How to ride a bike in traffic?

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Sara

Hi guys!
So, I learned how to ride a bike about five years ago and I have done it only twice since. A few days ago, on my birthday, I got a bike. I really want to ride my new bike to school and to the gym but I am too scared to ride it in the street. Since I got it, I have been practicing in my neighborhood (a small number of cars are in my neighborhood). Whenever the street is empty, I am very good at it and I go in a straight line and everything, only I keep away from the sidewalk. On the street I will be obliged to ride near the sidewalk where the bicycle bands are. But whenever I see children or cars coming near me I get scared, try to avoid them and almost crash on the sidewalk. Any tips would be appreciated.

Answer
What are "bicycle bands"?? I suppose you mean "designated bike lanes". WORST thing ever invented. Class starts NOW! Read every single word. Watch every video.

http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/ - USA
http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/lhd/index.htm - UK version - left side of the road
READ - https://www.stlbeacon.org/#!/content/14234/knowledge_is_best_protection_for_bicyclist
Classes in your area? Take them all - http://cyclingsavvy.org/
See parts 2 & 3 of this also...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFjCza5e1kw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU4nKKq02BU
Get a good helmet mirror!!!
http://safezonemirror.com/

As one of the videos explains, a little nervousness is to be expected at first. Go for rides on less used roads. If you need to get to a more congested area - find parallel side streets. I've been "car free" over 3 years - going on four. You have the same RIGHTS, duties & responsibilities as any other "VEHICLE" on the road. And yes...a bicycle is legally a "vehicle". Best piece of advice I can give you...in a narrow lane situation (less than 14' wide) "control" or TAKE THE LANE! Ride right smack dab down the middle. You are not impeding traffic - you ARE traffic. http://iamtraffic.org/

do i need to know anything important before bike riding on bike lanes in chicago?

Anthony

Its finally summer, and for once i plan on using the old bike in my garage to go places. Are there any rules or things i should know before I hit the streets?

Answer
Designated bike lanes are a joke! Separate but equal? My @ss! All a bike lane does is put you in the "no zone". "No officer, I didn't see the guy on the bike." Or if they do see you - the ignore zone. Ignore 'em, they got their own lane.

The most common occurrence in a bike lane is the old "right hook". Cars will pass on your left & make an IMMEDIATE right turn DEAD in front of you. As you approach a 3 way or 4 way intersection in a bike lane, scan around for cars possibly looking to turn. That's why a helmet mirror is important.
http://www.amazon.com/Safe-Zone-Bicycle-Helmet-Mirror/dp/B003LVHZ4O/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top/189-4719599-8876809

And what happens if you need to make a left turn? Now you are forced to cross out of the bike lane and cross one (or more) traffic lanes to get into the proper lane.

Rules? You follow the SAME rules & regulations as motorized traffic. Plus there is a separate set of laws for cyclists. http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a143.pdf See the illustration on page 7? Forget it!!! That shows a line of bicyclists riding way TOO close to the curb! NEVER ride next to the curb. A) Puts your tires in a vulnerable spot to pick up road debris causing flats. B) Motorists don't SEE you. ALWAYS ride away from the curb 5 feet or so. ALWAYS go around parked cars leaving 5 to 6 feet of space - out of the "door zone".

To my knowledge, there is no law stating you MUST use the bike lane. If cars are parked to close, crossing the white line - or a delivery truck is blocking the bike lane - scan with that mirror - LOOK - signal & get out of the damn bike lane.

I repeat...designated bike lanes are a joke! Most are designed by engineers & city planners who never ride a bicycle.

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I want to buy a bicycle but there seems such a large choice - i dont know where to start help..?

bike helmets halfords image

celeste28

I am 35 5' 2" tall and not experienced in cycling. I will be biking in country lanes and rough tracks and also on town streets very occassionally.i live in the middle of the countryside and will be using the bike for recreation only - driving around the lanes and roads where I live. Halfords have a sale at the moment halford.ie and they have a huge choice. please could you look at the site and recommend one if money was no object and one under 300 euros many thanks

Answer
Start at a local bike shop and go from there. Don't worry about the brand name, as most of the larger brands make all the others anyway (in China!). Look at the components of the bike. Are they enough for how you will ride? A good bike tech at a good shop will be able to answer that question for you and steer you in the right direction. Make sure you ride the bike before you buy it. If you can't, don't buy it. Also, make sure you like the way it looks. Be prepared to spend the money for the bike, plus another $100-200 in accessories (helmet, clothing, gloves, cages, bottles, tools, etc.)

How much you are willing to spend will determine what type/level of bike you get. Good Luck!

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Do you think illegal immigration is responsible for the sharp rise in taxes?

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Peanut But

My parents live in a town flooded with illegal immigrants. Their taxes this year went up $2000 this year. Coincidence ?

The home market is very slow in the Chicago area and property value has decreased too. Do you think this is a result of illegals not being able to purchase homes due to lack of documentation and income?

