E-Mail:
Get our new Windows 7 eBook (PDF) for $7 with 70+ Tips. Download Now!

Hints for Bicycling

  • No Related Post

I enjoy riding my bicycle on the recreational trails close to our home. There are several from two blocks to ½ hour away. Iowa has converted old rail beds into recreational trails so there are many all-purpose trails throughout the state. One of my favorite web sites is the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation site: http://www.inhf.org/iowatrails/index.htm

but there are many, many more trails then those shown on this site.

I am a “casual” rider, meaning I just go at my own pace and enjoy the scenery. I ride for the exercise but also because I find peace and serenity on the quiet of the trails. I also enjoy the beauty of nature. Sometimes a deer will pop out of the bushes, look at me curiously and bound away. The other day I stopped to fed the ducks and geese that had gathered at a pond near us. Right now the leaves are beginning to turn and there is a certain Fall smell in the air. The dry leaves of the corn stalks rustle playing music in the wind. Just like in motorcycling, all the senses are filled when you are out in nature.

On the other hand, my father just puts his head down and rides! He really does need to watch the trail for obstacles as he is 92 years old so his reaction time isn’t the best. Yep, 92 years old and two knee replacement and he rides about 1000 miles from Spring to Fall. When he rides, he looks like a little old wizened gnome so I say we have a bicycle gnome and a Lockergnome in our family!

If you bike now or are thinking of taking up the sport, here are some ideas I found useful.

  • Buy a pair of padded gender specific pants or pant liners. Trust me, they will really save your rump.
  • Buy a pair of padded gloves as they help cushion your hands. I like the gel pad gloves best.
  • When passing someone on the trails, announce you are passing with “passing left”. This has saved many people a heart attack of surprise!
  • When you are walking, riding, skating, running on a trial, stay to the right. Sometimes people string themselves all over the trail and you don’t know which way to pass!
  • Remember to take a cell phone.
  • Remember to take water.
  • Remember to take a snack (preferably a piece of fruit but chocolate works too)
  • Wear a helmet.
  • Take a camera so you can take pictures of things that inspire you.
  • Wear sunglasses, not only for the sun but sometimes there are little gnats that get into your eyes.
  • Take along sunscreen.
  • Buy a bike bag ‘cause you’ll need it with all this stuff.
  • Always let someone know where you will be riding.
  • Check the air in your tires before you leave.
  • Carry ID with you. I use this card folded in half and laminated (single space the lines):

EMERGENCY INFO: As of 10/07

Name: Speedy Biker

           2433 Zip Along Lane

           Anywhere, IA 50000

           515-877-1500

Date of Birth:   1/1/66

Emergency Contact:   Jane Pickmeup 515+465-8761

Insurance:   Skinned Knees Medical

Member #:   1235749687

Doctor:   Dr. Dennis Paine

               6000 Help Me Ave. Anywhere, IA

               515-127-5487

Medical Condition:   High Cholesterol, Rapid heart beat

Current Medication:   Vitamins, Herbs

Drug Allergies:   Tetanus

Blood Type:   0 positive

Living Will:   Yes

Organ Donor:   Yes

Religion:   (if applicable)

I hereby authorize emergency medical treatment by

a qualified Doctor, Hospital, Emergency Medical

Technician when direct authorization cannot be given.

(sign here for statement above)

Speedy Biker (retype your name under your signature)

Some of you may have heard about RAGBRAI that our newspaper, The Des Moines Register, sponsors every year. It is a ride that goes across Iowa from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River (Iowa’s west and east borders). You can ride the whole week the full distance or do parts of it. There is a different route every year. It is really for hard core riders (translations: NOT ME) as they can sometimes ride 40-50+ miles a day. I guess they also party-hardy when each day’s ride is done. Anyway if you like biking, you might like to try this annual Iowa event. Or you can just come to Iowa and ride some of our awesome recreational trails.

Ride safe and make memories!

[tags]bike, bicycle, biking[/tags]

157 Comments

LOL I cant remember how many times I forgot one of those things!

Nice article, to bad you didn’t add anything about BMX lol. Keep up the great work!

Cool. thanks for the tips…..

those are all pretty good tips.

Hey Judy, awesome tips. I wish I could do more bike riding, but it’s really difficult when you live in a huge city full of crazy motorists. I remember I used to love going riding out in the woods on the small paths. So peaceful and fun. Anyway, happy riding to you and everyone else.

