We all love spending long days out in the woods—ripping singletrack, chasing sunlight, and soaking up every second of that magical flow state. But while we’re out there doing what we love, there’s one thing we don’t love lurking in the bushes: ticks.
Yep, those tiny hitchhikers can pack a big punch, especially with the growing concerns around Lyme disease in Ontario. The good news? With a few easy habits, you can stay protected and keep your focus on what really matters—riding bikes, having fun, and finding your flow.
Here are a few tips to help minimize the risk of ticks this season:
1. Cover Up (Yes, Even in Warm Weather)
We know—long sleeves and pants aren’t always your first choice when it's hot out. But lightweight, breathable gear can go a long way in keeping ticks from latching on. Our top choice to stay comfy and reduce the chance of bringing ticks home with you is the super light and breathable combo of Fox Ranger Pants and the All-Mountain Arkell Jersey, both available at the shop.
2. Stick to the Trail
Ticks are known to love tall grass, shrubs, and bushes. Do yourself and the trails a favour by sticking to well marked trails and avoid veering off into the forest, even when nature calls. When riding an unfamiliar trail system, remember to stop and pre-ride features to minimize the risk of crashing and flying into the bushy undergrowth.
3. Use a Tick Repellent
A solid bug repellent with DEET or icaridin can do wonders—especially on your socks, legs, arms, and neck. It’s an easy extra step before you hit the trail and worth its weight in gold. We recommend using Sun ‘n Bug by No Bull Tallow for an effective repellent that doubles as sun protection.
4. Do a Full Body Check After Every Ride
This one is key. When you wrap up your ride, do a full-body tick check. Pay extra attention to warm, hidden spots like behind your knees, underarms, waistband, and scalp. If you’ve got a trail dog with you, give them a good check too.
5. Shower and Wash Your Gear
Showering within two hours of your ride can help wash off ticks before they attach. Toss your clothes in a hot dryer for 10–15 minutes to kill any lingering bugs.
Stay Safe, Ride More
We want you to get out there and soak in every berm, climb, and loamy corner this summer, and a little tick awareness can go a long way in keeping your season safe and uninterrupted.
Got questions about tick-safe gear or want to share your own trail safety tips? Drop by the shop or hit us up on Instagram—we love hearing from our community of outdoor lovers.
Want to explore new trails this weekend? Check out our Suggested Local Trails and book a rental bike online—let’s ride smart and have fun.
1 comment
As a Lymes sufferer, one must include a peek between the ‘cheeks’ and the entire ‘nether’ regions. Usually a mirror comes in handy or your ‘partner in crime’…. Lastly, the most virulent stage, i.e. ticks bearing the lymes bacteria, is often the nymph stage. When you find them they are the size of a ‘poppy seed’…. The larger, more ‘findable’ adult-stage ticks are less often to carry the Borrelia…. Also, the ‘bullseye’ rash can’t be counted on to ID a person having Lymes as it occurs in <30% of the positive cases…. Rely on symptoms…. Lastly, if you test positive for Lymes, good luck finding proper care. Although I contracted Lymes from Scotland in 2014, I had to go stateside to get proper treatment…. Case in point I saw an immunologist in Guelph to discuss treatment when I come out of remission and after 45 minutes I asked him if he thought I had lymes at all. He said no…. In 2014-15 I’d progressed to nearly using a walker…. Remember to advocate for yourself…