NOTE: I am not racist, nor did I make a racist comment in my question. I just believe in "Liberty and justice FOR ALL." However, that does not apply to people who are illegal. Until recently, you had to be LEGAL to benefit from what America has to offer. So for those of you who are going to pull out "the racist card" for this question and not have a reason why it is racist to be against illegal immigration, I will ignore your comments. I will colaps them with a thumbs down and consider you not intelligent enough to back up your statement.

Answer
I would say yes. when municipal taxes rise every year. (and we are talking local taxes here, not the federal taxes that pay for the war.) And the only difference in the town is the longer line at the market, where you have to stand behind an illegal buying food with the stamps we supply. then yes, my local taxes doubled in the last 5 years.

Siervocal; That war helmet is much cooler then the bicycle helmet you usually wear.

How does a bike helmet help reduce the impact of a crash?

Grant

Using equations if possible, thanks. I know that it spreads the force across a larger area of your head, but what about absorbing?

Answer
A helmet reduces the impact of a crash using two methods: distributing the force over a large area and slowing down the impact.

Using the basic equation of force, Force = mass * acceleration, we can look at how these two methods reduce impact.

Force can be measured simply as total force (e.g. 100 Newtons) or quantified by force over area (e.g. Newtons per square centimeter). As a bicycle helmet spreads the force for one point to a larger area, the force/area measure is decreased. This reduces the force applied to a single area, however, the overall force applied is still the same.

Acceleration is the other part of the equation that a helmet works to minimize. Acceleration is often measured as length over time-squared (e.g. meters/second-squared). Upon impact, the helmet is designed to crush, and this process of crushing extends the amount of time involved for the head to come to a stop (or before it bounces). This increases the time value in the measure, and since the time measure is a squared value, the effects of increasing the time involved has a big impact on reducing the overall acceleration and subsequent force.

To represent the two methods used by bicycle helmets to reduce impact, it is better to rewrite the original equation of Force = mass * acceleration as force/area = mass * (distance/time^2). Now you easily see where the added area for absorbing impact, and the increased time for the impact have big impacts on the trauma experienced by the head. The mass is slightly increased by the helmet, but nowhere near makes up for the distribution of force and slower acceleration (deceleration).

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Do kids need helmets to ride small plastic tricycles?

best bike helmet 2 year old image

Ivy has Tw

They would be riding them in our house, at the playground, and in our parking lot.

The pediatrician handout says to have them wear helmets on tricycles, but it just seems unnecessary to me. They are 2.5 years old and we are getting them their first trikes, so they will be small ones.

I just can't see how a child can get a head injury on a small low to the ground plastic tricycle?

Answer
But any SMALL bump or knock can cause serious head injuries or brain problems.

We told our girls that if they wanted to go on bikes, trikes, roller skates, boards etc they have to wear a helmet.

Not only does it protect them, but it becomes second nature to wearing it. They have no problems wearing their helmet but a friend, who never really has made them wear them, has trouble now that they are that little bit older.

Better safe than sorry.

KD

What do you think about the bikes with the child seat attached on the back?

Poppy

http://www.beachdazerentals.com/images/rentals/bike7_lg.jpg

Do you think they are safe or not? My dad got one from work for me and my 2 year old son. I'm thinking about taking it out in the Spring to try it out but I'm not sure. My husband has a bike also so it would be fun for us all to do together.

Answer
If the seat is a good one that tightly secures the child, and the child has a helmet, and the parent with the kid seat behind goes ahead, and the parent without the kid follows behind, (to keep an eye on the kid) they're just fine on smooth surfaces/bike paths.

I wouldn't weave in and out of traffic with a baby on the back, though. A bike path, though, is a great place to get some excercise and fresh air.

Best wishes.

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Cycling hats chicago?

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Packman52

Does anyone know a good place to get a cycling cap in chicago?

Answer
Hat or helmet? Either way - a bicycle shop. Tons of 'em.
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&sclient=psy-ab&q=cycle+shop+chicago%2C+il.&oq=cycle+shop+chicago%2C+il.&gs_l=hp.3..0i5i30l3j0i8i30.8513.9880.2.10227.5.5.0.0.0.0.196.870.0j5.5.0.les%3B..0.0...1c.1.5.psy-ab.I9ZzPwvUFec&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.43148975,d.aWc&fp=47365c5637b3a90e&biw=1024&bih=653

i heard if you do alot of reading you wont get alzheimer's. is that true?

Peter

Answer
not exactly. here are some ways to prevent it though:
Eat healthy. Your best defence against this disease appears to be in the food you eat. A recent study published in Alzheimer's and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association found that people who eat the recommended amount of fol-ate have a much lower risk of developing the disease.

Fol-ates are B-vitamins found in leafy green vegetables, oranges, legumes and bananas.

But, "Although fol-ates appear to be more beneficial than other nutrients, the primary message should be that overall healthy diets seem to have an impact on limiting Alzheimer's disease risk," said Maria Corrada of the University of California Irvine's Institute for Brain Ageing and Dementia, who co-led the study. Antioxidant-rich foods are also extremely important.

