GETTING READY FOR YOUR SPRING BIKE RIDE: OUR TIPS FOR AN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE!

Snowstorms, biting cold, unexpected thaws… Winter has put you through the wringer, but you made the most of it. Then spring finally arrives: nature wakes up, the days grow longer, and the excitement of your first pedal strokes of the season starts to build. Whether you're a road cyclist or a mountain biker, it's the perfect time to rediscover the joy of long rides.

For this article, NOPé consulted the experts at Cycles Dupuis to gather their best advice so you can make the most of your first outings. As a bonus, we've included a few useful resources to help you plan your routes.

3-2-1… let's go!

PREPARING FOR YOUR FIRST SPRING BIKE RIDES

Spring cycling comes with its share of challenges. Snowmelt has created puddles across the pavement, streets haven't been cleaned yet, and the infamous potholes haven't been repaired. And the wind, almost forgotten during the indoor training season, is back. All of these factors catch cyclists off guard every year, both in terms of performance and comfort. That's why it's important not to repeat the same mistakes year after year.

The advice from our experts is built on four essential rules:

1. Dress appropriately for the conditions,
2. Don't get discouraged early in the season,
3. Make sure your bike is safe before hitting the road or the trails,
4. And revisit your positioning for a comfortable and high-performing ride.

HOW TO DRESS FOR SPRING CYCLING

It's amazing how selective memory can be. When we look back on last spring's rides, the good memories tend to take over. The biting cold, the wind, or the temperature swings that play tricks on our internal thermostat quickly fade into the background.

The result: we often underestimate early-season conditions. Dressing too lightly or overlooking certain accessories are among the most common mistakes on the first spring rides.

So how do you dress for a long ride when temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day? How do you manage sweat while staying warm during breaks?

"Layering is the secret," confirms Sabrina Coletta, Marketing Coordinator at Cycles Dupuis and avid cyclist. The base layer helps manage sweat while retaining warmth. "We love sleeveless vests for keeping the core warm. You can also add a windbreaker that you remove along the way as the temperature rises."

When the morning starts cold but warms up in the afternoon, arm warmers and leg warmers are very handy. As a general rule, mountain bikers tend to wear looser clothing. They'll swap leg warmers for tights under their pants and adapt their layering system as needed. A backpack is very practical for storing clothing that becomes unnecessary mid-ride, especially for mountain bikers.

ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES

A thin toque or headband under your helmet, a neck gaiter, gloves, and shoe covers are must-haves for the first spring rides (in March, April, and sometimes even May).

• Gloves: lightweight full-finger gloves (Sugoi, Giro). For mountain biking, gloves are already full-finger, but they're not always as warm as the Subzero (Sugoi) or Cascade (Giro) options.

• Glasses: the same as in summer. Use a lighter lens when visibility is low.

• Shoes: the same as in summer, paired with shoe covers or warmer socks.

Another useful tip before heading out on the road in spring: make sure you stay visible. Adding lights to both the front and rear of your bike is strongly recommended. It’s important to remember that visibility is generally reduced at this time of year due to lower light levels (the sun sets earlier than in summer).

When it comes to clothing, there are of course colorful options designed for spring and fall. However, since these pieces often represent a greater investment and are worn less frequently, many cyclists opt for more neutral colors, such as black, to ensure their gear remains timeless from one season to the next.

RIDING SAFELY

Before heading out on roads or trails, safety should come first and that means a few mechanical checks. Inspect your chain for wear, especially if the bike was used on an indoor trainer over the winter. Cleaning and lubricating (or waxing) the chain, checking tire wear, these are good habits to develop at the start of the season. For tubeless tire users, it's recommended to refresh the sealant.

A repair kit is always useful, whatever the season. It should include: tire levers, an inner tube, work gloves for those who don't want to get their hands dirty, a CO₂ cartridge, and a small manual or electric pump.

ADAPTING TO SPRING CONDITIONS

In spring, pavement that's still wet, dusty, or scattered with gravel deserves extra attention. How can you adjust your riding to reduce the risk of accidents?

• By slowing down in corners to avoid sliding.

• By trying to avoid puddles when possible (without being afraid to get a little dirty!).

• And, a tip specifically for mountain bikers, by waiting until trails are dry to avoid damaging them.

PLANNING YOUR BIKE ROUTE: THE BEST TOOLS

Ready to kick off your cycling season? Why not start with a few laps around your neighbourhood to ease back into outdoor riding? From there, a world of destinations awaits.

Several online tools can help you plan road or mountain bike outings, discover new routes, and adapt your rides to spring conditions. In Quebec, Ontario, and across Canada, certain platforms stand out for the richness of their data, the accuracy of their maps, or the strength of their community. Here are some go-to resources for planning your spring rides:

• Strava: for discovering popular routes and following other cyclists' tracks.
  

• Ride with GPS: ideal for mapping your routes and visualizing elevation.
  

• Trailforks: the reference for mountain biking and trail conditions.
  

• Komoot: a versatile app for easy planning and navigation.

In Quebec, local resources like Route verte and Vélo Québec offer a wealth of information for exploring the region safely. In Ontario, the Waterfront Trail and Ontario By Bike also offer beautiful routes, while the Trans Canada Trail lets you think even bigger on a national scale.

Hours of fun and effort await you on the roads and trails this spring. Let the outdoor adventure begin! And for more outdoor activity ideas and expert tips, check out our blog and follow us on social media.

This article was created in collaboration with Cycles Dupuis.