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I am so excited that it’s BIKE month!
Remember that May 15 is the bike-to-work day!
I have participated in the bike-to-work day for the last few years, and it has always been great to see how many people participate.
In my town, the local bike coalition participates and sets up various checkpoints in different areas. They provide swag, snacks, and COFFEE!
One of the best stops I always hit up is the one sponsored by REI (I might be a little biased too). But they know how to get people excited and still have pancakes!
Speaking about REI, their website has some of the best information I have found.
Throughout this post, there will be excellent and informative links. Most of them will be from the best store ever, REI. Please feel free to check them out for additional information!
I’m not sure at this point what the consensus is, but I have a feeling there won’t be any checkpoints.
This is such a shame due to the shelter places are still in many areas of the country.
If you can, maybe just getting outside for some fresh air will be just as good! I think doing something outdoors is always the way to go!
It’s MAY!
Not only is May 4 around the corner, and a few other fun National’ Holidays,’ but it’s time for the two-wheeled vehicles to get back up and running!
It’s the first weekend of May, and what better thing to do than get some exercise in?
Today I’ve noticed a lot of people doing yard work, and there seems to be more traffic out than what I’ve seen in the last four weeks.
This month let’s remember that it is National Bike Month! It’s the time of year that we need to remember about safe practices, which include safe riding.
This is for all two-wheeled vehicles, such as motorcycles. But I generally focus more on bicycles due to the health benefits, and I gave up my motorcycle years ago.
There are so many benefits of bike riding. One of the ones I’m realizing is the lower impact on my knees. Not to mention you can go further than running; to me, it’s a lot more fun.
One way to get in some extra miles is to ride to work!
If you decide to do this, MORE POWER TO YOU!
The one thing I would suggest, from experience, is to make sure you bring a washcloth and deodorant.
This will help if you don’t have a shower at work, and your co-workers will thank you. And after a quick shower or sink bath, another benefit is that after your ride, you can have a cookie or, better yet, some chocolate milk!
More on that later.
Bike Safety
There are a few items you should have for bicycle safety.
- The most important thing for bike safety is to have a helmet and wear it correctly.
- The next one on the list is glasses (they will protect you from the sun and stuff that flies up from the trail or road).
- The last thing to consider is a pair of bicycle gloves. You never plan on getting in an accident, but having something to protect your hands will help if it happens. It also helps reduce the vibration from the ride.
As I just mentioned, the first safety measure to take has a helmet.
Side note, most states (like CA) have laws for people under the age of 18.
If you ask me, we all should wear one.
There are a few things to consider when purchasing a helmet. I think I could write an entire article just on that. Check out fitting a bicycle helmet to get the best information. For a bonus, you can also scroll to the end for a fantastic video.
Let’s switch gears, see what I did there, and discuss your bicycle.
It is vital to keep your bike clean, and you should know a few of the basics. This will save your butt in the long run.
Before every ride, you should do a pre-ride check. I do this before every trip, and it does not take long. It’s as simple as A-B-C (Air – Breaks – Chain), and you can prevent a lot of catastrophes on your ride.
After transporting my mountain bike, I realized I didn’t set my rear tire correctly. Just before the ride, I did my pre-check, realized my mistake, and was on the trail in no time.
The most important is knowing how to fix a flat tire.
I have stopped and helped a few bikers on the side of the road that did not have a patch or didn’t know how to take their tire off. This is very important to know because it is bound to happen.
Lastly, this quick article is to have some necessary maintenance know-how. Click here to get some additional information and some tools to consider.
It’s also National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day Too!
I told you I would get to this, CHOCOLATE!
Did you know this was a thing? I didn’t, but I think it’s cool that it falls on the same day as bike to work.
Here is some “food” for thought.
Apparently, National Chocolate Chip Day celebrates and recognizes the family’s favorite chocolate chips! According to WinCalendar, The first Chocolate Chip cookie recipe appeared in Wakefield’s Tried and True cookbook in 1938.
The popularity at the time was enormous.
Afterward, chocolate chips grew massively to become what it is today, an indispensable topping on most deserts.
Personally, I’ve always been a fan of chocolate milk. On May 15, you can bet I will have a tall cold glass of the stuff!
A Note To Drivers
I cannot talk about safety without covering this. It’s not worth getting into an accident. Here are some tips to help everyone get to their destination safely.
Even motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in crashes than occupants.
So please be careful and look for our two-wheeled companions on the roadway.
This time of year, a lot of law enforcement agencies will post things to remember and keep in mind while driving. I will list a few of them here for reference:
- Always check twice for motorcycles—both your mirrors and blind spots.
- Use your signal when changing lanes. It’s important for bicyclists to use their hand signals so everyone knows what they are planning to do.
- Always keep a safe distance and never follow a cycle too closely.
- When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning.
- And some information for motorcyclists and bicyclists to remember and consider:
- Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and protective gear like gloves and leather clothing.
- Consider adding reflective tape to your clothing to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
- Keep your lights on at all times, even during the day.
- Don’t assume drivers see you; signal well before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles.
I hope this goes without saying, but since I’m on the topic. Never drive/ride under the influence of alcohol and or drugs!
This includes the green stuff that is legal in a lot of states now.
Share The Road
Thanks for reading this far. I hope to help you remember that we are getting to the best time of year!
I believe going on a bike ride is fantastic and a lot of fun. With some knowledge, you can make your experience even more so.
It is not only is it a great workout, but it allows you to connect with nature. My last bit of advice is to remember to bring some snacks and water.
Thanks again, and let me know in the comments what type of bike you have.
Also, do you ride solo or with the family?
If you ride with your family or are thinking about it, here are some tips on that as well.
Fun read – Enjoy the ride!
Always!