Great info. Alot of it is stuff people should simply do no matter what, but for some reason they don’t. Although I never carried an info card. Oops :)

nice one. im not a big bike fan but it was a pretty good article. i liked it. i liked ur vista article better and video on xp vs. vista

Here in Little Rock they recently completed a bridge across the Murray Lock and Dam over the Arkansas River. They named it “The Big Dam Bridge” It connects 2 walking/riding paths between Little Rock and North Little Rock making it several miles long. (The Arkansas River divides the 2 cities) It is a very popular walking/riding path in our area.

I love to Bike - … u r lucky to have Chris and Chris is lucky to have u

Wow 92 years old and he’s still bike riding. Now that’s a true sportsman.
I wonder if he ever did the Iron Man competition.

I should get a motorcycle and put the company name and logo on it… should look sweet…

I like your hints. Keep up the good work. And uhh… yeah.

Good advice. Been thinking of getting a bike to ride on some of the trails here and I’ll keep this info in mind when I get all the extra goodies withit.

nice one. i loved the article but not as good as the other ones

I would add:

Carry an extra tube, pump or CO2 source and tools required to change a tube (and know hot to change it). Nothing worse than being 20km from home with a flat tire.

NICE POST

Thanks for the post, Chris’ mom! :) I havent ridden in a long time, but am inspired to do so again!

This is the comment for the Web Cam giveaway, Chris. I am qualified now.

Biking is a nice hobby, I enjoy it much more than walking. It’s a nice way to get around aswell with no traffic jams. I don’t bring many of the stuff you listed on a biking trip, but I if I start biking for real, I should keep those in mind. Too bad summer’s over :/. Finland is a great country to bike in,

Gary (TuxedoJericho)

October 12th, 2007
at 5:16pm

Wow, your dad is 92 years old and still that active. There are times that the our elders can give us such a great reason to look forward to the aging process.

And the tips for newbies is just great. It’s very good advice not for this in genreal, but in life when starting new projects or activities. BTW, Mad love for Dr. Paine!

Great tips! My dad is actually a tri-athlete and his strongest stage is the bike. Speaking of triathlons, he’s currently in Hawaii with my mom (it’s his 50th birthday present) watching the Iron man.

Very Nice Post.. Bicycle riding has always been a very fun activity for me. Its great to see Some helpful ideas on saftey =)

keep on biking grandma!

jasperdett@yahoo.com

October 12th, 2007
at 5:32pm

cool nice to see Chris Pirillo’s mom

Very informative story on the most basic of things that MOST if not all new riders should know.

Thanks for sharing

Hi Judy … Nice post. Also like your blog site..

And Ya People always should wear a helmet. To many people die becuase the dont wear them just becuase the look stupid.. And I am amazed that your dad at 92 still rides a Bike… Talk to you later..

Niveous

This post is amazing.

Wow, for that age hes still going strong, props for him. I probably would have giving up after 2 knee surgerys. Keep on going old trucker!

i broke my ankle on my bike last week

Thanks for the tips SpeedyBiker

Thanks for the tips and tricks i’ll be sure to use this very valuable information.

that sounds cool that u get to feed the ducks there no ponds where i live…

Wow 92 and still riding a bike!! I need to get more active, now I have no excuse. Nice writeup, I agree cycling is a great way to really enjoy nature, cars can be so confining, plus everything goes by so quickly.

Nice Story and very informative. I mountain bike quite often and I think your suggestions can help a seasoned rider or new rider alike.

Keep the shiny side up!

Bicycling is an activity that is very enjoyable I look forward to my weekly ride alot, there is nothing quite like riding through the park on a summers day.. Keep up the good posts.

I bought a mountain bike a few months ago and been riding is 30 minutes a day. Its keeps you fit and also saftey in important also.
also for a tip on mudgars is get plastci clipones. i don’t know how much there are in the states, but their easy to fix on and dont cost much

Nice tips there Judy, i do mountainbiking ,and i check some of those things myself. You always need to be prepared right? i forgot the water once, and had to buy some on the way. so always have some money in your equipment! It’s also nice to see the “mum” of the lockergnome wrting blogs, so please keep continue doing this! i am looking forward to your next blog!

greetings, mike-linux
netherlands

going on peaceful bike rides like that are the best. they’re great for just getting away from life for a while. and going at your own pace is a great way to enjoy it. like that you don’t get tired, and you can go slow enough to appreciate your surroundings. that’s especially useful when you’re riding out in the country :)

Wow thats fantastic, keep up the work!

i love bikes i have like 4 lol

Wow that impressesive

I think i will go ride my bike now! well, i think ill wait till morning.

I have a Univega Racing bike, so its fun for me also.

