Subject: RE: My First Open Road Bike Trip I need some advice to make me feel like i can really do it... Anything you've got about sidewalks, and cars and hills and speed and gear...just anything...Feel free to include personal antecdotes about your experiences. - do not ride on sidewalks ... ever; it is far too dangerous at intersections. - do not pass a car that is entering an intersection; even if the driver is not signalling he/she may turn without looking for cyclists - you are a road vehicle and as such must obey the rules of the road, which includes stopping at stop signs and red lights even if there is nobody around. - do not ride with headphones ... be fully aware of what is around you by using all your senses. - if you are going for a long ride bring a few water bottles, maybe even one with a mix of gel and water or Gatorade. - remember to bring spare tubes, a tire iron and a mini pump in case you flat. - bring some money along in case you bonk and need to buy something to bring up your energy levels. - if you don't have a cell phone, bring an extra quarter to call home. - before leaving, let someone know where you are going and the time you expect to return, just to be safe. |