Lead a healthy lifestyle. Things like avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol, exercising and staying socially active all are linked to a healthy brain, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

"The major way we've reduced the death rate from heart disease is through lifestyle changes: eating better, exercising more, smoking less," said David A. Bennett of Rush University in Chicago. "It would require a lot of people to change the way they live, but there's no reason to think we can't have the same impact on Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia."

To get a complete idea of the most risky lifestyle choices when it comes to your health and longevity, check out The Six Worst Lifestyle Choices You Could Make.



Playing chess and other mind-stimulating games helps keep your brain healthy.


Exercise your body. As mentioned above, regular exercise is important for your brain health. "Walking 45 minutes three times a week for six months significantly improved mental ability of older adults with no dementia; a randomly selected control group that did stretching and toning had no change," says Arthur Kramer, a psychologist at the University of Illinois.

Exercise your mind. "Just keeping busy seems to tune the brain," says neuropsychologist Yaakov Stern of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. In a seven-year study of 1,800 older adults, Stern found that the more "leisure pursuits" a person had, the lower their risk of developing Alzheimer's. Leisure pursuits included:

â¢Visiting friends
â¢Playing cards
â¢Going to the movies
The key is to keep your brain engaged as you age. Try crossword puzzles, games like chess and checkers, reading, attending a lecture, volunteering or taking a class that interests you.

Avoid head injuries. Research has uncovered a strong link between serious head injury and Alzheimer's. You can reduce your risk of head injury by always wearing a seat belt while driving, wearing a helmet on a motorcycle or bicycle and making sure to remove tripping hazards around your home.

Try to relax and stay positive. According to the Centre for Healthy Minds, elderly people who experience a lot of psychological distress (worrying, feeling insecure or nervous) are more likely to show signs of mental decline. In fact, one study found that people prone to high levels of distress were twice as likely to develop symptoms of Alzheimer's disease after five years than those who were prone to low levels of distress.

Further, adults who suffer from depression have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's than those who show few or no depressive symptoms.

The Bottom Line

"It's hard to prove a lot of these things, but I'm convinced there's enough evidence that there is a cause-and-effect relationship," said Gary Small of the University of California at Los Angeles, who developed a "memory prescription" for Alzheimer's that includes a healthy diet, daily exercise and relaxation and memory exercises.

Indeed, clinical studies have yet to be performed to test many methods of Alzheimer's prevention, but when the techniques are employed in a population, benefits seem to be found.

And, as Small points out, there's nothing to lose, "We may not have conclusive proof. But the evidence is strong. And these are all healthy choices for other reasons."

hope this helps!

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Why are so many bikers dumb not use lights and not pay attention to cars?

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Lucas

Answer
Cyclist or bicyclists - not "bikers". Bikers ride a Harley & have tattoos. All it takes is one bad cyclist to give everyone a bad name. Conversely - the same can be said for motorists.

Thanks to a helmet mounted mirror (http://safezonemirror.com/ ) I avoided just such a situation this morning. A lady came flying up my left side - with a turn signal on thank God - and made a right turn DEAD in front of me. I knew it was coming - I could read it in her face. "I'm gonna pass this guy & make a right." It's called the "right hook". She may not have even noticed me - or thought I could go so fast - doing about 20-21 mph at the time.

Why do motorists talk & text on cell phones, apply make-up, drink beer or other alcoholic drinks, smoke dope & do God knows what else behind the wheel? 3,000 lb. car vs. 25 lb. bicycle. No contest. Another time I barely avoided a T-Bone crash because some fool ran a red light in a car. And the intersection was CLEARLY marked "Red Light Cameras in Use".

John 8:7 "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." http://www.gospel.com/bookmarks/Cast-first-stone-Bible-John-8-7/9383

There are FAR more fatal car wrecks per year than bicycle accidents/wrecks -even on a proportionate level. Only 17% of bicycle accidents involve another vehicle. 45% are "solo falls'.
http://thinkbicyclingblog.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/kaplan_bike_crash_causes.jpg

18 years driving a tractor-trailer with no tickets, no wrecks & never placed "out of service" by a weigh scale or roadside D.O.T. inspection. Now retired. So what gives you the idea I'm gonna start screwing up now? I STOP at stoplights - even at 5 a.m. I at least slow down to a crawl at stop signs. Don't lump us all together. There's far more BAD motorists than cyclists.

Edit: Remember what I wrote about motorists NOT paying attention? This just in...
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2398418/British-tourist-23-leg-severed-New-York-yellow-cab-swerves-avoid-cyclist-Rockefeller-Center.html
Quote from the article, "Authorities have not said what caused the driver to jump the curb, but the cyclist told DNAinfo that the driver tried to make a left as the cyclist was passing him.

'I told him, "Stop",' he said. 'He gets angry. He honked his horn and accelerates.'

So this dumb s*** cab driver tries to "get even" with a cyclist passing him, jumps a curb & severed a tourist's LEG.

Riding a bike with no helmet?

