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For many of us, being active and enjoying fun winter activities (fat biking, hiking, skiing, etc.) is what memories are made of while contributing to good health. Despite the lifestyle changes of new technology and evolving viruses, there’s still plenty of room to participate in some type of outdoor fun. Seeking out healthy activities may be even more critical now as winter approaches. Doing something you enjoy can distract you from problems and help you cope with all the new life challenges that cause stress.
Page through our latest Bike/Hike Guide with many maps of Minnesota destinations offering fun adventures. Then, layer up your dress attire for the temperature swings ahead and head out. If you haven’t already, you will soon discover that outdoor pursuits help lower the risk of getting sick than indoor workouts.
It’s a perfect time of the year to jump on a fatty and hit a Minnesota trail.
Why choose outdoor adventures?
When outside, the fresh air constantly moves, helping you digest food more effectively, improve blood pressure and heart rate, strengthen the immune system, and reduce obesity rates. Enjoying Minnesota’s fun outdoor activities offers other benefits, too. As you may have discovered from your time outdoors this summer, being outside also provides an emotional boost that will help you feel less tense, stressed, angry, or depressed.
Winter activities may include biking along the Minnesota River bottoms near Bloomington, MN.
Enjoy more with low-risk Minnesota winter adventures
Here in Minnesota, a winter wonderland pursuits, consider moving with these low-risk outdoor activities to stay healthy and safe. Again, use the current Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide, with all the maps, to find a place to enjoy the following hobbies.
Fat Biking
Nature walks
Snowshoeing
Downhill and/or cross-country skiing
Ice skating
Ice fishing and hunting
Fitness classes, held outside to allow extra distancing
And exploring the snow-covered trails on an ATV.
Winter activities can also include stopping to make a snowman.
Remember, seeking healthy outdoor activities may be even more critical as winter approaches. Doing something you enjoy can distract you from problems and help you cope with all the new life challenges that cause stress.
For anyone unfamiliar with the bold north, biking, skiing, or walking on water is a fun outdoor winter activity when incorporating a few ice safety tips into the adventure. Mother Nature’s temperature swings in the upper Midwest will determine when to venture onto a frozen body of water. Usually, from mid to late December through February, venturing across a body of frozen water is a regular occurrence. This year, please take note. With above-normal temps so far this year, ice may be slow to form. Delaying many of the fun activities here on many of the lakes and streams. So, check the ice depth before you venture out!
Along with the proper clothing for a comfortable ride in the winter, here are some ice safety tips to ensure a safe time moving across a frozen lake or stream.
Ice safety tips – First and foremost, know the thickness of the ice.
There’s no way around it. While many visual cues can help you determine if it is safe to roll out or step onto the ice, the most reliable way is to measure the ice thickness.
You can use a few tools to measure the ice. An ice chisel can be stabbed into the ice until it penetrates the water. A cordless drill with a wood bit also works well to auger a hole to measure the thickness.
Ice safety tips – What is a safe thickness?
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources states on ice thickness, any ice thickness less than four inches should be avoided at all costs. At four inches, the ice can support bicycling, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and walking. At five to seven inches, the ice can sustain the weight of a snowmobile or an ATV, while eight to twelve inches are needed to support a small car’s weight. While these guidelines are generic, and ice conditions vary, the current chart is for newly formed ice. Make sure to read more on thickness before going out there.
Measuring in one place is not enough. Measure several areas (approximately 150 feet apart) to ensure the entire area is safe. Ice thickness can vary, even over a relatively small area—especially over moving water.
Ice safety tips – Assess the area visually.
A visual assessment can help supplement your measurement and support if you rely on someone else’s measurements.
With safe ice, it’s a perfect time to jump on a fatty and ride across a stream.
Watch for signs of danger like cracks, seams, pressure ridges, dark areas (where the ice is thinner), and slushy areas—even slight slush signals that the icing isn’t freezing at the bottom. This tells you that the ice is progressively getting weaker.
Ice safety tips – The color of the ice
Check out the color of the ice. Clear, blue, or green ice thicker than four inches should be enough to bike on. White ice typically has air or snow trapped inside, weakening it. Dark ice might indicate that the ice is relatively thin—probably not thick enough for biking, hiking, or skiing.
The Fresher, the better!
New ice is typically stronger than older ice. The bond between ice crystals decays even in freezing temperatures as time passes. When the spring thaw begins, the ice weakens considerably. Heading out for one last ride across the ice can be tempting, but it is safest to say no. Even if ice fits the measurement criteria, it can still be hazardous.
