The Hammer and The Nail - Cycling Musings by Chris Page

1. Ride as if no one can see you, because that is what the driver will tell the responding officer, medic, etc. after they hit you.

2. Always wear a helmet (duh).

3. When commuting by bike at night, there is no such thing as too many lights.

4. When looking behind you while riding, put your hand on your thigh.  This keeps the bike in a relatively straight line.  For instance, when looking over your left shoulder before turning, place your left hand on your left thigh.  Try it some time.

5. If you have to bum a bike tube or an energy gel from someone during a group ride, always replace it at the next ride. Its just the right thing to do.

6.  Always lock up your bike when you leave it unattended.  It may be a pain to do this, but chances are your bike will still be where you left it.

7. Find some way to give back to our great sport, whether it be by doing a charity ride, or giving of your time to your local club.

8. Wrap your handlebar tape from the bottom up, and use black electrical tape to finish it off at the top.  This tape is way cooler that the stuff that comes with the wrap.

9. Ride single file where it merits. and ride smart, especially if you are in MVC orange.

10. It is easy to find excuses to not commute by bike.  With a bit of creativity, you can make it work.

11. When on a group ride, point the obstacles out to those behind you.  Yelling out "Rock" or "Stick" just doesn't cut it.

12. Help the new rider in the group out with advice and encouragement.  Remember, you were there once too.

13. Always remember that you are never too old, experienced, wise, etc. to learn something new.

14. There is no shame in getting dropped.  The simple fact is that "sometimes you are the hammer, and sometimes you are the nail".

Chris Page




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