Benito

I live in los Angeles CA. Can I ride my bike with no helmet on the streets without getting pulled over or getting a ticket? And do it need lights on my bike to ride it at night or are the reflectors good enough.

Answer
http://dmv.ca.gov/about/bicycle.htm and http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/shr_slow_veh.htm#bike

Bicyclists:

â¢Must obey all traffic signals and stop signs.â¢Are lawfully permitted to ride on certain sections of roadway in rural areas where there is no alternate route.
â¢Must ride in the same direction as other traffic, not against it.
â¢Shall ride as near to the right curb or edge of the roadway as practicalâ not on the sidewalk.
â¢Are legally allowed to ride in the center of the lane when moving at the same speed as other traffic.
â¢May move left to pass a parked or moving vehicle, bicycle, animal, avoid debris, or other hazards.
â¢May choose to ride near the left curb or edge of a one-way street.
â¢Should ride single file on a busy or narrow street.
â¢Must make left and right turns in the same way that drivers do, using the same turn lanes. If the bicyclist is traveling straight ahead, he or she should use a through traffic lane rather than ride next to the curb and block traffic making right turns.
â¢Must signal all their intentions to motorists and bicyclists near them.
â¢Must wear a helmet if under the age of 18.
â¢Should carry identification.
â¢Shall not operate a bicycle on a roadway during darkness unless the bicycle is equipped with:
â¦A brake which will enable the operator to make one braked wheel stop on dry, level, clean pavement.

During darkness bicyclists must have the following equipment:
â¢A front lamp emitting a white light visible from a distance of 300 feet.
â¢A rear red reflector visible from a distance of 500 feet.
â¢A white or yellow reflector on each pedal or on the bicyclistâs shoes or ankles visible from a distance of 200 feet.

Under 18, you need a helmet. Riding at night, you need lights. All it took to look this up was a quick Google search.

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Hey i longobard and need to know what is a good full face helmet to buy thats cheap but doesnt look crappy?

bicycle helmets visor image

kyle

Answer
Schwinn Thrasher Adult Micro Bicycle black/grey Helmet (Adult) is a great helmet. It fits well (6'3" 200 pound male). The adjustment wheel works perfectly and is well made. There is a lot of cooling airflow when you are out riding and the visor blocks the sun quite well. I was surprised with the build quality given the price and it even looks good on top of it all! (In fact it's good enough/stylish enough to steal apparently and I'm back for my second helmet. If someone wants to steal this helmet and save their thief head I will happily purchase more and pass them around to anyone who wants one.) Thanks Schwinn!

Is traveling on Santorini by Vespa safe?

Leilani an

We want to "tour" on our own. Are there a lot of cars or is it relatively safe on a Vespa ?

Answer
Touring on a vespa is just as safe as good as you are driving a bicycle.. If you can do it with care and
common sense you have nothing to fear apart from the occasional tourist driving a car in the wrong side of the road.
Locals knowing how hazardous your driving can be, are extra careful with all motorcycle riders and always give you way. The majority of accidents happening in the summer are from tourists driving bicycles and their stupid in most cases tricks.

Keep that in mind and drive always with a helmet with visor and goggles or glasses if one is not provided.. The crashing of an insect on your eye while driving is something that happens in almost every other kilometer you drive. Drive conservatively and non- aggressively and all will go well.

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Do I need a license to drive a moped in Missouri?

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jaker0135

I have a moped that is under 50CC and I heard I need a drivers license to drive in in Missouri. Contrary to this I have always heard that I don't need one.

Answer
MOPED DRIVERS NEED A DRIVER LICENSE
To drive any motorized bicycle such as a moped on the public streets, you
must have a valid driver license. Licensing for a scooter or moped depends on whether the vehicle meets the definition of a motorized bicycle. The Missouri statute definition of a motorized bicycle is as follows:

"Any two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having an automatic transmission and a motor with a cylinder capacity of not more than fifty (50) cubic centimeters, which produces less than three (3) gross brake horsepower, and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour on level ground."

A motorized bicycle does not have to be registered with the Missouri Department of Revenue. However, you must have a valid driver license (though no motorcycle endorsement is required).

Missouri statute does not require a helmet to be worn when operating a motorized bicycle. Please contact your local law enforcement agencies for any county/municipal codes that deal with helmets and motorized bicycles.

Keep in mind that no motorized bicycle may be operated on any public thoroughfare located within this state that has been designated as part of the federal interstate highway system.

http://www.moped2.org/laws/Missouri.htm

What is the best bike I can buy for under $350 in your opinion?

aight

I have up to $350 dollars and I am looking for a mountain or hybrid bicycle.
f#%$ing bike people... I dont want to spend $2,000 on a bike...my car is barely worth more than that!

Answer
EDIT: I put this at the top of the page so you see it- NEITHER OF THOSE BIKES I RECOMMENDED ARE OVER $400.

Not $4000, not $2000, not even $1000. f#%$ing people that don't read answers after asking questions...

Maybe my answer was too long and it confused you. I'm sorry if I used words that were too long.