I didn’t know Chris’ mom had a blog! Neat!

I agree with Brian Sullivan.

Wow…that’s very nice. You always need to be prepared for everything.
That’s 1337 and you give some very good tips.
Always expect the unexpected.

Excellent tips. Thanks for a wonderful article.

That is a nice guide on biking. I used to like biking alot when I was smaller and now have lost some interest in it, but it is a fun sport.

Don’t forget to purchase an ultra snazzy blinking bike seat for late night riding!

Hi Chris I really need a web cam for my stream. I love technology but I don’t have the money to bus one so please can you give me a web cam. I will do anything for a web cam. PLEASE Chris. Please.

Might also think of bringing a hat for shade on ur head:-)

Jeremiah Kellogg

October 12th, 2007
at 7:06pm

hi.

Thank you Mrs. Pirillo for the outstanding honts

i rally ride a bike anymore. i mostly drive a car wherever i go. lol. maybe i should start riding?

nice post

Good information. Thanks a lot!

Thanks Chris Mom

GOOD TIPS
to bad its cooled over here
to use bikes

Hey Mrs. Judy Pirillo! Chris is so whacky! He is so crazy sometimes. I love your new blog!

That would be “hints”

Hey Chrises mom. I think you are so inspirering!!! I love riding my bike and so do you I see! I believe you are in great shape!! Keep on ridding and because of you I will be ridding untel I can’t anymore. Love you guys. Later.

Thats Remarkable, thanks for the information :)

thanks judy. ur awesome. and so is ur some

Nice article

I wish i could ride a bike.
and have a son like ChrisPillo.com

Very good post.

I am an avid mountain biker and can attest that proper safety gear is definitely an essential part of enjoying a good ride!!

Hey How’s it going.

keep a steady pace and you’ll become better thats what its takes and you have more will power than me cause i wouldnt dare put a blog up.

Great list of things to have while riding. Thanks.

ur really helping me with my bike. it was an awesomly said and thank you

Hey. My aunts are into “triking” I have always found it interesting..Big disc brakes on those so you can stop going uphill and relax, I guess people are always passing her saying things like “Good for you!” and “I’m so glad your excersizing” .. She also uses a manfrotto camera mount and gets really good hd footage. and I must agree with you. please wear a helmet!!! … I’ve got mine on right now :P“ *droll* Aliens_300c

bikes are great excersize and my kids enjoy them alot

That was a great read. There are a lot of ‘common sense’ things that should be brought along on a bike ride that I never think about. I’m going to print this list up and make sure that I have all the essentials with me when I go biking.

Great blog, very in depth. KUDOS!

92 years old? Wow! I thought I was too old to be biking! Thanks for your info on all your blogs. ;)

Hey Judy Have fun Biking

I bicycle everyday, and its helped me. I go evry where with it

I am not a really into bike riding, I am more of a rollerskater. But the key things like taking a camera everywhere or telling people that you are passing is still applicable. Good post for first timers when going down a walk/bike pass

Cant agree more, bike riding is a great exercise, keeps your heart and lungs healthy. Its also a low impact exercise so u wont do ur joints harm. :)

Thanks for the advice. I will pass this along to my parents who have recently taken up the sport.

Aww Chris’s mom makes blogs? I had no idea! Chris your mom is awesome… My mom doesn’t even know how to use a computer. Best of luck to you and your family Chris. :D HI CHRIS’ MOM!!! haha
I like bike riding all of the wind going through your hair and the nature passing by… You got that right Chris’ mom. Well I’ll see you in the chat everyone! :D BYE! Good luck to everyone!!!

thats nice, dont really get it all but ill read it again..
havent used a bicicle since i got my driver lisence 10 years ago

Great tips!

“Some of you may have heard about RAGBRAI that our newspaper”

Yep ive checked the site out http://www.ragbrai.org/ Be sure to check ragbrai next year.

Great tips

Thank you very much for the information. I didn’t know that padded pants liners existed, they really help a lot :p

thx for the post! I am bringing out my bike, dusting it off and try and remember how to peddle!

when is the last time you got Chris to ride over and visit?

regards,
Wraith
Kelowna, BC
Canada

biking i cant even ride a bike at my age and im only 32

Its interesting how different your writing style is from chrises.

Very interestring! I ride all my life and enjoy it! Thanks for making this post!

Wow that must be a hike. It take me around 2 hours to ride 10 miles.

I can’t believe u still ride a bike. or ur just a perfect mom who can do anything.

