OUTDOORS INSPIRED

Bicycling 
On or off the road bicycling can be fun and increase your overall fitness.  

I have loved bicycling ever since my brother taught me how to ride a bike at the age of six.
My family lived outside of town, and the only way I could see and play with my friends was to bicycle to their house.
Later on I used my bicycle to go on long adventures along the roads and trails near my house.  Eventually, I used my bicycle as a means of travel to and from work.

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11/7/2017

Winter Bicycling

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Be prepared for winter Bicycling

I have bicycled during all seasons of the year, and winter time is no exception.  
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A small under the seat (saddle) carrying bag is needed to carry the bare essentials for bicycle repair.
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Inside the carrying bag should be an extra tube, tire changing tool, and an emergency CO2 tube for inflating.
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I always carry some tape, an adjustable wrench, and a few bungy cords.
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A bike helmet is a must.  I like attaching the third-eye mirror to view any oncoming traffic.  I use this type of mirror because the mirror is close to my eye, enabling me to have a large field of view without turning my head.
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I carry at least one water bottle and  two are preferably better.
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When I have an attachment site on my bike, I like to carry a manual air pump for tire inflation.
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It is very important to try to keep your hands as sanitary as possible.  Many of the port-a-potty bathrooms are not as sanitary as you would like, and it is easy to pick up the Norovirus from its use.
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I use a neckerchief to help keep my neck from getting cold.
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A good pair of wool socks will help to keep your feet dry and warm.
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I am not a proponent of a cleated-type biking shoes and peddles.  I like the toe-clip type  peddles because I can, in case of an accident, remove my shoes from the peddles in a hurry.   If I break down or if I want to sightsee an area, it is easier to walk in non-cleated shoes.   Cleated shoes are good for racers, not for touring or trail riding. 
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A good wool jersey will keep you warm and dry.
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Biking tights will help keep the wind chill factor from making you cold.  Most winter tights have two layers of synthetic and wool material.
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I usually like to wear three-fingered mittens with an inside glove liner.
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 Leg or arm warmers may also be added if you are biking in freezing temperatures.
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 Boots may be added over the biking shoe to keep the chill factor down.
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A good wicking base layer shirt under the wool jersey will help to keep moisture from building up under your coat.
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A balaclava head covering is good to keep the ears and neck warm.
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To keep the wind chill factor down a peddle hoodie can be placed around each peddle.
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It is important to wear reflective  gear when cycling at night.   
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Reflective vests are also available. 
I bicycled to and from work--a distance of twenty miles for ten years--in all kinds of weather.   When I was training for a triathlon I ran seven miles at 4 AM, bicycled to work, swam at lunch time, and then bicycled home.  Sometimes I had to bicycle during a hail storm, and the pieces of ice passed through the slots in my helmet, hitting my head.   Snow and ice on the roadway made it slippery and difficult to peddle.   I was struck by an automobile twice and managed to walk away,   I always bicycle with a helmet and rear view mirror.

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© John Baranowski
  • Topic Overview
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  • Backpacking/Hiking
  • Bicycling
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