October is the perfect time for biking in Shelby County! The weather is starting to cool off, the leaves are changing color, and there is a crispness in the air. Nothing beats getting into the Shelby County outdoors and feeling the wind in your face as you zip down bike trails enjoying some beautiful scenery. October is just around the corner, so the time to start preparing is now. Get the latest gear, discover the best trails, and learn some expert tips so that you will be ready for Biketober this year!
Gear Up For Biketober
Before you head out on the trails this October in Shelby County, there are a few things you should do to get ready. Being prepared will make for a better riding experience, so you will have even more fun this Biketober when you follow the advice mentioned here. Dive into the details below for the best tips, advice, gear, and trails that you should know about for Biketober!
Brush Up On Your Maintenance
Before you head out and ride this October, you need to make sure that your bike maintenance is up to par. Regular maintenance will keep your bike operating smoothly, and this can give you both a smoother and safer ride. One key piece of maintenance is keeping the chain clean and lubricated. This will help prevent excess wear and tear on several components.
You should also make sure your tires are properly inflated and check your brakes regularly. Worn brakes can put you in a dangerous situation, and improperly inflated tires will wear much more quickly. One final item is to check all the nuts and bolts for tightness. Once you’ve completed your maintenance, you will be ready to hit the trails for Biketober!
Grab The Proper Gear
Having the proper gear can make your ride much more enjoyable, while a lack of the right gear can make things miserable. The specific gear that you need for your ride depends on the type of riding you plan to do. Serious mountain biking will require different gear than someone who plans to spend most of their time on the road.
At a minimum, you need to invest in a good helmet. Make sure your helmet fits properly and be sure to wear it each and every time you ride. You will probably want a good pair of gloves as well. The Cognito D30 gloves are a great option for mountain bikers as they provide plenty of padding and protection while offering a good balance of breathability and stretch. Some riders also choose to invest in bike shorts, elbow pads, and knee pads. Again, just be sure to match the type of gear you decide to wear with the type of riding you plan to do.
Find The Best Trails
Biketober is the best season to get out and enjoy some of the great trails around Shelby County. There are so many great trails here that you can try new ones all month long! Here are some of the local favorites.
Oak Mountain State Park: Oak Mountain has over 100 miles of bike trails that range in difficulty. The Lake Trail is perfect for beginners and gives you a great view of Double Oak Lake. This trail is relatively flat, so it’s a pretty easy ride. On the other end of the spectrum is the “Blood Rock” trail. This trail will challenge even the most experienced riders.
Cahaba River Park: With about 30 miles of trails here, bikers can spend the day exploring the beautiful scenery around the Cahaba River. From ridgetop views to flat trails through pine trees along the banks of the river, this park has something for everyone. Stop at one of the pavilions to enjoy lunch, or you can even take an easy ride around the lake trail and look for wildlife.
Shoal Creek Park: Although the trails here are not the longest, October is a beautiful time to visit Shoal Creek Park. There are over 9 miles of trails here, and the scenery is gorgeous. Plus, you might catch glimpses of all kinds of wildlife as you ride along the creek. The changing landscape, including woods, fields, bridges, and creeks, keeps things interesting.
Get Ready For Biketober Today
Now is the time to start preparing your game plan for Biketober in Shelby County! Get out on your bike and enjoy the great weather and beautiful scenery! Whether you decide to go for a challenging trail at Oak Mountain or a leisurely ride around the lake at Cahaba River Park, you will enjoy getting outdoors and becoming one with nature. Biking is just one of the many great things to do in Shelby County, so get out there and explore the outdoors!