More suggestions when venturing out on “safe ice.”
Along with knowledge of the thickness of the ice and a visual assessment, here are four more suggestions to help minimize the risk when biking on the ice:
Carry ice picks and a rope
Have a cell phone or personal locator beacon along
Don’t go out alone; tell someone about trip plans and expected return time.
Before heading out, inquire about conditions and known hazards with local experts.
Know the proper rescue techniques.
Anyone venturing on the ice outdoors should know the basic ice rescue technique. Kids should also be familiar with the protocol, so educate them beforehand. If someone in your party falls through the ice, the first thing to do is call 911. Anyone still on the ice should slowly lie down, distributing their weight over a larger area.
Reach the person in the water using a long-reaching assist— maybe a large stick, a rope, or a ladder if available. The person in the water should be instructed to kick and slowly ease their way out of the water. Once they reach the surface, they should crawl or roll away from the broken ice area.
Anyone on the ice, including the victim and rescuer, should avoid standing up until they are far away from the broken ice. As soon as possible, get the victim into dry clothing and treat them for hypothermia.
Hopefully, we can have some fun soon
Enjoy the ice safety tips for a safer true North experience!
With cooler weather approaching, it’s time to clean and store away your summer bike gloves, especially if you plan to reuse them next year. Even if they look clean, they are not. How often have you wiped the sweat from your brow, or worse, used as a tissue to wipe your nose? Cool mornings and pollen make them disgusting bacteria collectors if not cleaned regularly or before storing. Here are the best ways to clean them, even if they are not machine washable.
Gentle washing with a bit of bacterial soap and/or white vinegar may clean and sanitize them.
Preparing bike gloves for storage
Thankfully, like shorts, jerseys, and other bicycling articles, most bike gloves are made from materials that can be machine-washed. Many gloves can easily be thrown into a washing machine on a care cycle and then hung up to air dry. So, before packing away your summer bike gloves, follow these steps for healthy and extended use—both cloth and leather.
Supplies you may already have on hand for cleaning your cycling gloves:
Step 2 – Wash the bicycle gloves in a sink with cool water and mild liquid soap. Add 1/8 cup white vinegar to the wash water if they are dirty or smelly.
Step 3 – Rinse the gloves well and inspect them for soap suds. Rinse again if necessary.
Step 4 – Lay the gloves flat or hang them up to dry. It’s even better if you can hang the gloves out in the sun. The sun is a “natural sanitizer” that disinfects your clothes. Plus, if you dry your gloves under the sun, they will smell fresher.
Cloth Gloves (machine wash)
Step 1 – Close the Velcro, snap, or button on your gloves.
Step 2 – Put the gloves in your washing machine, set them on cold water, and add laundry detergent. Do not use bleach. You may wash other items with the gloves. If your gloves are particularly smelly, add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener slot of your washing machine.
Step 3 – Rinse the bike gloves by hand after the wash if any soap suds remain.
Step 4 – Then lay the gloves flat or hang them to dry, or you can hang them out in the sun to dry. The sun’s ultraviolet rays will help kill bacteria on your workout clothes. But they need to be completely dry in the sun to be disinfected.
Leather Gloves (handwash only)
Step 1 – Put on the bicycle gloves and run some cool water over your hands. Then apply mild soap, such as Castile or leather soap, into the dirtiest parts of the glove.
Step 2 – Rinse the gloves well, spending twice as long on the rinsing as you did washing to ensure all the soap is gone. Do not wring moisture in the gloves. Squeeze gently to remove the water.
Step 3 – Remove the gloves from your hand and place them between layers of a bath towel. Then press to remove excess water.
Step 4 – Put the gloves back on and flex your fingers a few times to mold the gloves back into shape. Then, remove and lay the gloves flat to dry without pressing them again.
Step 5 – If desired, massage your cycling gloves with a pea-sized amount of leather conditioner when almost dry – use less conditioner if only part of the glove is leather.
Other Helpful Tips
If the gloves become smelly and damp between washes, lightly spray and rub vinegar into them and let them dry as you ride.
Leather and cloth gloves may be stiff once dry but soften with little use.
Wash leather gloves as infrequently as possible. If you are a dedicated long-distance rider, they may not last more than one season, regardless of how often you clean them.
