Road Cycling 101
By Karen Trachtenberg
Ten Safety Tips
Summer is here, and it’s time for playing outside again. My favorite sport, hands
down, has always been road biking. I’ve done a couple triathlons and have been
lucky enough to get some really great coaching as well.
That said, I feel compelled to share some really not. Helmets save lives. It’s just that simple. Even
important tips and facts about cycling in general with at a slow impact, do you really want your bare head
everyone I can. There is no substitute for the taste hitting the pavement? I didn’t think so.
and smell of riding on an open road surrounded by
iPods, earphones and the like Bad idea.
mountains and trees. There is also no substitute for
Cyclists need to be alert all the time. If you have
safety. Following are some of the most important
music blaring in your ears, it’s impossible to hear
tenets of good, safe cycling.
hazards behind you (like cars and other cyclists). On
the road we need to be able to communicate with one
Tires Always, always be sure to pump air into your
another and possibly make split-second decisions.
tires prior to any trip. Because road bike tires are Stay to your right, pass on the left. I can’t stress
so slim, they tend to lose air more quickly than other this enough. Cyclists, even within the slim bike lane
types; therefore it is essential that you check air on the road, must stay to their right. Faster cyclists
pressure and pump up your tires before any outing. need to pass you. I tend to be a leisurely rider, so I
Average road tires take about 110 psi’s, or pounds ride for pure enjoyment. As a slower cyclist, though,
per square inch, of pressure. Check the sides of your I respect the right of others to pass me -- on the left.
tires for the correct amount. Just like driving, you don’t pass cars on the right, so
Never ride alone I can’t tell you how many times
pass slower cyclists and pedestrians on the left as
I’ve fallen and/or had a chain disengage from my
well.
bike, and I’m glad I was with a group. It’s important
to ride with either a cycling partner or a club of some
That’s the basics. In addition to the above, what
sort (i.e., your local triathlon or cycling club). Not
to wear and bring with you are just as important.
only is it good company, but if and when something
For any ride over 9-10 miles, make sure you wear
happens (and it will happen), a companion is of the
cycling pants with a padded crotch. You won’t
utmost importance. Plus, if you’re unconscious,
regret it when you’ve been sitting in your saddle for
who’s going to call 9-1-1?
about two hours. Clothes should be breathable and
Helmets It seems obvious that a road cyclist would comfortable. They should also be bright so that other
wear a helmet, and yet there are so many that do cyclists and cars can see you. I often see cyclists
www.coloradohomeownermag.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76