THIS IS FOR THE UNDECIDATED (Autumn Pep Talk)

On the one hand, you see it everywhere around you:

• The cycle paths are still green. Okay, the days are getting shorter and some trees are turning red, but you're not complaining.
• The entire city has been in "energy transition" mode for quite some time.
• Social media reminds you that your physical & cognitive health is important, especially during a pandemic that is not yet over.

On the other hand, there are still a few details that bother you. Let's talk about them:

• You're still spending quite a bit of time in front of your computer, due to teleworking.
• A sedentary lifestyle has become somewhat ingrained in the legs, the gluteus maximus , and daily habits.
• The circumstances are improving, but are still a little bit difficult (or " uncertain") .

It smells like autumn. It also smells a bit like a slackening of motivation, the seasonal blues and the postponement of the noblest goals (" you'll see Ginette, I'll lose my extra kilos in no time!") ...to the week of four Thursdays.

If this is your case, if you truly think this way or in similar variations, this text is for you.

The fat bike , which we already know is perfect for snowy trails, can actually be used twelve months a year!

Fat bike, a powerful remedy for boredom

In philosophy, it is said that relying on the number of supporters of a cause to defend it is a fallacious argument. In cycling (sic), we prefer the one who once observed that the more the merrier (*of course, in full compliance with current health regulations...) . 

Admit it, on your favorite sports apps, you saw the surge in popularity of fat bikes last year . Looking at these bikes with oversized tires, you even thought to yourself, " That's pretty cool !" Or perhaps, " That looks fun!"

One thing is certain : Fat biking is fun, enjoyable, and accessible. And yes, you're allowed to get carried away by the momentum generated by the group. Except when family pressures you to have one too many drinks, but we're not quite there yet. Although, it's coming.

We're pretty much at that stage of the season now.

Indoor cycling, inner peace 

Remember a time not so long ago when the appropriate French translation for " people pleaser" was "base d'entraînement de vélo" (bike training base)? Sound familiar? Unless you've been living a quiet life, like an eel under a rock, which is quite possible in these improbable times, you already know that nothing has been more popular on the market lately. And that it slipped through your fingers like hotcakes! Some of you rubbed your eyes in astonishment at the sudden disappearance of the inventories every time you refreshed the page. We remember.

 One second thing is confirmed : Except for those who have already acquired their dream base – we imagine it's smart and ultra-popular, like your significant other – and to whom we applaud, by the way, now is not the time to abandon your search. Getting your hands on the ideal training base could end up being your best investment of the lockdown. And that's worth emphasizing.

From indecision to determination

Deep down, you know what to do. Just know that the joys of cycling are available to you right now: in autumn, in winter, in spring, and in between, pandemic or not. Dear undecided folks, claim your right not to know everything on day one, and then try it anyway. Regardless of your initial stance on the matter, the evidence confirms that yes, it's likely to do you a world of good.

Cycling Chronicle by Agnès Croteau