Sunday, March 30, 2008

Preparing to Ride

One of the reminders that I came away from my ride with Blue Jay was to be prepared. (Kind of Boy Scout-ish) To prepare with, not only a cell phone, helmet, and water, but with a tube replacement for each bike, a pump, bicycle multi-tool and a first aid kit, even on short trips. With summer coming we’ll also want to be prepared with sunscreen.

As Lucy has reminded me, first aid should come first.

I’ll have a waist pack by the bicycle helmets that contains a first aid kit of some large and small band aids, some anti-biotic ointment, some gauze, and iodine, alcohol, or peroxide, and some Purell. Also included in the pack will be tools and a spare tube. That way when we leave on a ride one of us can grab the bag and strap it on.

There are some things we should be looking at our bicycles for before leaving on any rides. Spin the tires to check for alignment of brakes and true of wheel, then a slower spin for a quick surface check of the tires. Tire pressure should be checked with a squeeze. Brakes should engage well before a full pull on the brake handles. Warning lights need to be checked for operation.

I didn’t make any progress this week on reducing my cycling load (i.e. weight). It might be the Benadryl. I don’t know how that stuff works, but allergy season is upon us. It could also be my weakness for M&M’s.

4 comments:

JimCMorr said...

Probably be a good idea if just one of you were responsible for picking up the "Cycling kit" then you wouldn't be looking at each other saying who has the "Cycling kit" when there is a flat.

Also, sharing the lament ofer the lack of weight loss. ;-)

NMI Guy said...

That's a good idea. Our group composition does change at times, so our general rule will be, the oldest rider grabs the kit. Thanks

Dianne - Bunny Trails said...

Come on, I thought M&Ms were an integral part of cycle training! LOL :D

NMI Guy said...

Bunny Trails you are partially correct. The tan M&Ms are in the training matrix, and those only from the bags you find on the store shelves. 8<)