Short Journey Workshop – Hills, Wind & Weather 1/2

Outcomes

• Awareness of the dangers and risks associated with cycling in difficult conditions.

• Ability to make suitable choices of gear and route for conditions.

• Confidence to cycle in varying conditions.

Information

This session can be delivered more as an information session rather than an activity. (Could be done prior to a ride, attached to another workshop or as a stand alone session)

Topics to cover:

Hills

Choosing appropriate gearing and route options: Consider the following: Consider the gearing on your bike and whether it’s suitable for steeper hills.

Anticipate the terrain ahead when approaching an incline. If it’s a shallow incline you might want to shift into easier gears as you go. For steeper inclines consider shifting into an easier gear before the incline commences. Once the terrain flattens out you can return to the gear used prior to the incline. Note – walking the steepest part of any hill is always an option, just remember that pushing a bike up a steep hill is hard work and takes time. (Always a good opportunity for a water break)

E-bikes are great for tackling hills, even in harder gears. Remember that hill climbs are more of a drain on the battery, so adjust settings accordingly.

Introduction

Welcome & Introductions with participants

• An introduction of why you are there and who is going to be leading the activities.

• A bit of feedback from participants on what they are expecting.

• Familiarisation with the facilities – toilets, refreshments, health and safety etc.

Downhill

Consider your speed and braking on downhill riding. Look ahead for any obstacles, potholes or gravel. Look ahead to adjust speed and braking in preparation for any turns.

As pedalling gets easier shift back into a harder gear to help with control and speed. Avoid hard braking on your descent, looking ahead to where you are going.

Wind

Cross winds – anticipate exposed sections en route.

Try to adopt a relaxed grip on the handlebars to work with the wind rather than fighting it. Wear clothing that won’t be affected by the wind (Maybe no umbrellas or ponchos!)

Be mindful that panniers can be affected by strong winds.

Be prepared to adjust route depending on prevailing winds.

Consider riding in a less upright position and dropping into an easier gear.

Weather

Please note cycling in adverse weather should be aligned to your skills and confidence in dealing with varied conditions.

Preparation for riding:

Check weather

Adjust clothing to match conditions

Adjust accessories to match conditions

Consider mudguards

Consider lights for visibility

Keeping out the elements: What to wear: Dress for the conditions ‘There’s no such thing as the wrong weather, just the wrong clothes,’ so the old cycling adage goes and, most of the time, that’s quite true. Weather can change quickly so discover the art of layering your clothes so you can cool down or warm up quickly. What to cycle in when it is cold or in the heat of summer an be a bit trickier.

Head: A thin fleece hat to go under your helmet.

Hands: Specific cycling gloves are great, other gloves like ski gloves work too, just watch they are not too chunky.

The session

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Feet: Socks that don’t hold water and not having your shoes too tight help to keep your feet warm. You can get specific over-shoes to insulate and keep spray off.

Body: Lots of thin layers is the key, letting you tweak your temperature easily to stop you getting too hot or too cold.

Visibility: Contrast to your environment is the key, colours you don’t see in your habitat are best. Change what you wear to suit the conditions, for example bright yellow on a sunny day might not provide enough contrast.

Sun and glare: Sunglasses are a good option to reduce glare and a peaked cap under your helmet. Also consider protection from the sun.