Cyclists enjoy a beautiful day riding with a flower garden in the background.
Having enjoyed another summer season of cycling with many great memories, it’s time to think about preparing your bike for winter storage. Unless you plan to pedal your two-wheel steed throughout the winter, wouldn’t it be nice when the temperature warms next spring if you are ready to ride?
Rather than cleaning or tuning up your bike when you should be riding next spring. Or even worse, waiting two to three weeks or more for your bike shop to get it ready for you.
Preparing your bike for storage
When putting your bike away for the winter, there are several things you will want to do to store it properly. Following the helpful tips listed below or taking it to your favorite bike shop will help you avoid future problems and ensure that it will be ready to ride next spring when the weather breaks.
These tips apply whether you’re putting your bike in your basement, garage, or storage unit. Many bike shops now offer winter storage if you don’t have a storage place at home and don’t want to rent an entire storage unit. Just don’t let your bike sit outside.
Bikes left outside over the winter
You would think this wouldn’t need to be mentioned, but visit any college campus in the upper Midwest in February and see dozens of beautiful high-end bikes out suffering in the cold and snow.
In any case, follow these pointers so you are ready to go when the weather warms up next spring:
1. Wipe down the frame and inspect it
Inspecting the frame is important
Use a dry rag and a spritzer bottle filled with water or a light detergent mix to wipe it down while inspecting it. I’m not a fan of wet washing a bike with a water hose, which can create problems if water gets into your components. Be sure to wipe the bike dry to ensure all metal parts don’t rust.
The best way to do this is to take a brush to knock away any chunks of dried-on mud on your frame or wheels. Then, take a damp rag to your bike, wiping it all over to remove any remaining dust or dirt. Also, remove any grease or grime accumulated around your drive train or other areas where lubrication can attract dirt.
2. Inspect your frame
Look for cracks, signs of fatigue
Here’s a bonus hint: Wiping down your bike allows you to inspect the frame thoroughly. While cleaning, look for cracks or metal fatigue, particularly near welded spots on the bottom bracket, which supports much of your weight.
3. Cleaning your drivetrain
Wiping the chain is important
Now is an ideal time to clean and lube the cassette, chain, and crank to eliminate all the crud that may have accumulated over the riding season. Plus, a fresh coat of lubricant will help protect against rust. If you have several thousand miles on the chain or a lot of wear, this is the time to consider replacing it.
4. Lubricate the cables
Apply oil near cable housing and work in
To avoid problems that may pop up in the spring, such as rusting or poor cable performance, take a few minutes to lubricate the cables that control your brakes and derailers. Apply a few drops of light lubricant to a rag and rub it on the exposed cable—lightly work through the cable housing. This will help keep your shifting mechanism in shape while eliminating stress on your cables.
5. Inspect tires, wheels, and brake pads
Tires should be free of cracks
While wiping down your tires, check your wheels for loose or broken spokes by spinning them and looking to see if they still spin true. Ensure your wheels spin straight, with no wobbling from side to side and no rubbing against the brake pads. If your wheels don’t spin straight, it’s probably time to take your bike in for wheel truing.
At the same time, inspect your brake pads for proper alignment and any excessive wear in the pads.
6. Then inflate the tires
Before putting your bike away, inflate your tires fully, especially if you store it on its wheels. If your tires are flat, the bike’s weight presses down through the rims on one spot on the rubber. Over several months, that can cause deterioration of your tire, as the rubber can become distorted and/or the tire can develop a weak spot in the sidewall. If you hang your bike from the ceiling by its wheels, having the recommended pressure in the tires is still good.
7. Wipe down the tires, saddle, and handgrips
A conditioner will keep it soft
Now that you have cleaned and lubed your bike wipe down all the remaining components to prevent any wear or misalignment. Take an optional step that mainly affects the appearance of the bike. Armor- All works well for your tires, rubber handgrips, and seat – if it has a leather, vinyl cover, or another smooth synthetic surface. Products like this are beautifiers and protectants and will give a nice, clean, and shiny appearance while keeping the material soft. This only takes a few extra minutes and will be something you’ll be glad you did in the spring, as your bike will look sharp and ready to go.
8. Remove any batteries or charge to the recommended capacities
Remove any accessories with lead batteries, like front and rear lights, to avoid corrosion from battery acid leaking onto your bike while in storage. If the battery is hard to remove, like some Lithium Ion batteries on electric-assist bikes, charge it to the recommended capacity, generally around 85%. See “How to maintain an E-bike” for more information.
