| Bicycle clothing. | | | | socks, before you put your shoes on. Cold feet are an |
| I know you have seen the brightly colored riders | | | | absolute fun killer. I have had great rides in warm rain |
| zipping up and down the road. The material and colors | | | | but never in cold rain. |
| of these outfits have a definite purpose. The materials | | | | FOOD AND HYDRATION |
| are technical fibers that wick moisture away from | | | | On rides of 20 miles or less I don't worry about bringing |
| your body. This helps keep you dry and warmer on | | | | food along. I usually leave something to eat like a piece |
| cold rides. The tight fitting spandex materials that are | | | | of fruit in my vehicle. It is extremely important to keep |
| used for the shorts are designed to keep your thigh | | | | yourself hydrated, at 70 deg. You should drink about 1 |
| and crouch from chaffing. I know from experience that | | | | bottle of water every 20 miles - at 80 deg. I usually |
| this is painful. If you don't want to be seen in spandex | | | | drink twice as much. Hydration. If you get dehydrated |
| you can buy an under garment that is made to take | | | | your muscles will cramp. I know from experience. At |
| the place of the shorts. With this you can wear just | | | | 50 miles out on a 70 mile ride I had 4 muscles in my |
| about anything you wish over the top. Most of the | | | | legs cramp at once, and I still had to get back to my |
| shorts have padding in them. On long rides 80 to 100 | | | | truck. It is a good idea to take some electrolyte pills |
| miles I always use the most padded ones that I own. | | | | with you too. They can be found at most bike stores. |
| On rides of 50m or less I don't worry about which | | | | Rides of more than20 miles require energy food. Trail |
| ones I wear. The shirts are made of wicking materials | | | | mix is very popular, bananas, nuts, raisins and boiled |
| too. The better ones have zippers that allow you more | | | | potatoes. You have a little more than 2 hrs. of reserve |
| venting so you can cool off. Again where the brightest | | | | energy. After that you will need food or you will BONK. |
| colors you can so that you will be seen if you are on | | | | To bonk means that your body shuts down to reserve |
| the street. Mountain bike wear is less colorful but the | | | | what is left for vital functions. Experiment with what |
| technical fibers are still there. Gloves are important as | | | | works for you. Your body knows better than anyone |
| they keep the palm of your hands from blistering. | | | | else will. |
| Helmets come in many prices. The upper level ones | | | | EQUIPMENT FOR THE RIDE. |
| do the same thing that the lower priced ones do but | | | | The minimum you will need is: tire patch kit, multi tool, |
| they are lighter and have more venting. | | | | tire inflator or pump - tire levers and at least 1 extra |
| You will need to dress in layers so you can adjust as | | | | tube. You cannot fix a tube that is torn at the stem. |
| the day gets warmer. On days that it might rain (never | | | | DO NOT leave home without these. In addition I carry |
| rains in Seattle) you should bring a stuffable raincoat. | | | | a master link and chain repair tool. I have had my chain |
| One very light and inexpensive trick is to bring a 30 | | | | come apart twice. |
| gallon garbage bag and two small plastic bags. You | | | | For more information on bicycling nutrition get a |
| can cut holes for the head and arms in the garbage | | | | bicycling magazine. |
| bag and use the smaller plastic bags to put over your | | | | |