So another year is over and I have 8138.5 miles ridden to show for it. There were some new lessons learned and some older ones revisited. Here are a few.
1. Buy the absolute best equipment that you can afford. It pays big dividends in both comfort, ease of use and lower lifetime costs. This is really important in the choices you make in your clothing. I swear by Pearl Izumi but everyone has their own favorites.
2. Take good care of the equipment that you do purchase. Keep up on the inspections and routine maintenance on your bikes and keep your clothes clean.
3. When something wears out or brakes upgrade to the next level of component on your bike. Higher level components really do work better.
4. Get yourself high grade lights. During the day I use Blackburn Fleas in blink mode as a DRL (daytime running light) and at night I use NightRider Technical lighting. DRLS make a huge difference in your safety on the road and if you are going to ride roads at night you need to see AND be seen. Don't cut corners on lighting.
5. Protect yourself from dogs with a Dazer II. You can find it on Amazon. Trust me they work.
6. Ride everywhere you can.
7. Ride in all conditions.
8. Have the tools and spares with you to be able to self rescue. Be able to at least fix a flat tire or a broken chain.
9. Ride with your cell phone and some cash. Both will come in handy sooner or later.
10. Be sure to keep it fun, see you out there somewhere on the road!
1. Buy the absolute best equipment that you can afford. It pays big dividends in both comfort, ease of use and lower lifetime costs. This is really important in the choices you make in your clothing. I swear by Pearl Izumi but everyone has their own favorites.
2. Take good care of the equipment that you do purchase. Keep up on the inspections and routine maintenance on your bikes and keep your clothes clean.
3. When something wears out or brakes upgrade to the next level of component on your bike. Higher level components really do work better.
4. Get yourself high grade lights. During the day I use Blackburn Fleas in blink mode as a DRL (daytime running light) and at night I use NightRider Technical lighting. DRLS make a huge difference in your safety on the road and if you are going to ride roads at night you need to see AND be seen. Don't cut corners on lighting.
5. Protect yourself from dogs with a Dazer II. You can find it on Amazon. Trust me they work.
6. Ride everywhere you can.
7. Ride in all conditions.
8. Have the tools and spares with you to be able to self rescue. Be able to at least fix a flat tire or a broken chain.
9. Ride with your cell phone and some cash. Both will come in handy sooner or later.
10. Be sure to keep it fun, see you out there somewhere on the road!