Let's get our definitions straight and maybe that'll get you your answer right away.

Mountain bikes are for riding on trails... you drive it to a site, take it off the car, ride it. When you are done you put it back on the car and take it home. A hybrid is a slower, more comfortable version of a road bike that may be taken anywhere there is a paved surface (including finely ground stone)... think of molasses compared to high fructose corn syrup of a road bike.

I am making the assumption that you are thinking of an ALL TERRAIN bike or hybrid. An all terrain bike is intended for a 50/50 mix (or so) of on road/offroad riding up to rain rutted dirt roads or worn trails. The reason I think this is what you want is that mountain bike pricing STARTS at about $700 and go up while ATB pricing starts at about $250 and end about $700.

Enough of the gobbledegoop. Regarding an ATB, you would be very hard pressed to find a better specced bike than a Diamondback Response. This model has been in the lineup since at least 1998 and has always been a very good value. As far as a hybrid you should, at the very least, consider a Diamondback Insight 1 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005NXO62M/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1/183-5148203-8543663?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_r=0WEBV2MDFV98DM7T4HF2&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_i=B002LFRTTM which is available from amazon.com.

BEFORE I GET JUMPED ON, I am not backing too far away from recommending that amateurs NOT buy bikes online with the following:

Prior to ordering a bike online, get fitted to a similar model from a bike shop. Order the bike, then bring the bike IN THE BOX to the same shop for building. The labor will be about $50 and worth every penny. Then, go back to the shop for anything you might need such as helmets, bottle cages, fenders, pumps, and extra inner tubes. You'll both be winners.

The reason I am even suggesting this is because I have supreme confidence in the quality of Diamondback and Raleigh products. I don't think any other company is as careful about what goes in the box.

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How closely do autistic children need to be supervised?

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Q. We have a 5-year old neighbor who is not potty trained and does not communicate well. She is still in diapers, yet she roams the neighborhood unsupervised...no shoes, no helmet when on her bike. I am considering calling social services, if she is not mentally of the age to be potty trained or communicate like a 5-year old, I wonder if she should be unsupervised outside so much. I don't have much experience with autistic children, so wondered if this is more of a concern than if it were a child without autism.

Answer
Hun i have to agree with the other poster my son Thomas pictured left is 10 he also has severe autism non verbal and also still in nappies/diapers, there is NO way i would allow Thomas to go out alone unsupervised he knows nothing about danger and he would i know go off with anyone, i think the mother is just terrible for allowing this to happen, there is times i would love to see him out the front of the house with the other children but you have to think about the safety side which this mum isn't doing, either this or shes having a hard time dealing with her child and is allowing her to do as she pleases ..

Do kids need helmets to ride small plastic tricycles?

Ivy has Tw

They would be riding them in our house, at the playground, and in our parking lot.

The pediatrician handout says to have them wear helmets on tricycles, but it just seems unnecessary to me. They are 2.5 years old and we are getting them their first trikes, so they will be small ones.

I just can't see how a child can get a head injury on a small low to the ground plastic tricycle?

Answer
But any SMALL bump or knock can cause serious head injuries or brain problems.

We told our girls that if they wanted to go on bikes, trikes, roller skates, boards etc they have to wear a helmet.

Not only does it protect them, but it becomes second nature to wearing it. They have no problems wearing their helmet but a friend, who never really has made them wear them, has trouble now that they are that little bit older.

Better safe than sorry.

KD

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Im currently in the market for a new sportbike and im wondering which helmet to purchase?

best sportbike helmets image

Daniel H

I want a quality helmet but also want it to look nice... an ICON helmet caught my eye but i want to know if its a good quality helmet

Answer
I have a Shoei RF-1000. Fit is excellent, comfort and visibility is excellent, ventilation is good and it is a top notch helmet.

That said, I'd try on a few of the top rated ones, Arai, Shoei, HJC and see which one fits you best.

I'd definitely get a full face helmet no matter what kind of bike you ride as they offer the best protection.

The helmet should be pretty snug on your head but not so tight that it hurts, try rotating the helmet side to side, you shouldn't be able to rotate the helmet or pull it back off your head with the chin strap buckled. The cheek pads will crush in and not feel as tight after you've been wearing it for a while.

How does owning a motorcycle work?

Q. Okay, so I've ridden a dirtbike a few times and was thinking of getting a sportbike. around 500cc, I am 6' 3 ".

some problem I have thought about:
I live in Canada, winter for 5 months of the year, so i'd have to drive a truck the other months.
so I have to pay two insurances?
How do i get my motorcycle licence, i don't know anyone who could teach me, and I have my drivers licence though.

Answer
Each vehicle is separately insured. You must wear a helmet in all provinces.
There is a nation wide motorcycle training program called "Gearing Up" that will aid you in acquiring your motorcycle license. From second link below.
"Learn to ride from an expert: Relatives and friends may consider themselves âexpertsâ, but nothing beats learning to how to ride from a program designed specifically for the purpose. Many important details are usually covered in a good program that might otherwise be missed by a friend or relative. One such program to consider is âGearing Upâ, Canada's only national motorcycle rider training initiative. Itâs managed by the Canada Safety Council, and since 1974, over 325,000 people from across the country have learned how to ride through this program. Another advantage of the program is that many insurance companies offer a motorcycle insurance discount to riders who have obtained their training from Gearing Up."

