Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my cycling friends. Thanks to all who are following this blog; your comments and suggestions will help me provide you with even better items throughout 2009.
The early winter this year in Southern Ontario certainly cut into a lot of fall cycling plans. With the exception of a determined (or crazy) few, cyclists have all but disappeared on local roads and trails. As I sit pondering this post the snow continues to fall, promising to be the second major dump in as many days.
So, for the most part bikes are cleaned and stored for the winter. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, the holiday break is a great time to look for deals on modifications and parts. It might be a bit cold but heading to the garage or basement to spend a few hours fiddling with the bike might just help with the symptoms of winter withdrawal.
Now is a great time to get together with friends to plan those routes, trails, and races you need to work into your schedule for next spring and summer. Within the next month I will have added a large interactive database to http://www.sooutdoors.ca that will make it very easy for you to zoom in on specific destination, route and trail related information.
“Peace on earth: good will toward men.”
Lloyd
Friday, December 19, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Cold Weather Cycling
The number of recreational cyclists on the roads and trails has certainly been declining over the past few weeks, especially now that I look out and see several centimeters of snow blanketing the ground. And I know that the hearty breed that are still pumping the pedals are in for some spectacular fall adventures.
Fewer people means that mountain bikers can be a bit more adventurous on the trails and road cyclists have a bit more elbow room for cross country adventures.
Cycling in cold or at least much cooler weather does have its challenges and not unlike a cross country skier you are wise to carry some additional layers this time of year. Cycling can be physically demanding and even during cold weather the body still generates plenty perspiration during physical exertion in order to keep cool. Although cooler temperatures are great while you’re active and exerting lots of energy, it can be quite unpleasant and even dangerous when you stop.
You will appreciate that extra layer of clothing when its time for a rest break. It will prevent your body from cooling too rapidly and will ensure that you don’t get chilled before heading off again. Once the body cools to the point of feeling chilled it takes a long time, even with strenuous activity to warm up again.
Remember that during those long rides or hours on the trails it is just as important to keep hydrated now as it was in the hot summer months. Your body still looses lots of moisture but it may not be as evident in cooler weather.
Stay safe, keep warm and hydrated, and enjoy some great cool weather cycling in Southern Ontario.
SD
Fewer people means that mountain bikers can be a bit more adventurous on the trails and road cyclists have a bit more elbow room for cross country adventures.
Cycling in cold or at least much cooler weather does have its challenges and not unlike a cross country skier you are wise to carry some additional layers this time of year. Cycling can be physically demanding and even during cold weather the body still generates plenty perspiration during physical exertion in order to keep cool. Although cooler temperatures are great while you’re active and exerting lots of energy, it can be quite unpleasant and even dangerous when you stop.
You will appreciate that extra layer of clothing when its time for a rest break. It will prevent your body from cooling too rapidly and will ensure that you don’t get chilled before heading off again. Once the body cools to the point of feeling chilled it takes a long time, even with strenuous activity to warm up again.
Remember that during those long rides or hours on the trails it is just as important to keep hydrated now as it was in the hot summer months. Your body still looses lots of moisture but it may not be as evident in cooler weather.
Stay safe, keep warm and hydrated, and enjoy some great cool weather cycling in Southern Ontario.
SD
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Destination Tobermory
With crystal clear waters, scenic vistas, and hundreds of miles of secondary roadways to explore the Bruce Peninsula cyclists will soon fall in love with this finger of land pointing northwards. Bring your bike or make the Bruce part of a fall cycling tour. There are plenty of places to camp, eat, or even rent a cottage for a few days.
The roadways in this area are irregular to say the least so be sure you have good quality maps of the area or even a GPS to help find your way around. If you're cycling along #6 highway, which is the main artery between Wiarton and Tobermory, proceed with caution. This is a well maintained highway but being the only major roadway in the area it carries a considerable volume of traffic. There are no paved shoulders.
Fall is a great time to explore the backroads of the Bruce by bike. Plan a trip this fall; you won't be disappointed.
Lloyd
The roadways in this area are irregular to say the least so be sure you have good quality maps of the area or even a GPS to help find your way around. If you're cycling along #6 highway, which is the main artery between Wiarton and Tobermory, proceed with caution. This is a well maintained highway but being the only major roadway in the area it carries a considerable volume of traffic. There are no paved shoulders.
Fall is a great time to explore the backroads of the Bruce by bike. Plan a trip this fall; you won't be disappointed.
Lloyd
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Is it Time to Leave the Car at Home?
I came across an interesting cycling comments post on the CBC website - www.cbc.ca - a few days ago that I wanted to share with you. It turned out to be a lively discussion about what it would take to get people cycling to work instead of taking the car.
Of course with raising gas costs and focus on all environmental issues the post was quite timely. You will find fanatics on both sides of the cycling spectrum and almost every opinion in between. But it was not surprising that a large number of comments were based on how cities must improve cycling access to make cyclists feel safe in urban environments. Everything else seemed to be secondary.
If you would like to read all the comments for yourself they can be found at http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourview/2008/07/what_would_it_take_to_get_you.html .
I'm sure you'll enjoy the diverse views on the topic and I look forward to your own comments right here on Southern Ontario Cycling.
Lloyd
Of course with raising gas costs and focus on all environmental issues the post was quite timely. You will find fanatics on both sides of the cycling spectrum and almost every opinion in between. But it was not surprising that a large number of comments were based on how cities must improve cycling access to make cyclists feel safe in urban environments. Everything else seemed to be secondary.
If you would like to read all the comments for yourself they can be found at http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourview/2008/07/what_would_it_take_to_get_you.html .
I'm sure you'll enjoy the diverse views on the topic and I look forward to your own comments right here on Southern Ontario Cycling.
Lloyd
Friday, August 8, 2008
SO...Outdoors Cycling Blog
Southern Ontario boasts a wide variety of cycling opportunities. My cycling blog will be updated regularly and is sponsored by www.SoOutdoors.ca.
Whether you prefer a gentle tour along a flat groomed trail or are looking for the challenges of extreme mountain biking you will enjoy the information provided in this blog.
For more information about cycling opportunities in Southern Ontario please visit www.SoOutdoors.ca/Cycling.
Whether you prefer a gentle tour along a flat groomed trail or are looking for the challenges of extreme mountain biking you will enjoy the information provided in this blog.
For more information about cycling opportunities in Southern Ontario please visit www.SoOutdoors.ca/Cycling.
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