Thanks for the tips Judy…..Hmm…I wanna bike ride now…haha

Where i live in wisconsin we have a bike trail 30 miles long and its among an old railroad route. its very senic and out of the way, if ever you want to cruise through tthe country central wisconsin is the way to do it.

I usually do everything you say. I’m a pretty good expeienced biker and I love to do, but I got a flat tire so I can’t go bike riding anymore untill the summer. Thank you for the advice.

Wow, what a well written and informative post.

Hi Judy,

Ok….. I am going to re comment on this blog…….

Ok my Opinion is ……

I think thats a good idea to do that… Sorta like having those MEDICAL ALERT BRACELETS but all your infomation is written down on paper.

I that is very impressive that your father is still riding at 92 years old.. I guess hes very healthy man to be still riding a bike. ^_^

Take Care,
~ Christopher ~

http://journals.aol.com/cmarlow330/ChristophersJournal/

give me that keyboard u old mangina

This is nice, Judy. and now for Chris, where is the web cam?

Those are some great tips Mrs.Pirillo hope you do more blogs.

I should point out that my previous comments were not sarcastic, I am an avid biker.

I read this and it was really good, i also like you ride in straight way i hate turning on my bike for some reason.I ride about 2 hours a week.

Have a good one and enjoy your bike.

Yeah!!! these are good tips! You rock!

Nice Blog! I’ll be here evryday!

Thanks for the comments! Very useful!

biking is fun!

Nice, post =) Biking is a great sport!

Thanks for the info! Lots of great tips in there!

Useful Hints.

I love bikes!!! What type do you ride? Moutain? Off road any on them?

Biking is ogood for u.

This was great article. I really like biking. Thanks for posting this.

Biking is an easy way to keep up the shape, nice blog :)

Hey chris’s mom . Luv ur blog keep up the good work. :}

nice blog its cool

Very nice post :)

Bicycling is such a great way to work out. You’ve got some great tips there! Keep up the good work!

lol i love you your grate keep it up !!!!!

Thanks for posting the usefull suggestions & ideas. Your blog is great.

this is a great read.. your views are wonderfull

Its awsome

I liked it good blog.

Very nice and useful hints about biking I’m sure my mom will love this thank you for the great post.

I loved this! I love riding. Like Lisa Lee, I haven’t gone in a while and now I really want to go! Great post!

This is a great post. I love biking too! I have a mountain bike that I use. I love long rides in the country.

Finding good trails to ride is hard where I live. Like the blog keep up the good work.

A lot of those I have never thought of, And probably never would.
But now that you pointed them out, I’ll Use them all the time! I know A million times where I needed one of those listed items
Thanks!

I wish I could bike but with my back is would not be confortable.

This is really helpful!

Very informative - that you for posting this, a nice change from most the non-sense drivel filling up the tubes these days. I wish I had the time and money (and kids grown) to enjoy this past-time

i need to get off my fat ass a start riding!!

I must say this is very insitefull and would never would have thought of a special type or shorts or Gloves. I would just have bought a cool bike and helmeat. Thakn you.

Well it’s nice to see that even Chris’s mother is getting into the blogging business. Glad to see you’re joining part of the crew. Remember, you’re welcome to join us all live in the chat at live.pirillo.com Keep writing.

chris telling everyone to comment so they can win a webcam

GIVE ME A CAM U BIMBO!!!!!! GOD!

awesome blog

typo alert, that = “thank”

I thought it was very good. Nice Job!

Hey! glad you’re out having fun in the saddle. I’m sponsored by my fav company, its truly a passion of mine. Great tips! amazing to hear about people out at the age of 92! I struggle to get my 50 year old dad out onto the trails.

Ride on

It’s JuanMorcilla81…

First of all, your son is a godasend to all of us in our community, secondly, I would also like to add that Prooper tire pressure is a must.. I’ve had an instance when My tires popped due to that…

Great list you compiled! thank you much :)

ATLEAST SAY IM GAY ON THERE DAMN!

I bike to school everyday!

This is a really good blog I like it alot

NICE!

I use to ride bikes a long time a but not anymore. Kinda got hurt doing some extreme stuff. But safety is something everyone should learn.

I absolutely love bicycling. I find it a very good strees releiver

very cool blog. Because of your blog I think I am going to start Bicycling.

thanks again
Steven

Wish there was a nice place to ride around here. And 92!!! Wow….I would love for my dad to be that spry at his age. He is now at 83 but doesn’t ride.

You go Mama. You can be my Mother anytime.

Moms rule!

Good to know cuz im looking for a bike for my nephew. nice article! have a great day

What Do You Think?

 
33 queries / 0.252 seconds.