Getting Ready for Autumn Cycling
Autumn riding has a magic all of its own. The mornings turn crisp, the trees catch fire with gold and red, and the roads often feel quieter as summer crowds fade away. For us, it’s a season that blends beauty with challenge. The rides can be some of the most memorable of the year, but they also demand more thought and preparation. The weather shifts quickly, the daylight fades faster than you think, and the tarmac itself changes character under a blanket of leaves and rain.
Layering Is Everything
Over the years, we’ve learned that dressing for autumn isn’t about one “perfect” jersey or jacket — it’s about layers. A breathable base layer keeps sweat off the skin, a thermal long-sleeve jersey adds warmth, and a gilet or lightweight shell finishes the job. The key is flexibility. We’ve found ourselves pulling layers on during shaded climbs, then quickly zipping them down or tucking them away when the road tips upward into the sun. That ability to adapt on the go is what keeps an autumn ride enjoyable instead of uncomfortable.
Tips for layering:
- Base layer for moisture control
- Thermal long-sleeve jersey for warmth
- Gilet or shell for wind and showers
- Zips and pockets for quick adjustments
Don’t Forget the Extremities
If there’s one thing that can ruin a ride fast, it’s cold fingers or toes. Autumn doesn’t always call for the thickest winter kit, but lightweight long-finger gloves and simple oversocks make a huge difference. A thin cap under the helmet or even just a headband keeps ears from freezing on those first descents of the morning. It’s the little details like this that extend a ride from “bearable” to genuinely enjoyable.
Essentials for hands, feet, and head:
- Lightweight gloves (windproof if possible)
- Oversocks or light overshoes
- Cap or headband under the helmet
- Thin merino socks for warmth without bulk
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Roads Change With the Season
We also start to ride differently once autumn arrives. Wet leaves, damp patches, and gravel washed out by rain make the tarmac more unpredictable. Instead of throwing the bike hard into corners, we ease back a touch — braking earlier, leaning a little less. It doesn’t take away the fun; if anything, it sharpens the focus and makes each ride a bit more mindful.
Road safety reminders:
- Expect wet leaves to be as slippery as ice
- Brake earlier and more gradually
- Scan ahead for gravel or washed-out edges
- Lower tyre pressure slightly for more grip
Lights, Always
One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that autumn light can trick you. You roll out in sunshine and return in twilight, sometimes even on the shortest of rides. That’s why from September onward, lights are a permanent fixture on our bikes. A bright rear flasher and a reliable front light make us visible in low sun, fog, or grey skies. It’s not just about night riding — it’s about being seen whenever the conditions shift.
Lighting checklist:
- Strong rear flasher (daylight visible if possible)
- Front light with 300+ lumens for visibility
- Keep them charged or carry a backup
- Mount securely for rougher autumn roads
Embrace the Mood
There’s also a softer side to autumn cycling that we’ve come to love. The season brings quieter roads, reflective rides, and a pace that doesn’t always have to be about chasing numbers. Sometimes the most memorable rides are those where we just spin through misty valleys or climb into the late-afternoon glow, enjoying the mood as much as the movement.
Ideas for autumn rides:
- Early morning spins to catch the mist
- Short coffee rides wrapped in warm kit
- Golden-hour climbs before dusk
- Recovery rides where pace doesn’t matter
Final Thoughts
Autumn isn’t about hibernation; it’s about adaptation. With the right kit, a bit of awareness, and an openness to the changing rhythm of the season, it can be one of the richest times of year to ride. Layer up, protect your extremities, ride smart, and light the way. Do that, and autumn will reward you with some of the most atmospheric and satisfying rides you’ll ever have.
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