I took a break from riding since Thursday last week. I had some things preventing me; a combination of not being able to wake up before 8:30 to ride in on time, and my dog getting pink-eye and having to take him to the vet and check up on him during lunch time to make sure he didn’t pee in his kennel from the steroids the vet put him on.
Well, the dog’s doing much better, I’m getting more sleep, and I started riding in again yesterday. It was like I was starting all over again. I didn’t have the endurance I built up over the past 4 weeks. Lesson learned.
Hi. Just some “tips” from a long-time (25 years now?) cyclist.
Motorists seem to respect “plainclothes” riders more than kitted-out racers. For such a short commute, consider non-spandex clothes. Bright colors are good for visibility.
Get a rear rack and pannier (saddlebag), so you’re not lugging everything on your back and sweating through your shirt.
Lights! Good lights are expensive, but worth it. I light up my bike day and night…I prefer Dinotte lights, your mileage may vary.
Act like you’re a car. Take the lane when you need to for safety, signal, obey traffic laws.
Keep spare deodorant, socks, undies, belt – maybe a full spare change of clothes at work. Just in case.
Keep riding!