Enjoy The Last A Few Warm Days In 2022
Fall is in the air and as the holidays quickly approach, we suggest taking advantage of the last rideable days of the year.
There are a few great benefits you can take advantage of when cycling in the winter. You burn more calories. Your body has to work a little harder in the winter to keep you warm while you are exercising, leading to a greater calorie burn. It's not a massive extra burn, but every little bit counts. Another plus is that bike paths and trails that are crowded during the summer are transformed, & becoming blissfully crowd-free in the wintertime.
Winters in places like New York are vastly different from that of California or Florida but don’t let that stop you. Grab your Kasen and hit the open road but with the cooler air don’t forget to stay warm for your adventures. If you are riding in a city be aware of the road conditions especially during the snow as snow melts the road oils lift and become slick, increasing the risk of losing control of your bike, sliding, and getting into an accident.
While the far right of the road might seem like a place to stay out of harm’s way, that’s not necessarily the case in any season. The immediate curb area is where plowed snow, muck and broken glass accumulate. Also, the farther right you are, the harder it is for drivers to spot you in the dark.
Note: If the road has a bike lane that’s full of snow or other hazards, then ride in the right-hand car lane instead.
Keeping warm. Just as with other outdoor activities, layering bike clothing is the right strategy for winter cycling. Start out feeling a little cool because you’ll warm up as you ride. If you don’t warm up enough, though, you want the option to add another layer from your bike bag. It’s also wise to have a warm jacket for rest or repair stops because you chill quickly when you’re not pedaling.
If the weather is really cold, you also want to have a wicking base layer under your bike clothing. At the very least, you need warm tights, a warm long-sleeve jersey and a waterproof cycling jacket and pants. You don’t have to buy bike-specific clothing for all your layers, though cyclewear has features that make you more visible and comfortable as you ride.
How cold is too cold to ride? It’s too cold any time you wouldn’t be comfortable—and aren’t prepared—to walk as far as you planned to ride. If your bike breaks down and can’t be ridden, you might have to do just that.
Fat-tire biking: Special mountain bikes outfitted with extremely wide tires let you ride on snow-packed terrain in the wintertime and is so much fun.
We do not recommend riding your Kasen in the rain as with most Electric bikes they are not waterproof.
Tips for Winter Bicycling
- Clean and cover your bike.
- Keep electric bike batteries warm.
- Gloves & beanies are a great way to combat the cold weather while riding
- Ride with a friend whenever possible not just for the fun but for safety.
- Enjoy