Trail Blazer: There's a Reason It's Called Fall

ELIZABETH KIKER HESITATES when asked for tips on biking in the wet and leaf-strewn conditions of the season. She's vice president of the League of American Bicyclists, but she took a spill a couple weeks ago on the Custis Trail when conditions were slick. "It was 100 percent my fault," she admits. "I was passing someone on a curve, which is A) A bad idea because you can't see around a curve, and B) I was trying to get back over with my wheel turned, on a paint stripe. It was wet and I was worried about the jogger I was passing."

On paved trails, paint stripes can be slippery when dry. On wet days, they should be approached cautiously. And as fallen leaves dot trails, don't forget they can take away traction. Stay alert, monitor your speed, and avoid turning your wheel on a slippery surface. If you need to pass someone, try to wait until you get to a straightaway.

Another condition that blows is unexpected wind gusts. Can you lean in to avoid being blown over? Yes and no. "You have to counterbalance. It's tricky. If the wind stops as suddenly as it started, you could fall from that." Sheesh. "Slowing down is best." Just make sure you're moving fast enough to avoid floppin' over. That would be no way to fall.