Ride or Die - Part Two

So now I've got a bike - what's next?

ACCESSORIES - This is where bike shops make their money. Trek bikes are pretty much a standard price no matter where you shop, so bike shops make their money on helmets, gloves, bells and whistles, upgrades, etc. I followed my daughter's advice and got a helmet and STRONGLY recommend you do too. I opted for a lightweight helmet from Specialized - it's lightweight, has a 5-star rating and included MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection). Plus, it made me look and feel pretty darn good.

Brain goes here

I had originally looked at those helmets that were aerodynamically shaped to make you look like you were going fast standing still but opted for the one above and am happy with it. It comes in multiple colors, but I decided a lighter color might be better for reflecting heat. It works just fine.

I also purchased a tool kit for under the seat and hope to God, I never need it, a storage pouch for keeping keys, phone, lock while I ride, a water bottle (store recommended something solid but I went clear - it works fine). I also invested in a two-bike car rack from Quadratec that folds down when not in use and fits into the trailer receiver on the back of our Jeep.

First ride out was around the neighborhood. Waved to a neighbor who was out playing with his German Shepherd and then he watched as the beast chased me from one end of the property line to the other - thank goodness for invisible fences. Realized I wasn't in shape for the hills and WALKED the bike back to the house rather than negotiate the steep road.

Talked to some friends who said there is a series of bike trails in the area and that it would be good to learn to ride there. My first trail was the Ironton Rail Trail in Whitehall. Gorgeous well maintained FLAT trail - a 13-mile loop that's paved with places to stop and porta-potties along the way. Started with a 4-mile ride, then 8 and finally made the 13-mile trail all around. To this day, it's still my favorite trail to ride.

Also tried the D&L Trail out of Slatington. This is a 145-mile trail with several places to get on and off and runs next to a river - I opted for a 20-mile ride to start. It's not paved, but it's in good shape...Prepare to get dusty. The only thing I don't like about this trail is that when you need to cross roads, you have to slow down and maneuver through small concrete barriers that I'm certain would remove your kneecaps if you hit them...True ankle busters.

My wife noticed the pedals were tearing up my sneakers, so the next time I went into the bike shop, I asked about bike shoes. Wound up with a pair of the UGLIEST shoes I've ever worn (See below) - But what a difference they made! They're actually difficult to walk in, but they're flat bottomed, grip the pedals, and are stiff. They made riding so much more enjoyable:

I downloaded a couple of apps that I'd recommend - Ride Club which tracks your ride sort of like a FITBIT and shows you where you are on a particular trail and TrailLink, which will tell you what bike trails are in your area.

After riding for the summer and taking several rides, I found the need to invest in a couple more things. I bought a regular hand pump for keeping the tires inflated - very important and a manual pump is more accurate and easier to use.

And I discovered that when you're out on these trails, you're going to run into a LOT of pedestrians out for walks - some hand-in-hand and some hand-in-leash with some fuzzy thing on the other end of the strand. Pedestrians have the right of way on bike trails but will usually move to the side if they hear you coming up behind them. The problem is that the majority of them wear Air pods or ear buds or something blocking their hearing a little as they walk. So, I bought a BELL... I know what you're envisioning.... an old-style clacker bell that should probably have a wicker basket with it on the front of your bike, but there's some pretty cool bike bells that work great and are hardly noticeable. Here's mine:

It wraps around the front handlebar and blends in with the bike itself - they come in different colors and styles and a fingertip away while riding.

That's it for today. Hope you enjoy it and maybe see you on the trails!