Reconsider your choice of motorcycle. You may find yourself very cramped on a sport bike. These racing motorcycles are better suited for a 5'8" rider, not a 6'3" rider such as yourself. Also, insurance is very high for a beginning rider on a sport bike. Please check your rates before buying. Sport bikes are very limited in what you can do with them. Terrible machine for long rides, no room for carrying gear, terrible machine for two up riding. No protection from the elements. Riding a bike that has at least a proper windshield can add a month to your riding season along with a strong enough electrical charging system that allows the use of electrically heated clothing. I use produces from Gerbing. I don't see the point if buying such a limiting machine.
Also you have to prep and store the motorcycle during your long winter. Personally I fill the tank with gas, add Sta-Bil, and store the battery indoors. I use a Battery Tender Jr. on the battery.
Good Luck

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could someone please answer the following stat's question?

bicycle helmets prevent head injuries image

Mary

There has been debate about the effectiveness of bicycle helmets in preventing head
injuries to bicyclists involved in accidents. In a group of 22 accidents where the
bicyclist suffered injuries, of the sixteen who were wearing a helmet three suffered
head injuries whilst of the six who were not wearing a helmet two suffered head
injuries. Determine if there is a difference in the incidence in head injuries between
those bicyclists who do and do not wear a helmet.

Answer
Let P1 be the proportion of those wearing a helmet that suffered head injuries
Let P2 be the proportion of those not wearing a helmet that suffered head injuries

H0: P1 = P2
Ha : P1 â  P2

p1-hat = 3/16
p2-hat = 2/6

Sample 1 proportion x1/n1 = 0.1875
Sample 2 proportion x2/n2 = 0.3333
Pooled proportion pi= (3+2)/(16+6) = 0.2273

Variance of difference in proportions = pi*(1-pi)*(1/n1+1/n2)
= (0.227273)(0.772727)(1/16+1/6) =0.0402462

Standard error of (p1hat-p2hat) = 0.200615

z = (p1hat-p2hat) / sqrt[pi*(1-pi)*(1/n1+1/n2)]
z = -0.145833 / 0.200615 = -0.726933

P( |z| > 0.726933) = (0.2327)(2) = 0.4654
P-value = 0.4654

Assume the significance level is 0.05
Since P-value > significance level, we do not reject the null hypothesis.

There is no evidence of a difference between the two groups.

What usually happens if you have to stay in the hospital for observation?

Jackie Bro

for a head injury. can you be observed at home?

Answer
You can be observed at home, but if you start to show signs of bleeding or pressure in the brain, it will be an awful lot longer before you get help. This significantly increases the chance of death or brain damage.

In most cases, the odds of a further problem are very low, probably less than 1%. But the consequences of not being in the hospital when your brain starts to bleed or swell can be pretty serious.

If you have symptoms of a severe head injury such as persistent headache, vomiting, or less of consciousness for more than a minute at the time of the accident, you really want to be in the hospital if things go wrong.

There was an 8 year old boy in Sacramento who fell off his bicycle, no helmet, seemed to only have cuts and scrapes. Doctors noticed that he had loss of memory around the time of the accident and the doctors felt that his speech and reasoning didn't seem right. He did stay in the hospital for observation, had a brain bleed, and it took immediate surgery to prevent serious brain damage.

Let the doctors do their job.

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Tips for biking in the heat?

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Sam

This summer I am doing a 6-week coast to coast bike trip. We are going from South Carolina to California, so it will be upwards of 100 degrees many days and we bike an average of 85 miles a day. I really don't tolerate heat well, I get nauseous quickly and my throat begins to hurt and I feel like I have trouble breathing (I don't have asthma). I know that I need to drink A LOT of water. I will have a camelbak and two water bottles and water stops whenever possible. Does anybody have any other suggestions? Please don't say change the route because I'm going with an organization. Thanks!

Answer
You're on the right track with drinking a lot, but a sports drink will be better for you than water. It'll provide the electrolytes and carbs that you need to replace in addition to the water. I use Gatorade, straight from the bottle. Some people dilute it just a bit with water. Don't use the zero calorie stuff -- not worth drinking. Everyone I know who tried that stuff bonked because they weren't getting the carbs and calories they need to keep going.

I wear a Headsweats CoolMax skull cap under my helmet. It keeps me from getting sunburned through the helmet vents and also keeps sweat from dripping into my eyes.

And some obvious things: Good sunglasses and apply lots of sunscreen. Make sure the sunscreen does not drip into your eyes when you sweat.

Watch the movie Bicycle Dreams. There was one scene where Bob Breedlove described a fabric garment he wore in the heat that was effective in keeping him cool in the heat. RIP, Bob.

HTH

True or False and Multiple choice, Help?!?!?

