Autumn leaf fall and safety: Precautions to take when cycling

Ah, autumn! The trees are decked out in a thousand colors, the cafés are back to serving hot chocolates, and the cyclists... well, they're crashing! 😵‍💫 Dead leaves aren't just a pretty seasonal decoration, they're the peloton's nightmare (well, those of you who haven't read this article in detail yet 😉 ). Here's why.  ### 🌬️ The great autumn slide: When even Lombardy's roads become toboggan runs If you've ever dreamed of ice-skating on a bike (soon to be in the Olympics?? 🤣), autumn could be your season. Dead leaves, when wet, have this incredible ability to transform even the grippiest roads into veritable ice rinks. We're not talking about a little slide, no, no! We're talking about a spectacular fall that could rival the best Tour de France bloopers. ⚠️ ### 🌫️ Natural camouflage: A dead leaf can hide many surprises Remember those magic tricks where you have to guess what's behind an object? Dead leaves play exactly the same game, but in hardcore mode. 😮 Underneath their harmless appearance, they can hide holes, stones or other obstacles that turn a peaceful hike into an obstacle course. You see no danger on the horizon and poof, you find yourself with your nose at the handlebars! 🌫️ ### ⏱️ Braking and leaves: A high-risk combination You're out and about, enjoying the mild autumn weather, admiring the changing colors of nature. Feels a bit poetic in a world like this, no? Until you slam on the brakes and... nothing goes as planned (a classic autumn cycling experience!) 😨 You slam on the brakes, but your bike behaves like a recalcitrant teenager: it doesn't listen. And all the while, those dead leaves, slicker than an oil-coated eel, are sniggering (I'm not sure about that, but I can imagine 😅 ). They know they've turned your route into Russian roulette. ### 🚧 The art of the zigzag: Dead leaves, those devious obstacles on the roads Remember those action movies where the hero zigzags to dodge bullets? 🎬 Well, in autumn, fallen leaves give you a taste of that thrill... but with far less glamorous consequences. Zigzagging to avoid these leaves on your outings might seem like a good idea at the time, but it's actually a recipe for disaster. First, there's the risk of falling (even uphill!). Sudden maneuvers on a carpet of wet leaves are like attempting a pirouette on ice skates for the first time: the chances of ending up flat on your back are very high! 🤕 And then think of the other cyclists. You're not alone on the road, and your unpredictable movements could well surprise whoever's following you and cause quite a mess. 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️💥

Well, now that you know what to expect, let's get down to some practical advice. Because even if fallen leaves are the divas of autumn, there are ways to fight back! 🤺  ### 🛠️ Bike check-up: A quick check of your bike before the big day Before setting off on your adventure, the first step is to check that your bike is in good condition (mountain bike, [fat bike](<https://www.lokki.rent/media/fat-bike>) or electric bike, same battle). A quick check-up can save you a lot of trouble along the way. And if you're not sure what to check, many bike maintenance services can help. 👌 ### 🐢 Speed is overrated: Slow down for better progress You're used to speeding like a TGV between [Paris](<https://www.lokki.rent/location/paris/velo>) and Saint-Georges-de-Reneins (why this little town? It just came to me. No judgement on inspiration please 😜)? It's often said that speed is the price you pay for adrenalin, but here it's mostly the price you pay for a nice cast on your arm. So slow down and enjoy the scenery. 🌳 ### 🛞 Choosing tires: Grip, your new friend If you like racing bikes with thin tires, autumn is the time to rethink your choices. Opt for studded tires for better grip. 🚴 You're no longer the type to hesitate between dancing shoes and hiking boots for a mountain outing. That's all in the past! 💪 ### 🛑 Braking techniques: stopping without drama before the finish line Braking isn't just a question of muscle, it's also a question of technique. Learning how to brake properly can make the difference between arriving with a bang and arriving... in the emergency department. 🚑 So, before you set off on your next big ride, a little braking tuition wouldn't go amiss. Not sure where to start? 👉 [Moniteur Cycliste Français](<https://moniteurcycliste.com/>) ### 🗺️ The art of routing: avoid high-risk areas And finally, why not use a little common sense when planning your route? Forests and wetlands are nests of fallen leaves. So, if you can avoid them, do so! Instead, venture out on open, well-maintained paths. 🛣️