tips for saturday's ride

[totient]

Thinking of coming on my birthday ride this Saturday? Haven't ridden that far recently? Some tips:

• Take the bike out for a mile or two (or five, if it has been a while since you rode it at all) beforehand to make sure it doesn't have a slow tire leak or some other mechanical problem.
  
• Gloves are every bit as important safety gear as a helmet.
  
• The current weather forecast is for the rain to hold off until the evening, but New England weather is changeable. Don't overdress. Do wear synthetics, and the most useful piece of extra clothing you can bring is probably a lightweight polypropylene undershirt.
  
• This ride is long enough that you'll need to drink water on it. And most likely, you'll need to replenish electrolytes too -- not doing so can lead to cramps which can be quite uncomfortable. Gatorade helps some but not as much as you think. Bananas, V8 juice, and raisins are all excellent.
  

Comments

[42itous.livejournal.com]

So, I've heard that about gloves, but I'm not really clear on why. Last year I briefly considered getting gloves with padded palms, but then I got padded handlebar covers instead. I wear mittens for riding in less than about 60-degree weather, but that's because my hands dry out easily and the skin tends to crack at the knuckles. I used to have a pair of mittens that I made with windbreaker material on the backs and thin cotton jersey on the palms, which were perfect.

[palmwiz.livejournal.com]

During a bike crash, most people most of the time will try to break their fall by putting their hands out to protect themselves. Gloves with leather palms will help protect the skin on your hands, and by making your hands more able to slide against the pavement they'll also make it a little less likely that you'll break a collarbone (though really, the answer there is to learn not to lock your elbows).

Likewise, "dress in layers" is a safety tip as much as a comfort tip. The outer layer will adhere to the road and the inner one to your skin, and they will slide against each other, preventing road rash.

[42itous.livejournal.com]

Oh, I hadn't thought of that! Interesting.

I'm sorry I can't join you for your ride tomorrow. I've just started to feel like I'm recovered from not biking all winter, but unfortunately this weekend is all about the running around trying to accomplish all the to-dos.

[beah.livejournal.com]

I have yet to take my bike on a ride longer than from my house to Davis Square, and neither she nor I are quite ready for the long road yet, but I look forward to being able to join you on a ride sometime in the future for sure.

Mr. Wintersilks Posterchild sez:

[vinnie-tesla.livejournal.com]

Do wear synthetics

Surely you mean, "Don't wear plant fibers?"

Re: Mr. Wintersilks Posterchild sez:

[palmwiz.livejournal.com]

Yeah, this post started out as a whole lot of "Don't" points and I rephrased for more positivity. Though I don't tend to wear silk (or wool) except when it's really quite cold out.