Monthly Archives: January 2012
What Does “Car Back” Mean to You?
It happens every time more than one cyclist is riding on the roads. Sooner or later, one will raise the call, “Car back!” It’s an important warning, because whenever we cyclists tangle with two tons of metal, we’re going to … Continue reading
Filed under Safety
Snippets From a B Ride
The emails flew fast and furious last evening. Our usual time to leave for the Sunday club ride is 8:15 a.m., but the forecast called for temps in the 30s at that time. I had planned to go, but wimped … Continue reading
Comedy of (Mechanical) Errors
Guest poster Jeff Hemmel finds that sometimes, rides just don’t go as they’re planned. Just as in life, some days on the bike go smoothly…while others make you wish you had just stayed home. Proof? I offer a glimpse into … Continue reading
Filed under guest post
Moisture Wicking Base Layers
During warm weather here in Texas (which is about eight months out of the year) I like to wear just a cycling jersey next to my skin. But if the temperature gets below 70 degrees (21C), I add a base … Continue reading
Filed under Cold weather, Equipment
Cheating Death
No, nothing serious. But lately, I do feel at the end of my rides as though I have cheated death. Each time. It’s a combination of things, really. For instance, on Saturday’s ride with my wife. Out on the shoulder … Continue reading
Filed under Safety
Two Cycling Viewpoints
An interesting discussion flared up on our club’s email board this week. It all started innocently enough. The club president posted that riders new to the club shouldn’t worry about getting dropped on club rides. “For some part of nearly … Continue reading
Filed under clubs
Time to Start Training
Monday was my last day off before the start of spring semester (Yeah, I know — we academics have it rough), so I was determined to get in a ride. Pat called one of our good local riding friends, because … Continue reading
Filed under training
Bike Checks
Earlier this week, Pat and I were about to take a short ride in the neighborhood. While I waited with the bikes in the driveway as she finished putting on her shoes, I glanced down at the rear wheel of … Continue reading
Filed under Maintenance, Safety
Putting It All In Perspective
Guest poster Don Blount looks at different kinds of pain. Suffering sometimes is all about perspective. I recently had two old dental fillings replaced without use of anesthesia. More than a few people cringe when I tell them that story. … Continue reading
Filed under guest post, training
When Nice Drivers Cause Problems
Just the other day, I mentioned that sometimes when drivers are nice to cyclists (it does happen!), it can cause safety problems. Sure enough, on our club ride Sunday, we ran into that very situation — twice. One of my … Continue reading
Filed under Safety

