Summer Break is Over: Tips to Get Biking Again

September is officially here, which means vacations are coming to an end, students are returning to the classroom, and workloads are ramping up as we head into Q4. If you are one of the many cyclists who took a mid-Summer break from riding, whether that was to spend more time with your kids, enjoy some AC, or travel someplace new, it can be an adjustment to start riding again after a long break. Here’s your step-by-step guide to getting back on two wheels for the fall routine.

1. Start Slow

Autumn is undoubtedly the best time of year for cycling. The air gets cooler and easier to breathe, the UV pulls back and gives your skin much-needed relief, and even the most basic routes are decorated with foliage and beautiful fallen leaves. These ideal conditions are a big motivator to get out there, but it’s important to start with manageable rides after a long break. Talk yourself out of that Sunday 60-miler as your first ride because jumping back in too hard increases the risk of injury, fatigue, and unnecessary soreness the next day.

Start with shorter, familiar routes that you know you can complete comfortably. If you normally ride 15 miles, there’s nothing wrong with making your first ride back five or six. Keep the pace comfortable, see how you feel the next day, and gradually add distance over your next several rides. Give your body a week or two to remember what riding feels like before you start pushing distance or pace. The goal of your first few rides back is to get the wheels rolling, start rebuilding your fitness, and feel confident on a bike again.

With a Montague folding bike, starting slow couldn’t be easier. The ability to fold your bike takes the pressure off your ride; If you make it to work but don’t have the energy to commute home, you can fold your bike and take it onto public transportation. Alternatively, you can drive a portion of the distance with your bike in the trunk and switch once you reach a convenient lot within the appropriate distance to work. With a folding bike, easing into a season of heavy bike commuting is simple and safe, keeping you from overcommitting too early.

2. Double-check your bike before you ride

On the topic of exercising caution: If it’s been a while since you’ve ridden your bike, be sure to check that everything is in correct working order before setting off on a ride.

Run through the basics before your first ride back. Check your tire pressure and look for any cracks or wear on the rubber. Test both brake levers to make sure they’re responsive, and that the pads aren’t worn down. If the chain looks dry or rusty, a quick clean and re-lube will make an immediate difference to how the bike feels. If you ride a folding bike, also take a moment to check the mechanism and make sure all quick releases are properly adjusted and secured. If anything seems off and you’re not sure how to address it, take it to your local bike shop for an inspection or tune-up. 

A few minutes of preparation before your first ride back is always time well spent. In fact, Montague has a step-by-step pre-ride checklist to get you started.

3. Prepare for shorter days and changing weather

One of the best parts of getting back on your bike in September is the cooler weather, but fall riding comes with a few changes of its own. Daylight disappears earlier, mornings can be surprisingly chilly, and wet leaves can make otherwise familiar roads and paths slippery.

If you commute, make sure your front and rear lights are charged and working before you need them. Consider keeping a light jacket or an extra layer in your bag, especially if you ride early in the morning or after work. And as leaves begin to fall, give yourself a little extra braking distance on wet or leaf-covered pavement.

A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping fall rides comfortable, and keeping the changes in weather from becoming an excuse to leave the bike at home.

4. Commuters, ride a route for fun every once in a while

Even the most enthusiastic bike commuters will tell you that taking rides purely for pleasure are what make the cycling experience. Chances are, if you are able to ride your bike to and from work, you’re in an area with popular recreational cycling destinations nearby, such as parks or scenic community paths.

Mixing in a purely enjoyable ride every now and then will remind you why you fell in love with cycling in the first place. Pick an area to explore or a coffee spot to try, and bring your friends or family. Even a detour from your normal commuting route can bring joy after a day of work and open your eyes to a new area of your city. Commuting by bike is one of the most practical things you can do, but keeping it fun is what makes the habit stick long-term.

Montague’s lineup includes bikes suited to everything from daily pavement riding to trails and off-road adventures. All of the bikes in the Pavement line can handle both city streets and smooth nature paths. And even our off-road line of Paratrooper high-performance folding mountain bikes are capable of getting you to work with ease. Regardless of your preferences, your Montague will be ready for an adventure.

5. Set a personal goal

The benefits of cycling are endless. Shorter commute times. Positive mental and physical health benefits. Offsetting carbon footprints. Quality time outside. If you’re feeling unmotivated to go back to a consistent cycling routine that may have fallen off over the Summer break, think about just one reason to get back into it.

Rather than setting a vague intention to “ride your bike more,” give yourself a goal to work toward, like a particular distance you want to hit by the end of September, a route you’ve never completed, or simply committing to two or three rides a week. Clear goals are far easier to follow through on than ones that stay in the back of your mind as a general good intention.

If your goal is to bike-commute three times a week but you don’t have a reliable ride for the task, Montague folding bikes are a good place to start looking. Not only will your bike boast exceptional performance on streets and paths, but it can fold in seconds and come with you to your desk without you needing to worry about theft, damage, or weather.

6. Keep your bike close

Out of sight really does mean out of mind. If it’s been months since your last ride, chances are your bike is currently tucked away in a basement or in the darkest corner of your garage. Yet, one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to stay motivated to ride consistently is to make your bike as easy to access as possible. If getting to it requires moving things around, going out to a cluttered shed or storage unit, or any extra effort before you’ve even started, the barrier to riding goes up considerably.

This is where having a folding bike is a massive advantage. A Montague folds down to a compact size so it can live in your hallway, beside your desk, or in the corner of a room. When the bike is already there when you walk past it in the morning, the decision to ride becomes a whole lot easier to make.

The hardest ride after a break is always the first one, and after that, it gets easier every time. With September’s cooler temps and crisp fall weather, there’s genuinely no better time to get back out there, and with a folding bike, the process has never been easier. When summer comes around again, you might not even want to stop.