By Peter Burns

Winter Ride

On Sunday, January 16th,  I had a sleepover at the group home. I knew that the next day was going to bring a snowstorm. I could have walked to work on Sunday and then walked home on Monday but I like the challenge of riding in the snow. I enjoy adventures that I don't have to travel far to experience. Riding to work on Saturday when it was eight below and windy, and my ten below ride Sunday morning were also adventures. I was a little anxious about how much I was going to have to walk my bike in the snow, but I was fairly sure I was going to make it home. I brought my fat bike to work, which has studded tires.

Newsletter sent on 1/26

This year was Twenty Twenty FUN!

By Peter Burns

Dressing for the Weather

Dress for the weather as it is rather than the weather you hope for. Sunny spring mornings can be especially deceptive. If it is in the 40’s with a brisk breeze blowing you are in for a chilly ride if you underdressed. Sun can quickly turn into rain or snow. Always bring along a waterproof jacket, just in case.  

By Peter Burns

December

Arm bicycle signals came from what drivers used before there were indicator lights on most cars. Not all car drivers know what the bike signals mean, so it is best to simply point in the direction you are going. When possible make eye contact with car drivers. Make sure you signal left turns with your left arm by pointing in the direction you are turning. Left turns are the ones that most affect cars. If you are going straight,  turning right, or stopping, a sign is not necessary because those actions don't affect the cars. If at all possible, take the center of the lane to turn left. 

By Peter Burns

Blow Dryer

I am susceptible to cold hands and feet. On cold days I  pre-heat my gloves, socks, and shoes before I leave the house. I have to be careful because if I put the nozzle of the blow dryer too far into a shoe the blow dryer can overheat and shut off. If my hands and feet are warm before I leave the house I have a good chance of keeping them warm, as long as I don’t ride too far. I also use heated mittens. They really make a difference. I have not found any heated socks that do a good job.

Newsletter sent on 10/20

Fall Newsletter: Bike Smart Is Back! 👍

We’re busy gearing up for our fall programs and looking back on another great summer!

By Peter Burns

Helpful Hint

Shift down before you get to a hill. On most bikes, it is more difficult to shift down when you are climbing a hill and putting pressure on the pedals. If you find yourself really out of breath when you get to the top of a hill you are in either too high or low a gear. The right gear enables you to get to the top of a hill at a slow but steady pace without either straining too hard or spinning your pedals. If you can’t find that gear you should get off your bike and walk to the top. As you get stronger, you will be able to climb longer and steeper hills. If you ride the same routes over and over again, you will get to know the best gear for each hill you encounter. Ideally, that gear will enable you to get up the hill with minimal effort.  Climbing hills takes effort but there is great satisfaction in making it to the top of a really bad-ass hill.

By Peter Burns

Helpful Hints

A lightweight waterproof jacket comes in handy in a sudden rainstorm or if it gets cold unexpectedly. Make sure the jacket is actually waterproof, look for sealed seams. Bring it along even if you think you will not need it. A stuff bag can make the jacket easier to pack. 

By Peter Burns

Helpful Hint

Puddles can be a challenge because they hide potholes. Get up off your saddle when you go through a puddle so that if you hit a pothole you can absorb the shock with your legs rather than with your butt. When you are off the saddle you also keep your feet as far away as possible from the water, so your feet have less chance of getting wet.

Newsletter sent on 7/21

Summer is better by bike! 

We’re rolling out our programs and services to make biking and walking more enjoyable for all. Read all about what we've been up to this summer in our newsletter!