9. Clean out your panniers and trunk bags
If you leave your bike bags on in storage, clean them and wipe them out. Ensure no food items are left inside, as you may find a family of rodents nesting there next spring.
10. Empty water bottles and Camelbaks
Clean and dry the insides of your bottles if you plan to store them on the bike
Take all your water bottles off your bike, or drain them and give them with a light bleach rinse. Dumping out whatever is left in them since the last time you rode and running them through the dishwasher to get them nice and clean is best. When finished, leave the lids off to allow them to dry entirely inside.
If you have a Camelback or backpack canteen water carrier, flush the bladder with a very mild solution of vinegar and water, followed by several rinses of plain hot water, and then leave the lid off to dry.
Now, as you sit in front of the window watching the snow fly, recalling all the memorable rides you had this year, you can rest assured that when the first opportunity to ride next spring comes, you are ready.
A bonus tip
Take your bike in for its annual tune-up now. Many bike shops offer special discounts this time of the year. Plus, you will be ready to ride if we have an early spring.
Now that fall is just around the corner and the days are getting shorter, we must consider visibility while staying active amongst the autumn colors. As the leaves change and then drop, we need to focus on passive and active visibility. Things like reflectors and bright colors are passive forms of visibility, while lights and blinkers are great examples of active visibility. Read on to see where each one is helpful and most efficient.
First Passive visibility
Most autumn bike rides start in the light and gradually evolve into darkness as the rider pedals. Most riders rely on passive visibility to get them home in these cases. If your ride is under street lamps or lights, that passive visibility will get you home. The most common form of passive visibility is the lowly reflector. These plastic devices are required by the CPSC (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) to be installed on all bicycles sold in the United States. You will find reflectors in white (front and wheels) and Red (rear).
Additionally, many apparel companies install reflective materials onto their products. Like the reflector on your bike, these reflective materials will take any light directed your way and return it to the source of the light so you are seen. Passive reflectivity falls short when there is no light source to activate visibility.
This jacket offers excellent visibility through color and reflective materials.
Several manufacturers make cool winter gloves that are both visible and insulated.
Active visibility
When the area is devoid of a light source, you need to create that light as a rider to keep yourself safe. For cyclists, Lights and blinkers are the most common devices for light. The light and the blinker differ because blinkers are designed to be seen, while lights allow a rider to both see and be seen.
Great lights are usually rechargeable and use an LED bulb. They are a necessity for riders who spend a lot of time off-road or on unlit paths. While most mount onto the bars or helmet, a few companies integrate lights into the bike or helmet.
MagicShine Bike Helmet and remote (inset)
Blinkers are usually battery-operated and use an LED to flash intermittently. They can easily be mounted on bicycles and, in some cases, incorporated into helmets, gloves, shoes, saddles, and handlebars.
The Omni Bike Helmet, with photoreceptors, is covered and lights on.
What to use this Fall
For the fall season, mount a pair of lights on the bike (one front and one back). Switch on the lights when you get stuck in low-light and high-traffic areas. Even if your route uses a road with street lights for any portion, a front light makes things safer. Overall, think ahead before your next ride and be prepared to ensure you can see others and they can see you.
About John Brown, the author
About John Brown, the author
John operates Browns Bicycle in Richfield, MN as a lifelong cyclist and consummate tinkerer. It all started for him in grade school when the bike bug bit him, and today, the bicycle fever is still there. Now, and over the past thirty years, he has worked at every level in the bike industry. Starting, like most, sweeping floors and learning anything he could about bikes. He eventually graduated as a service manager and then as a store manager. Through the years, he has spent extensive time designing and sourcing bicycles and parts for some of the largest bike companies in the world. All the while focusing on helping as many people as possible enjoy the love of riding a bike. In that pursuit, he has taught classes (both scheduled and impromptu) on all things bikes. John also believes in helping every rider attain their optimal fit on the bike of their dreams. Please feel free to stop in any time and talk about bikes, fit, and parts, or just share your latest ride. You can also see John’s tricks and tips on the Brown Bicycle Facebook Page.
All around the country, bike paths are being built, and designated bike lanes are being established. So, riding to school can be an easy and safe option with all the colorful fall weather ahead. Many of these paths are routed from neighborhoods to nearby schools to get more kids energized by riding. To encourage your kids to ride their bikes to school safely. Please look at our helpful tips below, especially if your home is far from a connecting trail or a designated bike lane that leads to school.
