The weather is changing. The days are shorter and it’s cooler; often wet. Does that mean we have to give up on cycling? Not at all! There is no bad weather; there is only bad clothing! With a little planning, knowledge and organizing, you can continue to cycle all Autumn, and even into the winter.

So reads a great bike blog post which continues:

 

In fact, the fall is a beautiful time of year to cycle. The air is crisp and the leaves are changing to brilliant colors. Here are some pointers for keeping safe and comfortable cycling in the cooler weather.

• With fewer cyclists on the road, drivers anticipate us less, therefore be very aware of what is going on around you and ensure you wear light coloured clothing that is highly visible. Yellow is the most visible. Consider a reflective vest.
• Falling leaves can be slippery; don’t make any sudden moves. Consider putting fatter tires on if you cycle with slicks.  (Read the whole post)

Another post from California says this:

"Why do I like riding in the fall? Because it's the right time of year," said Curtis Fong, whose Stateline, Nev.-based Bike The West produces cycling events in the Lake Tahoe region. "The relatively consistent weather makes temperatures about perfect. The summer traffic is gone so the roads are lonelier. And the changing colors of the aspen trees framed by occasionally snowcapped peaks make for spectacular scenery."

Another great thing about cycling in the autumn is that you're reasonably fit from all those miles you've hammered out during the spring and summer. Plus your next big race or century ride isn't until next spring, so you can actually go out for a spin without feeling like you have to pound out every mile.

From a UK blog:

My main reason for loving this time of year, is because of how quiet it gets when I’m out there on my bike. I can usually go a good few hours without seeing a soul, when Im off the beaten track. This is a far cry from Summer when you can’t go more than 100 yards without skimming a dog walker, or a happy jogger.

In Idaho they agree:

“Local trails tend to be less crowded than in the spring and summer, and as long as trails are dry, most remain rideable into the winter unless there’s seasonal closures to protect big game wintering grounds.”

“It’s a good way to stay in shape and keep the holiday calories from hanging around your waistline.”

 image from frankh

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Here are some bike-friendly camping destinations to check out whether you're packing up the panniers for a self-guided bike tour, craving some sunshine after singletrack riding, or on a quest for some quality time with the family. Feel free to suggest your favorites.

"If you are like many cyclists and don’t like to ride in a pack, you can always create your own solo cycling tour. It doesn’t have to be a grand adventure like cycling across Canada, or even an out-and-back to Merrickville. It can be anything beyond your farthest ride into an area you’ve never cycled before.

Solo touring has the advantage of letting you go where you want, when you want, as fast or slow you want. You can change the route on a whim because there is just you to please.

10 Solo Touring Tips

1. Be prepared. Carry some cash, a credit card, OHIP card, emergency contact information, a fully charged cell phone, and any emergency medications such as your asthma puffer. Don’t forget a vest or rain jacket if the weather is iffy. Bring a map or have the route logged into your GPS. Adventure is good but being lost isn’t..."(Read the whole article by Sheila Ashcroft)

Photo by Francois Schnell

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The 96th Tour de France kicks off next week on July 4th and it may just inspire some of you to polish your bicycle bell and go on a cycling holiday.

Perhaps nothing like the 21 grueling stages of the famous Tour but a cycling holiday through gently rolling countryside and with plenty of stops for good food and drink.

Here’s a rundown of the best cycling holidays in Europe and the UK from travelbite.co.uk’s Natasha von Geldern.  Photo by Robert Thomson

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"Enjoy great scenery, fascinating history, and unparalleled cycling along the 365-mile Erie Canalway Trail. The paved and stone dust trail follows both active and historic sections of the Erie Canal..."  So says the web site for The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission.

The group lists resources available for cyclists.  They say:

We also recommend CYCLING ALONG THE CANALS OF NEW YORK STATE (2nd edition) by Louis Rossi, which includes over 1,000 miles of rides along New York’s canals; 208 pages; fifty photos, 25 maps; extensive resource section.

 The demand for Louis Rossi's book has been strong this spring and summer.  Copies can be ordered online or found at numerous venues along the Erie Canal.

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photo  from sailorbill

In our car-focused society, using railroads to support our cycling trips is not common.  Instead, we struggle to leave cars in strategic spots and spend a lot of time coming and going with our autos.

When we were preparing Cycling Along The Canals of New York State, we looked at buses and trains to get to or from the route and found that Amtrak, which follows the Erie Canal, was an option.  For example, you can board in Albany and depending on how many days you have to cycle, can get off at Utica, Syracuse, Rochester, or Buffalo (or many intermediate stations). 

If you plan to check your bike as luggage, Amtrak has this advice:

Tips for successfully packing your bicycle:
    •    Check your bicycle at the station at least an hour before departure.
    •    You may bring your own box or purchase one at the station. Bicycle boxes (new or used) are also usually available for purchase at staffed stations that accept checked baggage for $15/box. Boxes are 69 x 41 x 8.5 inches (175 x 104 x 22 centimeters). Call ahead for details and to make sure that boxes are available. Local bicycle shops also may be able to provide you with boxes. After your trip, you may keep your box and use it again if it is in good condition.
    •    Bicycles usually must be partially disassembled: Loosen and turn the handlebars sideways, and remove the pedals. Both wheels must remain in the forks. Nothing may protrude from the box or make the box bulge. Nothing except the bicycle may be placed in the box.
    •    Bring your own tools. It may be helpful to disassemble and reassemble your bike before your trip to avoid any surprises. Some parts, especially pedals, may be especially difficult to remove.
    •    You may also use a container especially designed for transporting bicycles. Such containers must have handles and must be fully closed and latched, with no portion of the bike exposed.
    •    Attach your name and address to the box.

In Canada, just north of the Erie Canal area , there are some wonderful bike train options for cyclists who want to explore the Niagara region.  A recent article said:
“This summer, the initiative connects Toronto with destinations across Ontario, providing cyclists of all abilities easy access to the Greenbelt, wine and culinary regions, and northern lakes and forests. As well, there are off-the-beaten-path villages, world-renowned natural and historical sites, and thousands of kilometres of recreational trails and on-road cycling routes.” (Read the whole article)

These two rail options are just examples of what bike advocates hope will be more and more mass transit options to support bike riding.  What are your suggestions for places to use railroads or metro systems as part of a bike tour?

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