Autumn Biking: 4 tips to keep you pedalling into shoulder season

Posted: Wed. Sep. 16/20

By Stevie Froese, ZenSeekers

When summer slips into fall, two-wheel adventures enter a new level of awesome. Whether you're into extreme mountain biking or cruising down a scenic path, bikers rule the shoulder season!

Here are 4 tips to help you get the most of your autumn ride.

1. Gear up

If you don't ride with a backpack in the summer, this might be the time to start. Carry a rainproof jacket or windbreaker to help warm you up at the start of your ride and keep your muscles warm on those chilly descents.

This is a good time to upgrade your setup with an end-of-season bargain. If you head into a rental shop you might get a chance to trial some gear for next season too!

2. Be intentional with your timing

In the summer an on-the-fly bike ride might be fine but the daylight is disappearing a lot sooner these days. If you don't like wearing a watch while you ride (I don't), put a timer alarm on your phone and carry it in your backpack so you can make sure you're not racing the sunset.

3. Look out for leaves

Part of the beauty of a fall ride is you get to weave in and out of a stunning array of colourful changing foliage. Just keep an eye out for leaves collecting on the trail that trap moisture and can make for some slick turns or a tricky climb.

4. Embrace the trails, they're all yours

You don't have to fight the summer crowds in the fall. This is the perfect time to hit those hot spots you wanted to ride all summer or to try something completely new!

Scroll through this list of western Canada destinations that are made for two wheels and let us know what catches your eye!

Bike Hinton - Approx. 3 hour drive west of Edmonton

This small mountain town has the mountain bike scene dialed. Local shops like Vicious Cycle can hook you up with rentals too.

Read on: Hit the trails in this Central Alberta’s Mountain Biking Mecca

Crowsnest Pass - Near the BC/Alberta border in the southern Rocky Mountains

This is fast becoming one of the go-to stops for two-wheeled enthusiasts. The Pass Powderkeg Ski Area is webbed with awesome single-track - Berma-Grin and Buck 50 are killer good!

Read on: Human Powering Through The Crowsnest Pass

Gateway to the Badlands - Approx 2-3 hour drive southeast of Calgary.

Take in the natural wonder of the Red Rock Coulees then take off on two wheels amongst rugged prehistoric terrain of the river coulee, tackle rolling hills and make turns through a thick forest.

Read on: My Perfect Day in Medicine Hat Mountain Biking

The Rail Trail - B.C.'s central Okanagan, approx. 5-hour drive northeast of Vancouver

The former Canadian Northern rail corridor connects communities from Coldstream to Kelowna's Okanagan Rail Trail. It’s a unique way to zip by lake-side scenes and connect to local shops in an ever-expanding bike trail system.

Read on: Serve Yourself; Vernon’s Foodie Trail #OkanaganExploring

Secret Beach - A hidden gem on the coast of Vancouver Island, approx. 4 hours from Victoria, BC

This popular kayaking and coastal camping destination is also home to a beautiful pump track which offers a unique experience through the old growth trees of Vancouver Island. It's a unique experience you just don't get the chance to experience every day.