Riding to school safely begins with a helmet
First and foremost, a well-fitting helmet reduces the risk of serious injury by half. As a result, helmets are the most critical piece of cycling gear for kids. Sadly, many bicyclists under 14 are not riding with a helmet that fits properly. For example, a well-fitting helmet will be snug on the rider’s head. When fitted correctly, the strap toggles should be about a ½ inch below the ear lobe, with the chin strap tight enough to hold the helmet on your head but not so tight it chokes you. Important to realize is that helmets lose effectiveness over time, so review their production date. Therefore, consult the manufacturers’ recommendations for when to replace your existing helmet.
Why is riding to school good?
There are tons of organizations that encourage children to exercise. Child obesity is a real issue in the US, and any activity goes a long way to help. Studies have shown that activity before school increases attention span, boosts mood, and improves fitness and BMI. And it only took one ride to start to see those results! Based on these results, Specialized Bicycles has invested substantial resources in developing programs for kids with ADHD to substitute exercise for medication with excellent results. Overall, the quick trips riding to school help kids kickstart their metabolism, gain focus, and learn valuable skills.
Bike Maintenance and safely
Be sure that your child is comfortable on their bicycle and that it is sized adequately. Bikes that are too small or too large are difficult for children to control. If you have concerns about the fit, visit your local bike shop to have the bike adjusted. The teach them the ABC’s of a bicycle. So they can verify that the brakes work, tires are inflated, and tight controls. Ensure your child can squeeze the brake levers easily and stop the bike.
Children’s bikes sold must have reflectors on the bars, seat posts, wheels, and pedals. Those reflectors should be considered the most basic level of visibility. Add to that visibility by having your kids wear brightly colored clothes and installing lights and a flag on the bike. However, young children should try to avoid riding at night or twilight.
Riding skills
Teaching basic skills can be fun and easy. Find a flat section of low grass (like a high school football field) and have them practice riding with one hand off the bar. Use the Board Trick to learn how to handle riding over obstacles. For many, the trail to school might be a short distance from your house, and your child may have to add a city street to the route. When riding a bicycle on a street, they must follow the Rules of the road as if they were driving a car. This link from the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota will help you teach your kids the basics of signaling turns and navigating on roads.
Riding to the right is the most basic ride rule on sidewalks and bike paths. More important than that rule is the courtesy of riding around others. Being courteous is the best way to make sure everyone has fun. It is tempting for kids to try and bring a phone or iPod on a ride with them. Those distractions are a detriment to your child’s safety. Keep your digital toys in a backpack or, better yet, at home.
Figuring out the course
For your kids to be comfortable riding to school, they must be familiar and comfortable with the route. An easy way to practice the course is on the weekends. Weekends are free from school traffic and give plenty of time to explore alternate routes. Look for clear roads and intersections with lighted crosswalks. Even if the course is not the most direct, your child can feel comfortable if it is safe and clear. Also, try to avoid large hills (either up or down) so as not to exhaust your kids.
Locking the bike during class
With the route and skills covered, let’s talk about how to keep the bike safe during the school day. The easiest way to protect a bicycle is to lock it up properly. I recommend you lock the bicycle to a designated bike rack outside the school. In damp weather, periodically lubricating the lock mechanism will make it easy to use year-round.
Late in the fall, ensure the bike and lock are lubed to protect from rain or snow.
Putting it all together
After teaching your kids how to ride, equipping them, and working to create a safe course, continue reinforcing all those things throughout the school year. Evaluate their equipment frequently to ensure it’s working correctly. Additionally, ride with them to strengthen their signaling and to ride safely. Finally, be aware of traffic patterns as the year progresses. Above all else, make riding to school fun. Your kids will appreciate it.
About John Brown, the author
As a lifelong cyclist and consummate tinkerer, John operates Browns Bicycle in Richfield, MN. It all started for him in grade school when the bike bug bit him, and that particular fever is still there. Now, and over the past thirty years, he has worked at every level in the bike industry. He was starting by sweeping the shop floor while learning anything he could about bikes. He eventually graduated as a service manager and then a store manager. Through the years, he has spent extensive time designing and sourcing bicycles and parts for some of the largest bike companies in the world. All the while focusing on helping as many people as possible enjoy the love of riding a bike. In that pursuit, he has taught classes (both scheduled and impromptu) on all things bikes. John also believes in helping every rider attain their optimal fit on the bike of their dreams. Please feel free to stop in any time and talk about bikes, fit, and parts or share your latest ride. You can also see more of John’s tricks and tips on the Brown Bicycle Facebook Page.
