Not So Random Thoughts and Sage Advice
April 12, 2010 - Riding Two by Two
This is the time of the year to check the wind direction before you begin your ride, then make sure you ride into the wind on your way out when you're fresh, so you have the wind at your back on your return leg!
A May Bicycling article "TWO BY TWO" on page 28 is worth reading. It is about How and When to ride side by side, legally. . There is a section towards the end that states; If you ride solo, the legalities will not be an issue for you, even if you are involved in a pass with another cyclist -- passing is legal everywhere when it is safe to do so. And, legal consideration aside, when contemplating riding two abreast it is important to remember common courtesy. Helping motorists safely pass your group by singling up when you can, will go a long way to improving cyclist-motorist relations. it's a small courtesy worth extending! I couldn't agree more, the less we impede traffic the less chance you have to plant a bad seed about bicyclists in a motorist's mind. Mick Gould
April 16, 2010 Redbud and Other Rides with Big Hills
Please take this as a bit of advice from someone who loves to go down hills, big hills, on his bike. Whatever your tire pressure is, please subtract 10 pounds from what you use normally and use the reduced number on Redbud. I will tell you with all honesty if you are fearful of BIG or STEEP downhills and see yourself hitting the brakes on these, please heed this warning. Your wheels will generate an enormous amount of heat while you brake going down the hills. The heat will increase the pressure on your wheels and potentially blow out a tire while your are on a down hill and put you in danger. Please consider running 10 less pounds in your tire pressure before you start the Redbud ride.
I have seen many riders blow a tire from riding their brakes on long/steep downhills and that is the last thing you want to do while riding at 40 plus mph. Take 10 pounds out of your tires before you start and this will help eliminate the probability of blowing a tire. Corey Foust