For easy rides close to cafes and pubs try the Bridgewater Way (route 82) from Stretford to Lymm, the Trans Pennine Trail (route 62) through Reddish Vale to Stockport or Route 6 from Salford to Bury.
Look up www.sustrans. org.uk/map for more information and routes close to you.
The Sustrans team has a few tips to keep you happy and safe on your bike in winter.
Dress for it: A waterproof, breathable jacket and a pair of gloves are essential.
With shorter days, it’s also worth thinking about wearing something bright or reflective, to help others see you coming.
Service your bike: Bikes tend to deteriorate more quickly in the winter months with things becoming loose easily in the wet.
Get your bike serviced at a local bike shop to prevent any nasty surprises during your ride, and after riding give your bike a general rinse and wipe-down to remove dirt, salt and grit.
Pay particular attention to the chain, gears, brakes and wheel rims.
When you’re done, dry it off with an old towel.
Disperse any excess water in moving parts with a spray of WD40, GT85 or something similar then add some bike oil to the chain and gear mechanism.
Be seen: Day or night, if you’re not sure if it’s dark enough for lights it’s always best to put them on.
Check out our advice on how to make sure you’re seen in dark conditions.
Get a grip: A good set of tyres will go a long way to prevent unnecessary skidding and they will also lessen the likelihood of you having to fix a puncture in the sleet and rain.
Inflating the tyres a little less than you would in summer will improve traction in slippery conditions.
Cycling in snow can be perilous, but it is possible.
We recommend changing your tyres to wider, knobbly tyres or using a mountain or cyclo-cross bike.
Plan your route: Quiet roads that are good to ride on in fair weather are more prone to freezing, particularly early in the morning and bends can be very difficult if icy.
Sometimes a gritted, busier road is better than an icy quiet road.
Be aware of metal surfaces such as tram tracks and road plates which can be icy when other road surfaces are not. If you encounter ice, steer straight, don’t pedal, and try not to brake as this could cause you to skid and fall.
Pedal on safely: Pedals get slippery in the wet too.
If you’re not comfortable with clip-in pedals, invest in some with extra grip.
They’re pretty easy to fit or your local bike shop can give you a hand.