Riding your bike or ebike in the autumn, especially with the present fresh temperatures in Toronto and Vancouver, is an excellent way to expand your green-transit routine and explore what your region has to offer. There are a few things to consider to make your commute or excursion super easy and comfortable as the seasons change.
Clothing
“Layering” is key to being prepared during fluctuating conditions. Start with a base-layer or simple, breathable tee, add a warmer jersey, hoodie or even a jean jacket, so when you & the day warms up, you can always adjust to the right feel. An outer shell keeps the wind and the rain out. Rain pants, flexible gloves, and even waterproof shoes will have you in top shape. Shop local. These Vancouver and Toronto faves have tons of great ideas to get you kitted up:
West Point Cycles (four locations in Vancouver and one in Langley, B.C.) has dozens of shells and light jackets.
On The Rivet - a chic cycling retailer on West Broadway in Vancouver - is chock full of all-weather gloves.
Pillar Heights - a bespoke, active-wear, clothing company - specialises in made-to-order merino wool or hemp base layers, neck warmers, jerseys and pants in ten gorgeous colours!
Sweet Pete’s in Toronto, not only has great cycling accessories, it’s a great place to browse for casual tees and layers.
Blacksmith Cycle (who happen to be Zygg’s upstair’s neighbour on Sorauren Park in Toronto) is a high-end, cycling outfitter. You are able to walk away with small items, like a cosy neck-warmer, at a bargain-price!
Weather & Road Conditions
Before you head out, make sure to check the local weather forecast. Plan your route and how you ride, accordingly. Watch out for slick streets, especially in the morning, and early evening, with dew, rain and even some early snow difficult to detect. Fallen leaves may be damp and very slippery when wet. Take your time! Available daylight stealthily decreases in the upcoming months. Make sure to use your front and back lights in the morning, and as the day transitions into evening earlier, when other riders and drivers are adjusting to the light conditions which may cause “glare”. All models of Zygg e-bikes come with built in lights, however, if you need an extra pair Fix Coffee + Bikes in the Parkdale area of west Toronto have a good selection at all price points. They also carry fashionable coffee / tea mugs and brew-gear for that cuppa on the road. Pull over, take a break and breathe in the scenery.
If you are a bike food delivery rider who often works into the later-hours, make sure to get a visibility boost with reflective gear, like the Zygg Thermal & Waterproof Delivery Bag with reflective strips and lettering.
Fall Tune-Up
Since you may pick up extra debris during autumn cycling, clean your bike (especially the chain, pedals and derailleur) with a damp cloth and a bit of soapy water. Keep your tires pumped to the correct PSI. On Zygg Ebikes that would:
Model A: 60 PSI
Model G: 55 PSI
Model Qs: 60 PSI
Model R: 55 PSI
Keep a close watch on changing weather conditions, especially that first snowfall, whereby all who are on the road will need to ease into the potential wintry conditions. Check local street routes for road closures, delays and street maintenance. For Toronto there is an updated Cycling Route, Cycle Track and Bike Lanes clearing site.
In Vancouver, there is an interactive map for gauging and reporting the need to clear streets and bikeways of leaves and other obstacles.
Now that you are ready, get outside!
The Routes
Our friends at Bike Share Toronto have assembled their Top 5 Fall Bike Rides for taking in the fall colours in the city of Toronto, which includes : High Park, The Brick Works Park, The Beltline, Tommy Thompson Park, and Taylor Creek Park.
Destination Vancouver’s “Bike Rides To Enjoy The Fall Colours” is an excellent resource for autumn trekking via bike or ebike. Their highlights include UBC, False Creek Sea Wall, Stanley Park, 10th Avenue Bikeway, Arbutus Greenway, Trout Lake, Coal Harbour Seawall and The Seaside Bike Route.
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