June is Bike to Work Month here in Colorado and the big day, Bike to Work Day is next Wednesday – June 26th. While many are regular bike commuters, some are using the day to either “try out” bike commuting or using the day as a commitment to keep a regular practice of it. Either way, the following are our tips to make the most of Colorado’s Bike to Work Day.
Tip #1 – Bike safety comes first. That means, riding a safe and well-maintained bike. Whether that is a road bike, mountain bike, or another type of bike, make sure your brakes are in working order, your helmet fits, your tires are properly inflated, and your bike chain has bike lubrication on it. For a bonus tip on prepping your bike, check out our post, Spring Cleaning! 4 Essential Bike Maintenance Tips to Get Your Bike on the Road for additional suggestions on easy to do bike maintenance.
Tip #2 – Personal safety matters too. There’s some basic protective gear you want to wear and a few necessities to have with you. The basic essentials include wearing a helmet, sunglasses or other eye protection, and cycling gloves, in case of a mishap. You will also want to have a repair or maintenance tool kit, a lock, a light, and a way to carry personal items. This could be as simple as a messenger bag or as elaborate as a set of touring panniers.
Tip #3 Know the rules of the road. It’s important to know the rules of the road so that you feel comfortable and safe while riding a bike in traffic. To become acquainted with or to refresh your memory regarding the rules of the road, visit Bicycle Colorado. The site summarizes all you need to know to confidently bike commute on the roads.
Tip #4 – Dress for success. Plan to wear clothing that is comfortable for your ride, as well as, your planned daily activity. You could celebrate the day by purchasing some new cycling apparel. We have a great assortment of jerseys, shorts and skirts, cycling shoes, t-shirts and more. Either way, consider the weather in your planning. If the day is on the warmer side, you may consider packing a “clean up kit” to freshen up after your ride. Your clean up kit can be as simple as having some baby wipes, deodorant, a comb, face wash, and sunscreen for your return trip home.
Tip #5 Route planning. To get the most out of your bike commute it’s best to plan a good route. Knowing a clear path to your destination avoids the frustration of getting lost while also prevents overheating and sweating unnecessarily. Learn how to pick a route you like before the big day. Google maps for cycling is a good option. If you are new to bike commuting, you will want to give yourself more time than you need. This allows for a pressure-free experience. You may also want to join the Bike to Work day events and stations happening along your route. Bike to Work Breakfast stations are open from 6:30 – 9:00 AM. Water stations are open from 3:30 – 6:00 PM, offering water only. Bike Parties may have variable hours in the evening. To find stations of a particular, visit this page and type, use “breakfast,” “water,” or “bike party” in the search box.
Tip #6 Join a group ride. If you aren’t up for riding solo on Bike to Work Day, then consider joining a group. There are group rides scheduled throughout the city. Visit the Bike To Work Day Group Rides page https://biketoworkday.us/group-rides to find one that best suits your route and location. Another option is to join us for our regular, Wednesday night shop ride. Our rides are fun, we learn new skills, and we talk about bikes and all things cycling. You can enjoy Bike Month all summer long by joining us on Wednesday evenings at 6 PM. If you need more convincing, read this: 5 Great Reasons to Join Peak Cycles Shop Rides.
All in all, the most important factor for Bike To Work Day is to have fun! Enjoy the fun of riding your bike to work. The fun includes enjoying the adventure, as well as, feeling confident in riding the bike paths and the roads. Stop by Peak Cycles Bicycle Shop or visit us online at BikeParts.com to pick up the bike parts, cycling accessories, and cycling apparel you may need to make this Bike to Work Day the best one yet!
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