Today is your day Boomer! I remember a biking friend a while ago sliding and falling on black ice and breaking his hip. We do not want this happening to you Boomers, so here are some winter cycling tips from Landon Bradshaw of the Kelowna Cycling Coalition.• Route planning: Seasonal bike lanes on road shoulders are used for snow storage in the winter months, so your usual cycling routes may need to be adjusted. Many people switch parts of their trip to low-traffic residential streets. • Traction: The weather forecast is for warmer weather and melting, but we could still see black ice in the mornings and areas where melting snow refreezes overnight. While normal tires will work in the warmer conditions, regular winter riders should invest in studded tires.• Clothing: Cross-country skiing is the best parallel to winter cycling. Breathable layers are preferable. • Gloves and other accessories: Ski gloves work well for winter cycling since you will lose heat to your grips (where they are also exposed to cold breezes). Helmet covers will help keep your head warmer as will a thin toque or balaclava-type head covering beneath the helmet. • Bike: Any bike will work but it’s always nice to have fenders/ mudguards, especially in melting or wet conditions. Wider handlebars can make it easier to control your bike in slippery conditions, and wider tires at lower pressure provide the most traction. • Lighting: Winter days are shorter, and you need lighting(front and back)to both be seen and to see the roadway. Also, it’s best to have reflective gear facing each side as well. Good tips bikers. Cheers!

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