Fall Cycling and Running Tips

Fall is the best and worst time to be cycling and running outside.

Best? The summer humidity is gone and the scenery of Fall colours here in Southern Ontario is spectacular.

Worst? The shorter days and the unpredictable weather.

How do we make the best of it?

Stay Warm and Dry

Dress in layers

With the new technology in performance clothing we no longer need to feel like the ‘Pillsbury Dough Boy’. Cool weather clothing is thinner and more functional than ever before.

You need:

A base layer, which is a thin tight layer closest to your skin on your upper body. This will help pull the sweat away from your body.

A thermal layer when it is really chilly.

For wind and rain protection, look for a jacket that has a high ventilation rate. This is very important! If the sweat builds up in your jacket because the material can’t let it escape fast enough, your base clothing stays wet, and you get chilled. Check out Pearl iZumi’s WXB Jacket .

Running you don’t need to worry as much about the wind chill factor but cyclists…pay close attention.

Other cool weather accessories for cycling are: booties, thermal gloves, skull cap or ear band that is thin enough to fit underneath your helmet, tights and arm warmers.

Performance clothing is a bit more expensive, but it works! They last a long time and you can use them for a variety of activities.

Be safe

With darkness coming earlier in the evening, be prepared. See and be seen.

Lights– For cycling it is law to have a light on the front of your bike and a rear flashing light or reflectors after dusk. There are small but powerful LED lights available so you don’t need to weigh down your bike. For running, wear a headlamp. Sometimes I will even grab my rear flashing light from my bike and clip it onto the rear pocket of my jacket when I am running through town.

Wear reflective and bright colours – walk into any bike or run store that sells clothing and you will find Fall temperature cycling vests, jackets, hats, gloves, shoes, etc. that are either bright in colour or have a lot of reflective material added to it. Fashionable and safe!

Watch the weather

Make a habit of checking the weather and the wind direction to help pick the best route and to know what to wear.

Happy Running and Cycling!