MJ

9. When a vehicle is approaching at night, your headlights must be turned to low beam when that vehicle is within ____ feet of your vehicle.
150 250 350 500
16. Bicycle helmets can reduce head injuries by _________%.
35 55 75 85
18. Forfeiting the right of way to other drivers does not prevent accidents.
â¢true â¢false
19. Properly worn seatbelts should increase the chance of survival when involved in a traffic accident by:
5% 25% 45% 75%

20. The emotions of a person have a direct impact on the way they operate a vehicle.
â¢true â¢false

21. A truck with three or more axles should never exceed 55 mph.
â¢true â¢false

Answer
9. 500
16. 85%
18. True
19. 45%
20. True
21. True

Caution: Some of these answers may be different depending on your state laws. Good luck!

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Do you think it is Disgusting Obama is Bragging About How Many People He's Killed?

best bicycle helmets 2011 image

Tyranny SU

Ron Paul Says I Find It Rather Disgusting Obama Bragging About How Many People He's Killed!
October 22, 2011 MSNBC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz5nCBZ-8oM&feature=feedu_more

Answer
Obama does it while riding a chick bicycle wearing a helmet and mom jeans.

why can't you buy bicycle wheels/rims at most "Regular" stores?

promethium

"Regular" stores refer to places like: Costco,Walmart,Target,Kmart,Sports Authority/Gart Sports,and Big5. most of these retailers SELL bicycles,tires,seats,inner-tubes,racks,helmets,lights,water bottles, bicycle locks, but for some reason, not even one of these places sells the actual rim. why not? why do you have to go to some designated bicycle shop (where of course the rims cost $100+ each). I understand that they have to be strong enough to support the rider's weight. and I get the fact that you definitely want a quality set of rims. but bike shops can sometimes be out of the way, in terms of distance from one's residence. why can't rims/wheels be sold in the above retailers?

Answer
The so-called bicycles they sell in discount stores use the CHEAPEST components possibly found. Many times these parts aren't even listed on the suppliers website. Shimano (for example) makes lots of these no-name derailleurs for Wally World bikes.

On top of that...if you buy in HUGE quantities, you get HUGE discounts. Now - who has more pure buying power - a multi-billion dollar company like Wally World - or the local bike shop? That's another reason.

Reason 3...Discount stores don't want to be bothered with selling individual specific parts. Yeah...they sell tubes & crappy tires & lots of other crappy after-market parts. But they're not going to get down to the nitty-gritty of selling individual wheels, shifters, derailleurs, brake calipers, etc. Too much hassle for their feeble-minded, minimum wage "associates" to handle.

Lastly...the parts you get at a REAL bicycle shop are often twice as good, if not ten times better than the original part! I remember the first time I walked into A&M Bicycle shop in St. Louis. It's a small one-man shop. A customer was picking up a repaired bike & asked Karl, "Good as new?" Karl sarcastically replied, "Nope...(long pause)...better. I don't use those crappy parts Wal-Mart installs on bikes from the factory."

Buy a good bicycle from the start & you won't need any replacement parts.
http://www.raleighusa.com/archive/2011-steel-road/sojourn-11/
2011 Raleigh Sojourn - now well over 2,000 miles on the bike. It hasn't spent a single day out of service. NO flat tires - ever. Not one single breakdown. Total maintenance cost so far? Two new tires when the originals wore out - replaced with the same kind, and an eight dollar bottle of chain oil. Cost of the bike? $1,200 + tax. Worth EVERY single penny!!!

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What do i need to look for when buying a used motorcycle.?

bike helmet quotes image

victor g

I am interested in buying a used motorcycle and i have been looking at cycle trader and craigs list and other various places.
Since these are bikes from private sellers i want to avoid getting ripped off or buying a broken motorcycle that would cost more to fix that its price. What kind things should i be especially inquisitive , about the condition of the bike?

Answer
If you are not sure what to look for when inspecting a used motorcycle, I suggest you locate an independent motorcycle mechanic near the sellers home and have a pre-purchase inspection/check done. Approximate cost $50-100, future headaches avoided with your new baby: priceless.

If you are set on inspecting the bike yourself, here are a few things I would do (I learned almost all this from countless hours browsing motorcycle forums when contemplating the purchase of my 2nd motorcycle from a private party).

1. Check the status of the title. Verify that the bike has a clean title, unless you don't mind riding a salvaged title bike. This may be dangerous because salvage title usually means frame damage.....I'd be wary of riding a motorcycle with a damaged frame. I'm not sure if they have something like CarFax for bikes but if they do I would use that, if not try the DMV or perhaps an insurance company your shopping quotes with can verify.

2. The owner is just as important as the motorcycle itself. Is the owner helpful in answering all your questions? Does he/she know the history of the vehicle? Do they have maintenance records/logs? What is the overall impression you get about them selling their motorcycle? You want to buy from someone who makes you feel comfortable and will work with you, good signs that the bike has been taken care of.

