Wednesday, December 7, 2011

WINTER PRERIDE CHECKLIST




-Are my tires up to the desired pressure?
            During the winter months especially, checking your tire pressure before every ride is critical.  With increased debris on the road and a great deal more moisture on the roads, making sure your tires are inflated properly can and will prevent otherwise avoidable flats and/or crashes.  When riding in the winter, it is a good idea to inflate your tires about 10-15 PSI lower than you normally would during the summer riding season.  This gives you a bit more tire contact on the road, making you less susceptible to sliding out on a slick section of road; as well as taking some of the bite out of the impact felt from all the debris on the road.

-Are my brakes rubbing?  If so, why?  Are my rims and pads clear of debris?
            A rubbing brake is one of the more annoying mechanical nuisances on a bike.  Not only does it slow you down and make you work harder than necessary, but it also wears down your rim considerably faster than is expected with normal wear.  Before setting out, always ensure that your brake caliper is properly centered over the wheel and that neither of the brake pads is contacting the rim.  Additionally, making sure your rims and pads are clear of debris will not only prevent additional friction, but will prolong the life of your rims. 

-Do my fenders rub the tire?  Is there a buildup of road grime inside the fenders?
            Properly installed fenders should never contact the tire.  However, it is not uncommon for fenders to get knocked around a little bit here and there, leading to a slight offset---most commonly leading to a substantial rub on the tire.  Just like with brake calipers, make sure that your fenders do not contact the tire at any point before setting out on your ride.  It is also a good idea to check to make sure that the fenders themselves have not accumulated an excess of road debris (leaves, pine needles, dirt, etc.).  If an excess does build up, it will shorten the life of your tire as well as your rim. 


-Do I have adequate water/nutrition for my ride?
            A common misconception going into the winter is that a rider will not need as much hydration/nutrition in cold weather as he or she will when riding in warmer temperatures.  Don’t make this mistake!  It is equally important, if not more important, to stay fueled while riding in the cold.  Food is what your body burns to keep warm, and so as a result, a lack of food will lead to a feeling of being cold.  Along the same lines, making sure to stay hydrated is extremely important.  Often times, people do not consume nearly enough liquid while riding in the cold due to the fact that the cold tricks the body into thinking that it is not burning any fuel and therefore does not need any additional supplemental nutrition.  This is not only nutritionally ignorant, but also dangerous.  You don’t want to end up miles and miles from home, freezing and exhausted, with nothing to give you enough energy to get home.  Remember to eat and drink regularly and you’ll notice that a long cold ride doesn’t seem so bad.


-Am I dressed appropriately?
            This question may seem purely subjective, but it’s actually quite important.  A good baselayer that fits tightly against the skin is literally your first and last line of defense against inclement weather.  A good pair of gloves that are warm and at least water resistant are a must-have around here; especially considering how quickly the weather can change in the course of just a few minutes.  Steer clear of excessively bulky ski-type gloves when riding; as gloves like that, while warm, will limit dexterity and the ability to effectively shift and brake.  Arm, leg, and knee warmers are also good items to have for days when the weather is expected to change, as you can remove these articles without having to undress completely.  A warm jacket and tights are necessities for riding on cold, wet days when you need all the help you can get.  We are fully stocked with all of these items and would be happy to help you find your perfect winter riding gear so that you don’t have to spend all winter on the trainer!

-Do I have my flat gear, tools, phone, identification, and money?
            Making sure you have all these items can save you a great deal of stress and/or frustration in the instance of an accident or mechanical problem while out on the road.  We recommend always having enough equipment with you to repair the dreaded (but eventually inevitable) flat tire, broken chain, or loose bolt. 


-Do I have lights (front and rear)?
            Visibility is something a lot of people don’t think about until they have a close call or get stuck riding home in the dark.  Around here, it gets dark extremely early and extremely fast, and so without a sufficient lighting setup, even the most brightly colored jacket is almost useless in keeping you visible to motorists as well as fellow cyclists.  It’s not only important to make yourself visible, but it’s equally crucial that you be able to see what’s in front of you.  We’ve all hit the unexpected pothole that jarred us up and gave us a bit of a scare; so imagine how dangerous that would be while riding downhill in the dark of night.  It’s not only holes you need to look out for, but wet leaves, pine needles, large puddles, cracks in the road, and rocks can all lead to trouble.  Bottom line: make sure you can see and be seen!


-Do I have my helmet?
            A surprising number of riders still ride without helmets, but that’s no reason to think that it’s OK.  It’s not only against the law in King County, but it’s also obviously rather dangerous.  Many people figure that a helmet is unnecessary unless racing or riding with traffic, but that’s simply not true.  Even on a stretch as seemingly tame as the Burke-Gilman trail, there are numerous choppy, uneven sections that are often covered with leaves or debris.  It is also worth considering that there are frequently families out for bike rides or walks, often stopping or turning without warning.  Wearing your helmet is even more important than dressing appropriately and pumping your tires.  Cycling is an inherently dangerous activity, and so we encourage ALL riders to take every precaution necessary to ensure their safety and enjoyment of the sport.


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