Get ready for winter riding

Until the Dirt Factory doors are open, outdoor winter riding will have to do. With winter almost upon us, the weather is already getting more challenging and off-road trails are becoming gloopy. Don’t let it put you off though, this is the season where you can have much fun on your bike. Whether it’s night rides, challenging yourself on wet and muddy terrain or pedalling harder than ever just to stay warm, winter riding can be ace.

Making sure your steed is in tip top condition should be a priority. The last thing you need is a mechanical on cold winters day with light fading fast. Thankfully though the kind folks at Transport for Greater Manchester are teaming up with bike shops to make sure you’re winter-ready.

A series of Winter Cycling drop-in events will take place at 10 different Greater Manchester bike shops from November through to February. Shop staff and TfGM instructors (peak times only) will be on hand to offer:

• Free bike maintenance checks
• Route planning and expert advice
• Free cycle maps
• Police Bike Register tag
• Sign up to free cycle training
• Special shop discount to anyone who comes along.

For more information about these drop-in events visit the dedicated TfGM Winter Cycling site. As a special bonus the good folks at TfGM also have dozens of bags packed with cycling goodies to give away. When you attend one of the drop-in sessions quote ‘Winter-ready campaign’ when you arrive at the shop and the first ten cyclists will receive a goodie bag.

Transport for Greater Manchester offer free adult cycle training and maintenance courses for all levels of experience. These are run by qualified instructors and delivered either in small groups or on a one-to-one basis. Find out more and book your place by emailing [email protected]

All of the above gives you little excuse to keep the pedals turning over the winter months. If like us you love a challenge, be sure to get out on the bike and share your winter riding shots with us on social media. We love to see the good, bad and ugly of what winter riding brings.

Happy trails.