What you need to Go ByCycle
"By failing to prepare, you're preparing to fail."
— Benjamin Franklin
Prepare for your next Go ByCycle:
Have you ever gone on vacation without considering where you will go and how you will get there? Whether you prefer to be spontaneous or enjoy vacations more when you plan every minute, wouldn’t you want at least some vague notion of what attracts you to this this vacation – of all the places you could go?
Growing into Going ByCycle is easier with a bit of preparation and planning – “season” to taste this spring with more or less “P&P” according to your personal preference.
My uncle and I took paddling trips every summer for many years. Uncle Buzz had done this for decades – everything from leading at risk youth to his University of Wisconsin Outdoor Recreation students through the not-so-frequently-traveled wilderness. Our trips were typically in a national forest where we could paddle a leisurely dozen or so miles each day (with some rapids tossed in for fun!) for three to five days. He knew where to put the boats in and take them out, how to navigate the rapids, including which ones to portage our stuff because we might be taking a swim, and about how far we had to go each day. While we did fish for food, we also prepared by bringing essentials – tents, sleeping bags, food (fish and berries are good, but … we weren’t looking for a survival trip).
One year when we pulled off the river to a grassy spot to camp for the night, Uncle Buzz discovered he had forgotten his clothes – no long sleeves and pants for when the temperatures dropped and the mosquitos came out, no toothbrush for the next few days, only sandals. We made do, including his use of my long-sleeved T-shirt (I had an extra layer) as pants and sitting a bit closer to the fire at night to stay warm. While it’s now a funny memory, the journey would have been more pleasurable if we were prepared.
So too with your Go ByCycle – the proper preparation will make your journey more enjoyable. And the more enjoyable your Go ByCycle, the more you will actually Go ByCycle. The more you Go ByCycle, the more you (and all of us) benefit.
What you need to Go ByCycle?
1. Bicycle. ~$100 and up
That’s it! Buy a bike that fits your size. Pick a style that suits you. E-bike or self-propelled? Consider the three E-bike “classes” before purchasing, which impacts where and how you can ride the e-bike. Self propelled bikes: (1) If you prefer a more relaxed pace and comfortable seat (Leisure is a high priority), consider a hybrid bike. If you like to go fast and desire some physical exertion (Youthful activities are a key factor), consider a road bike that is designed for speed. If you want an up tempo workout and plan to purchase a lot via Go ByCycle errands (the entire CYCLE weighs evenly on your priorities list), a touring bike is likely the first class of bikes to consider. If you have some off-road routes or want to combine with trail riding, look into a mountain bike. Not sure what you like? Used bikes are abundant on almost all online marketplaces and retain their resale value in case you want to try another type.
Go ByCycle recommendations:
1. Helmet. ~$20 to $200+
Get one. Period. We suggest bright colors or hi-vis yellow – something that makes you stand out. Regardless of where you ride, protect yourself.
2. Hi-vis vest. ~$5 to $100+
…and/or other clothing, with reflective strips, especially if you Go ByCycle in the dark.
3. Safe route. Free
Plan the route – often shortcuts are possible on paths where vehicles cannot go. Take one minute before you Go ByCycle to look up the route using the “bike” option in your favorite map app. Even if a safer alternative adds a bit of distance, consider taking the bonus time to see more of the neighborhood (first C), get more exercise (Y), and enjoy the day (L).
4. Bike lights. ~$5 to $50
Lights are essential if you ride very early or late and are a prudent addition if you ride in a busy area. And just like some semis that drive with the lights on for safety, why not ride with the lights on all the time?
Go ByCycle suggestions:
1. Look-behind mirror. $22
Perhaps “needed” (would you drive without mirrors?), these attach to your glasses, but make a safer view
2. Rack (and “pack”). ~$20 to $100 (~$10 to $200+)
A rack will allow you to more easily carry groceries, schoolbooks, work computer, leftovers from the restaurant, … you name it. And the volume you can transport will greatly expand with panniers – bags/packs that attach to the bike rack. And if you don’t want to get a rack or “pack”, use your favorite backpack or side pack.
3. Flat kit. ~$5 to ~$25
Pack an extra inner tube, tire lever (tire iron/spoon), and a small, portable pump in case you get a flat tire. Just like driving, keep a spare in case you it a nail hand get a flat. Note: we suggest tires with greater than 100 psi max pressure to inflate to ~100 psi (or at least 10 psi BELOW the maximum pressure). This will reduce the likelihood of getting a flat tire, and it’s a Go ByCycle – not a road race – the lost seven seconds from lower pressure tires doesn’t matter.
4. Reflectors. ~$5 to ~$25
While standard on most bikes, it’s worth noting that having reflectors is another worthwhile layer of safety.
5. Glasses. ~$5 and up
Clear. Shaded. Yellow. Rose-colored. Even if you drive with the top down, the windshield protects your eyes. Do likewise; protect your eyes. Also, bugs are not fun in your eyes.
ESSENTIALS
1. Bicycle
(That's it!)
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Helmet
2. Hi-vis vest
3. Safe route
4. Bike lights
SUGGESTIONS
1. Look behind mirror
2. Rack (and pack)
3. Flat kit
4. Reflectors
5. Glasses