Now that summer is progressing, allowing more fun in the sun, let’s plan a bike trip adventure. As hundreds of people flock to the lakes and local pools to cool down, many, like myself, will find refreshing the soul on two wheels the best way to go. Please take a look below at how I plan an enjoyable bike trip through the summer.
A Short Bike Trip
Just because you are limited on time doesn’t mean you must miss out on riding your bike. You can have fun right around your neighborhood! I have found that a great way to plan a short ride is first to determine a destination point. That destination can be an ice cream parlor, a road you have driven down but never seen up close, or a nearby water park. Once you pick your destination, try to link in some sections of a bike path, rail trail, or some quiet back streets or road, even though they may not be the most direct route to your destination. After you pick a destination and a route, the rest of the planned excursion tends to materialize quickly.
What To Bring Along
For a short trip, pack water and the tools to fix a flat. These rides usually only last an hour or so but can greatly improve your peace of mind.
Ice cream is always a great mid-ride snack, whether it’s a long or short bike trip.
A Long Bike Trip
A longer bike trip requires more planning, though it follows the same order. Pick your destination with several attractions or points of interest close to one another. Then, add some bike-friendly routes, and the rest of the planned bike trip will materialize. On longer trips, it is also important to make sure your bike is working well. Lube the chain, adjust the brakes, check your fit, or drop it off at your local shop for service at least two weeks before you plan to depart.
For longer trips, I like to employ guidebooks (Like our Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide) to find the best places to ride. Once you determine the location, contact local businesses like bike shops, hotels, business associations, or tourism boards to see more details about the area. As I mentioned, a bike guide is a great place to start planning and contact the local tourism bureau. Bike paths and trails have become a popular attraction for most towns. The visitor centers we list are happy to discuss their bike-friendly amenities and usually have the most up-to-date information. Also, use software programs like Ride with GPS, Map My Ride, and Strava for more route ideas.
Packing For A Longer Trip
Packing for a long trip is more involved than what a short trip requires typically. If you are driving a long distance or flying to get to the ride, you don’t want poor weather to keep you off your bike – so pack for the worst! For example, I once did a 24-hour long mountain bike race in West Virginia in July, and while the race started under sunny skies at 95 degrees, it was snowing on the top of the mountain that night. Please look at our comprehensive bike trip list for all the items you may be forgetting.
Bike safety
A great bike trip is a safe bike trip. There is no more important part of bike safety than a bicycle helmet that fits. While crashes are uncommon, they happen, and a helmet is the best way to protect yourself from severe damage. Besides the helmet, practice riding safely with hand signals, situational awareness, and limited distractions to keep you out of trouble. If you are on a family trip, it’s also important to talk to your kids about bike riding safety.
Bring The Bike Lock
If your ride involves time-stopping, maybe at a restaurant or ice cream parlor, lock your bike securely. Follow these three rules when locking your bike. One, Lock it to something secure. If the bike rack or a signpost you plan to lock your bike to isn’t safe, you are making a would-be bike thief’s job easier. Two, Lock the frame and at least one wheel of your bike. Locking just a rear or front wheel makes it easy for someone to walk away with the rest of your bike. Three, Lock your bike in a well-trafficked area. Bike thieves will be less likely to try to take your bike with witnesses around.
It’s All About The Fun
The most important part about making a bike trip memorable is having fun. We all have days that start late, roads that get closed, out-of-the-blue downpours, and generally, stuff that happens. Remember that the bike trip is all about the ride, not necessarily the destination, so enjoy your time in the saddle.
Always keep it fun!
About John Brown, the author
As a lifelong cyclist and consummate tinkerer, John operates Browns Bicycle in Richfield, MN. It all started for him in grade school when the bike bug bit him, and today, the bicycle fever is still there. Now, and over the past thirty years, he has worked at every level in the bike industry. Starting, like most, sweeping floors and learning anything he could about bikes. He eventually graduated as a service manager and then as a store manager. Through the years, he has spent extensive time designing and sourcing bicycles and parts for some of the largest bike companies in the world. All the while focusing on helping as many people as possible enjoy the love of riding a bike. In that pursuit, he has taught classes (both scheduled and impromptu) on all things bikes. John also believes in helping every rider attain their optimal fit on the bike of their dreams. Please feel free to stop in any time and talk about bikes, fit, and parts, or just share your latest ride. You can also see John’s tricks and tips on the Brown Bicycle Facebook Page.
from Barry H. Oberholzer Jr.
