What to Know Before Getting on Your Bike in Winter
Planning for winter biking in Boston. Winter biking is a great way to see the city at night without worrying about how cold it can get outside, or how long you have to bike for to get home. Here are some great tips to help you get going during your winter biking adventure.
Boston’s bike routes are fairly well-marked, so you can get started by using some maps to outline roads with the least traffic and best maintanence.
This is the perfect way to learn about where your route will end up. You should know the neighborhood of the place you live before taking the bike. If you live in a place like Cambridge, for example, it’s important to know the area is not likely to have a lot of snowfall before the winter. Find out the best routes to ride during the springtime, and get those routes marked out too.
Many people live near Boston, but don’t ride their bikes because of the weather. If you don’t mind waiting for the season to end, then it might be a good idea to start biking in Boston when it gets warmer.
Many people decide to bike in Massachusetts during the winter because of the low temperatures, but many are impressed with the extreme weather of the Northeast. Most people don’t realize how much snow falls on New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island each year. If you live in Massachusetts, you might not even know it!
However, even though you live in a place where the weather isn’t very extreme, it’s still not a good idea to bike in Boston in the winter. Snowfall in Boston can cause floods in some areas, which makes biking in cold weather treacherous.
The Best Winter Cycling Boston Routes
When it comes to Boston, winter has the reputation of being downright miserable. This is not the case with winter biking and the right gear. For many people, winter biking is a great way to travel and excersize in the snow during the winter season.
When winter comes around, the roads are full of snow and ice and your regular commuter bike doesn’t cut it any more. The good news is that you don’t have to make do with riding one of the city’s many city bikes. With winter biking you can ride as far as you want to go, ride over deep frozen lakes, get up to three miles per hour and never feel like you’re going too fast.
It is the snow and ice cycling that most people associate with winter biking. Winter biking may seem a little out of your league, but it isn’t.
If you happen to be useing good quality snow tires, which most serious cyclists are, you will be able to enjoy winter biking even more. Here are some tips to make sure you get the most out of winter biking:
Snow: Snow is slippery, so when you pedal a bicycle over snow you need to be very careful. If you have a backpack full of supplies and tools, try some saddlebags on your bike. Keep the snow off your bicycle, and your bike bag should have enough room for everything that you want to pack. Most mountain bikers pack two water bottles and two snacks in there as well. It is probably a good idea to pack extra layers just in case.
Ice: A good way to tell if the road is packed with ice is the lack of cars. Vehicles have a hard time navigating through thick ice, so it is best to stay away from the ice and try and avoid it altogether. You might think that an ice filled tire is easier to repair, but it is just as likely that it will crack, and the surface of the ice might split open, sending splinters and debris flying through the air. Snow is usually the best option, but when you know the road is packed with ice, use the tread as a guide, instead of being aggressive and trying to slide. Also watch out for larger ice chunks as they might break loose and block the tire.
Check the Surface: When winter biking in Boston you are only limited by your imagination. You should always check the road to make sure there is no ice or snow before you begin riding. One of the most popular winter biking routes is the Charles River, and if you use this route always check that there is no snow on the paths.
Ride Towards the Sun: When you are going downhill on the road and there is a glimmer of light reflecting off the snow or ice, it means that the road is slick, and it’s time to make a stop. Even if you get to the top of a hill, check the road to make sure that there are no sharp rocks and narrow tunnels that will trap you in an accident. After all, as long as you hit the brakes when you are traveling downhill, you will be fine.
Tips For Choosing the Best Bike For Winter Bicycle Commuting
As someone who bike commutes often, I know how stressful the first few weeks of winter can be. Cycling through the bitter cold can be a very tiring task at times, but it is also an important way to get exercise and get around when the weather gets cold. This is one of the primary reasons why winter bike commuting is so popular. If you plan on commuting this season, you have many options to consider. To begin with, there are many different styles of winter bikes to choose from. Here are some tips for choosing the best bike for winter bicycle commuting.
There are many different kinds of winter bikes that you can choose from. The style of the bike, the price, and the intended use of the bike all need to be considered before you make a decision. This means that you should decide what type of riding you intend to do the first time you buy your bike. A good choice of bike for winter biking would be a mountain bike for commuting in cold weather or a cross country bike for winter cycling.
One of the most important considerations when considering your bike for winter bike commuting is the kind of commuter you want to be. There are many different types of winter commuting bike options. This is one of the ways that you can feel more comfortable and less stressed when you bicycle in the winter months. It is also a good way to get exercise, so consider your level of fitness before deciding which bike you would like to have. Just keep in mind that you have many options when choosing the best bike for winter bike commuting.
Biking in Snow
Biking in snow is a serious endeavor, however there are ways to ensure that you have fun while you are riding your bike through the cold, snow and ice. Many people are not used to riding their bikes when the temperatures are below freezing. This can be a challenge for those that are new to riding bicycles. The best way to ensure that you have a good time while biking in the snow is to bring a good pair of snow boots and gloves.
Firstly you will need to try out your new boots. There are a variety of types of snow boots available for sale. You can find styles that are made from wool or Gore-Tex. There are also some boots that are made from Gore-Tex but that is waterproof. As a beginner when you are buying your first pair of boots you will want to ensure that you purchase the best quality pair you can afford. You want your boots to last you for a long time so purchasing your boots today can make the difference between having a great time on your bike in the snow this winter and looking back at the year and seeing that you spent a lot of money on your biking in snow gear. It may be in your best interest to spend the extra money now and purchase a waterproof pair of boots.
Once you have your boots it is time to get out there and explore some of the locations that you can find yourself. Often times when you are biking in snow you are going to be hiking and finding areas to ride through is going to be a challenge. This is why it is important to take your bike out for a test ride today. If you have a pair of snow boots and your bike is dry then you are ready to do some exploring.
Winter Bike Commuting
Winter Bike commuting is an easy, rewarding and cheap way to get to work. There are many benefits to this mode of transportation. As long as you know where you will be going you will not have to spend a lot of money on gas. Many companies offer discounted rates and offer a choice of taxis, shuttle buses or trains, if needed. When in doubt you can always make a research online to find out the best deals.
If you decide to take your bike for a day commute, you will see how important this choice is. You will feel more confident when on your bike with no traffic to worry about. It is a good idea to choose a route that is direct to your destination. There are some factors that you should keep in mind when making your final decision. Take your budget into consideration and make sure it is within your means.
One of the most important things to remember when choosing your route is to choose one with reliable service. If you decide to ride your bike, make sure it is a well maintained and high quality model. When riding your bike make sure you use good hand and eye coordination. Stay on a regular schedule and ensure you plan your trip well in advance. You will not regret your decision.