June 2009 News of the Month...

 

Stay safe while bicycling in the summer heat. Summertime offers many cycling dangers if not prepared.  One of the main things in the summer heat is to STAY HYDRATED ! Your options vary from putting a bottle of water in your back pack, to buying a Camelbak, or using the classic water bottle cage mounted on the frame. No matter which you decide to do make sure you always carry a form of hydration system with you.  Depending upon you riding conditions you will need to adjust the amount that you have available.  You want to be fully hydrated before your ride and then continually drink water or a sports drink every 15 minutes or so.  Riding east in the morning you will rapidly realize why you want some sun glasses over your eyes. You can also wear a cycling cap under bicycle helmet and the brim will help shade your eyes.  Of course you can also put a sweatband into this combination if needed.  Lighter clothing and lighter colors tend to reflect the suns rays. Stay away from darker colors as they absorb the sun and make for more heat.  Keep your cell phone handy.  A minor mechanical problem or a flat is an easy issue to deal with on the trail but if the inevitable should happen, it is nice to call for help and not have to push your bike a bunch of miles in the heat.  Also, if you should become injured it is necessary for help to arrive in a short time.  And as for flats, there is an easy way to help you out with this problem.  Try using Thorn Resistant Tubes, they are a bit thicker tube that will help cut down on flat tires when used in combination with Slime.  Slime is a wonderful product and if you  are not familiar with Slime then you need to go down to your local bike shop and talk to them about it. Slime is cheap and will save you from smaller punctures that would normally cause your tire to go flat.  Goatheads and shards of glass can cause havoc on a tube.  Put some Slime in and if you hit a small piece of glass the tube will retain enough air for you  to get to your designation without having to do a flat repair.   Enough can’t be said about being safe while riding and if you make a few smart choices prior to heading out, your trip can be not only fun but worry free.