We have all heard it before: Use protection…wear sunscreen!
In the late 1990s, Baz Luhrmann released a song called “Everybody’s free to wear sunscreen…” If you have never heard it or can’t recall the song – EnjoyI
We all get caught up in preparing for all those fun summer outings. We check our equipment, focus on nutrition, work out, and stay hydrated. However, after my last couple of triathlons, I realized I had forgotten one of the most important things. You need to apply sunscreen, something I didn’t do at my last couple of outdoor events.
Reapply sunscreen throughout the day for added protection.
Whether you participate in a race or tour the countryside, you will spend most of your day in the sun. Suppose you remembered to start the day off with sunscreen applied. In that case, as you head into the second part of the day’s adventure, the lotion has started to disappear from rubbing, sweating, or maybe from a swim incorporated into your day’s activities. This is where you should take the time to reapply. Believe me, 30- seconds is all it takes to ensure you are covered. And it will protect you from the worst UV rays on the second leg of your day’s activities.
I learned this the hard way. I always knew you should apply sunscreen thoroughly before any outing or race, but I didn’t think about it while participating in my last Triathlon. The time I spent in direct sunlight over the course of the day, added to the change from a wet suit to a tri-suit, took a toll on my skin. Not reapplying lotion—I got burned.
As I mentioned, we focus intensely on our nutrition and how we will fuel, hydrate, and keep our bodies going. Still, we sometimes forget that our biggest organ is exposed to direct sunlight for many hours. That is why one of the newest additions to my transition bag is SPF 50+ water/sweatproof lotion. It is just as important as that banana/GU Gel and a bottle of water.
So if I could give you advice from one newbie to another newbie, wear sunscreen!
I have used a commuter bike almost exclusively for the past twenty years. In that time, I have seen many people put off commuting by bicycle because they felt they didn’t have the right bike. While the right gear is important, many don’t realize that the right equipment is closer than they think. Take a look at how I would build the perfect bike for commuting. It may surprise you how close it might be to that bike hanging in your garage.
The ultimate commuter bike
For the sake of this article, we will start with a bike similar to what many people already have in storage. Take the Marin Farifax SC1, an aluminum hybrid with V-brakes, 24 speeds, and a flat handlebar. This bike is comfortable and efficient for most riders and durable enough for the rigors of daily riding. Additionally, the tires can use a puncture-resistant layer to fight flats.
The Fairfax SC1 is similar to bikes you will find in garages everywhere.
The bare minimum to be a commuter bike
As with most road bikes, the Fairfax SC1 is pretty much commuter-ready out of the box. If I were to add one thing, it would be lights. Being visible as a commuter is job #1. While commuting, you typically share time and space with cars, so it is important to let them know where you are. I like to use a good tail light and a strong headlamp. The tail light is kept on blink mode while the headlamp shines bright and steady. This way, vehicles approaching from behind can see me easily, and the light from my headlamp allows others to see me and me to see them.
I would also recommend the basic tools necessary to fix a flat tire. That includes a spare tube, pump, tire levers, patches, and a 1-$ bill. If you have never changed a flat before, practice once or twice at home before heading off on your first trip.
Being visible is a must
Next best thing
If I were to make another suggestion, it would be for a rear rack with bags, or a good backpack. While both options are designed to carry your stuff, they do their jobs slightly differently. A rack and bag combo works well to keep the weight of your gear on the bike and off your back. This option is far more comfortable than a backpack but can be more jarring to your gear (a real concern if you lug a laptop). The backpack is not as comfortable, but is better for your gear, and easier to use if you have more than one bike. For either option I look for something waterproof. Eventually, you will get caught in the rain, and keeping your gear dry is essential.
A rack and this bag make carrying your gear easier.
On the subject of Dry
While not a necessity, fenders are a welcome addition to any commuter bike. I prefer the permanent, bolt-on style fender. They keep you dryer and stay in place better than the clip-on variety. The fender does an amazing job of keeping you dry when the road surface is wet.
Fenders round out the commuter bike build.
