From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.
While many American’s hang an American flag from their home, car, or work building, why not celebrate the 4th from your two wheels? You can decorate your bike with bike bells, streamers, and the like; but why note take it a step further and include your bike riding in your holiday festivities? The question for some is, where to ride? Ride trails of course! Some of Colorado’s finest trails and beautiful views are in our backyard. Check out:
- White Ranch Trail
- Dakota Ridge and Red Rocks Trail
- North Table Mountain
- Green Mountain Park
- South Table Mountain
- Chimney Gulch Trail
- Apex Park Trail
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park
- Lair O’ the Bear
- Buffalo Creek
- Centennial Cone
- Hall Ranch
Now, before you head on any of these rides, be sure to be prepared! Be especially considerate if you are taking young ones with you out on the trails or other riders that may not have been riding for a while. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Know the profile – How much climbing and descending should you expect?
- Know the route – Where is the trailhead? How long is the route? What is the technical difficulty? What type of terrain will you be riding? And, what are the current trail conditions? Considering it has been so hot and dry lately, you’ll definitely want to bring along hydration options. Think water bottles and hydration packs.
- Know the weather conditions before, during, and soon after you expect to ride. Colorado weather changes quickly and sometimes, radically. Be prepared.
- Know what cycling apparel to wear. Being over or under dressed makes for an uncomfortable ride.
- Know which bike components are best for the terrain type and the right mountain bike tire to use.
In addition to preparing for your ride, you will want a checklist of essential items to carry with you.
- Food, gels, and on the bike nutrition
- Tubes, lube, a pump or C02
- Chain and multi tool
- Rain jacket
- Sunscreen
What else would you add to the list? Oh yes! A well maintained bike! Before heading out on your holiday adventures, be sure to conduct a bike maintenance and safety check. Notice any worn out bike parts to be replaced. Lube the chain and other bike components. For extra tips on getting ready, read our post, Spring Cleaning, 4 Essential Bike Maintenance Tips to Get Your Bike on the Road.
As a reminder this 4th of July, our shop BikeParts.com offers a huge selection of road bike parts, mountain bike parts, BMX bike parts and more. If you need it for your bike, then we have it! Because we sell our bicycle parts online, we are able to help customers all over the world – even if you don’t celebrate the 4th. Stop by our Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop in Golden, Colorado to pick up your 4th of July cycling accessories or visit us online at BikeParts.com. Happy 4th of July friends!
As a 4th of July bonus, read on for more ways to celebrate the holiday on your bike!
Peak Cycles - BikeParts.com Blog 