Cyclists must prepare for the winter elements

While many people might be dreaming of a white Christmas around this time in December, the recent warm weather has been kind to us twowheeled riders, making it easy to keep cycling on a regular basis.

Instead of parking your bike in the garage for the winter, why not take advantage and keep riding all year long? Between climate change giving us seemingly less snow each year, and our regularly scheduled Chinook winds melting what snow we do receive, Lethbridge is one of the best cities in Canada for year-round cycling.

Even when the snow does fall, it’s easier than you think to prioritize cycling as your main mode of transportation. We’ve compiled a list of some our best tips and tricks for winter cycling:

• Don’t overthink it: Unless it’s a new dump of more than three inches of snow, winter cycling is basically the same as summer cycling, just bumpier terrain.

• Don’t break the bank: Often the best bike for winter cycling is an older mountain bike without fancy features like suspension or nice shifters. A trusty steed that’s been gathering dust in the garage works just fine.

• Invest in good rubber: Having knobby tires helps grip on the ice and snow. I like to swap out my front tire depending on the weather, from a regular mountain bike tire to a spiked tire for icier conditions. This provides maximum traction when you need it, and a smoother ride when the Chinook winds melt off the packed snow.

• Dress in layers: Rather than freezing to death, you’ll probably end up being way too warm while winter cycling. Wear one less layer than you think ✦you

might need — you’re more likely to overheat once you start pedalling, and once you sweat you’ll get chilled. Make sure your gloves still allow enough mobility for shifting gears and hand brakes. A thin wind pant or similar layer can easily allow you to bike to work and keep any road gunk off your business-casual attire.

• Watch the snirt: During the thick of winter, your biggest concern will be the snow/dirt mix that can build up on roads, forming loose drifts that can easily take down an unfocused cyclist.

Overcoming the logistics of winter cycling is much less daunting once you get out and try it a couple of times. What works for one person might be completely different for another, so don’t be afraid to try things out and experiment with different techniques.

For more tips and tricks, plus some hands-on demonstrations, stay tuned for details of our upcoming winter cycling workshop by following our Facebook group (BikeBridge Cycling Association) or sign up for our monthly email newsletter at