The ultimate commuter bike
Okay, I know “The Ultimate” gets thrown around a lot, and it’s probably a better headline to grace the cover of Cosmo than HaveFunBiking. So, this is an overview of myultimate commuter. As a base, I will start with the Marin Fairfax SC6 DLX or a similar-style and model bike that fits better. If you don’t have a bicycle in storage for your optimum build, look around to see what is available in your market. With new or used bicycles, and e-bikes, always test ride to see what you like best.
Marin’s Fairfax SC6 DLX is a fully loaded commuter.
Why I like the Fairfax SC6 DLX it uses a generator front hub, Internally geared rear hub, belt drive, full fender set, hydraulic disc brakes, and a full carbon fork. The things I would change to make it even better is to use lighter rims (light weight wheels make a bike ride easier), and a Carbon handlebar to quiet some of the road noise. Other than that, I would probably lose the rear rack (as I prefer a backpack) and install some egg-beater clipless pedals
Everything else
Beyond the bike, there are lots of other topics that arise when you start commuting by bike. Like, what to wear, how to care for my bike, rain riding, etc. Rather than focusing on those concerns, I encourage you to think about how you will enjoy your increased fitness, what you will feel like when you lose those extra few pounds, and what amazing things you will create after you kickstart your mind aboard two wheels.
About John Brown, the author
As a lifelong cyclist and consummate tinkerer, John operates Browns Bicycle in Richfield, MN. It all started for him in grade school when the bike bug bit, and that particular fever was still there. Now, and over the past thirty years, he has worked at every level in the bike industry. Starting, like most, sweeping floors and learning anything he could about bikes. He eventually graduated as a service manager and then as a store manager. Through the years, he has spent extensive time designing and sourcing bicycles and parts for some of the largest bike companies in the world. All the while focusing on helping as many people as possible enjoy the love of riding a bike. In that pursuit, he has taught classes (both scheduled and impromptu) on all things bikes. John also believes in helping every rider attain their optimal fit on the bike of their dreams. Please feel free to stop in any time and talk about bikes, fit, parts, or just share your latest ride. You can also see more of John’s tricks and tips on the Brown Bicycle Facebook Page.
Electric bicycles are becoming increasingly common in most countries worldwide, and here are some tips to extend the lithium battery life.
Tips for charging your new Lithium Battery
With more and more people choosing to take to two wheels, these bikes offer the perfect opportunity to enhance fitness while playing an important role in helping to reduce the carbon emissions generated by other forms of transport. These bikes are helping to persuade many non-cyclists to start pedaling. However, it is essential to understand that purchasing a new e-Bike or tool with a lithium battery is just the first step.
Extend the life of your Lithium battery
Once you have bought your e-bike or light, it is crucial that you take the necessary steps to ensure that it continues to run at its optimum level. Few aspects of an e-bike are more critical than its battery.
Enhanced technology has seen many electric bike manufacturers utilize the benefits of long-life lithium batteries. While these batteries offer a significant upgrade over their predecessors, specific guidelines are still essential to maximize the batteries’ lifespan and run time.
5 Lithium battery life tips
Below I have outlined several e-bike battery care tips that will help you along the way.
1. Owners Manual – Read and follow your bike’s accompanying manual and warning stickers. If you have any questions, call your bike dealer or the company directly and ask.
2. The Charger – Only use the charger supplied with your electric bike or light. Using a different charger can be very dangerous, possibly resulting in fire and/or explosion. So use the charger that came with the item you purchased.
3. Fully Charge – When you get a new e-battery, fully charge the battery per the instructions before you ride the bike.
4. Avoid Extreme Temperatures – Very hot or cold temperatures can negatively affect the battery’s performance and shorten its expected life. Avoid storing and charging your battery in a garage or shed that could be subject to really hot or cold temperatures. Instead, charge and store your battery in a moderate-temperature area. (Recommended storage temperatures are 32F – 77F. Avoid exposing the battery to extreme heat, 104F +, for long periods.
5. Storing a Lithium Battery – If you will not be riding your electric bike for an extended period, it is a good idea to store your lithium battery with a full charge. At the three-month point, check the state of charge and recharge to top it off if necessary.
Two more bonus tips!
6. Charging Location—When charging your bike or battery, do so in a dry location where a hot battery or charger (should there be a malfunction) will not cause a damaging fire.
7. Avoid Humidity—Store your bike, battery, and charger in a dry location. Water and humidity are unsuitable for electrical devices.