3. Do an initial walk-around of the motorcycle. Any noticeable damage to the fairings, handlebar ends, levers, exhaust, pegs? Basically you are trying to see if the motorcycle has ever been laid down/crashed. Are the fairings/tank original or have they been replaced? If so, ask the seller why.

4. Is it modified? Heavy modification usually means the owner has ridden the vehicle hard, not necessarily a bad thing if it has been taken well care of, but it can be a sign that it has been abused. Does the owner have the original factory parts? Do the modifications look like they were installed properly, or just a hack job?

5. Forks/shocks. Inspect the front forks/shocks closely. Are they leaking at all? Do they look worn/extremely dirty? Do the same for the rear shock.

6. Have the owner start the bike for you, stationary. Look for any smoke coming from the exhaust. A little bit of visible white smoke is ok, dark/blue smoke or any other strange looking emissions coming from the tailpipe are a definite bad sign.

7. Listen to the bike at idle. Does the engine sound like its healthy or unhealthy? If you are looking at sport bikes, they tend to have a sort of a 'lumpy' idle, meaning it bounces around a little bit, but nothing too erratic. When the engine is warm, have the owner or yourself rev it a little bit, listen for any odd noises coming from the engine. If you hear something strange, don't be afraid to ask the owner to explain what the noise maybe. He will either fess up if there is a problem he did not disclose or try to lie, which you should be able to detect fairly easily.

8. If the seller will let you and you are comfortable take it for a test drive. I would try to engage each gear at least 2-3 times during the ride to check for problems w/ the transmission. Vary the rpm range to check for hiccups in the engine. Is it difficult to shift? Is it harder than usual to find neutral? How does the steering feel? Do the brakes do an adequate job of slowing down the motorcycle or are they squishy and slow to grab? Does all the instrumentation work?

9. Does the seller have the original paperwork/manuals/spare keys?

10. Do not let the seller negotiate his/her used gear into the deal, unless it is something you want and it is the correct size for you. A quality helmet and gear should be the first thing on your list, BEFORE the motorcycle.

11. See if the registration is current and if any registration fees are due. You will also have to pay California sales tax to the DMV when you go to transfer the title to your name, based upon the selling price of the motorcycle.

How much effort would it take to get a motorcycle engine and turn it into a go kart engine?

hehewhosth

I have a little bit of engine knowledge (took a small engines class last year in school). but the ultimate goal is to make a go kart out of a motorcycle or dirt bike engine. any and all input is welcome.

more info: I was thinking a 250 2 stroke but i am extremely open to change.

Answer
Not much effort at all. You can cannibalize a lot of parts from the donor motorcycle. The biggest problem is getting the final gearing right. The circumference of a go-kart tire is much smaller than a motorcycle tire.

However this could be accomplished with a jack shaft.

This has already been done so you won't need to re-invent the wheel. There is a go kart racing series that already uses motorcycle engines. Open your favorite search engine and search for "motorcycle engine go kart" without the quotes.

There is one minor issue that you may find is that a 2 stroke motorcycle engine doesn't produce much torque at low RPM. This may be an issue when starting off or if you need to go slow. But look out once you get the go kart moving. You may want to wear a full face helmet to keep the bugs out of your teeth because you will consistently have an ear to ear grin on your face.

One other issue you may encounter is that you could very easily over-power your go-kart. If you use too much motor you could easily build a little 100+ mph death trap. Make sure your go kart, your riding area, and your driving abilities match the performance capabilities of your go kart.

Another option I have seen is to use a snowmobile engine and belt drive system. I have seen both. And both were wicked fast.

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Whats the name of the visor for the street bike helmets?

best street bike helmets image

wishbear_2

Ok we are looking to buy street bike helmets and i have seen people ride around with these cool looking visors that have a Design on them and you cant see in but they can see out just fine. I was wondering what they are called any websites that sell them?

Answer
The name is "face shield". Different helmets use different shields, so just search for your helmet's make and model and "face shield" and you'll find stuff pretty quickly.

how much does a 707 street helmet weigh, and is it wrong to use that helmet for mountain bicycling?

Andrew

I have a 2011 Seven Zero Seven full face street bike helmet,
can't find how much the weight is, and also is it wrong,silly, or stupid to use a street bike helmet to go mountain bicycling?

Answer
Unless you only go downhill, you'll cook your head.

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Where to find good motorcycles for a low price?

best street bike helmet to buy image

Ben

I'm a 16 year old with a budget of $1800 for my first motorcycle. I am only interested in streetbikes, no cruisers/standard bikes for me. The only bikes I find in my price range are on Craigslist. I'm interested in either the gs500f or an sv650. Does anyone know of a website that has ads for mainly street bikes at a low cost?

Answer
Local Craigslist in Madison, Wi has a cm400 Honda with bags and Vetter fairing, new tires for $1600.00-- guy bought it for wife who doesn't want to ride now and he has 3 other cycles -SO, sell the little Honda and wife can either stay home or pack on back. I have same basic cycle used for trainer--and new student lined up for the season so little putt will be back on road soon. Cycle Salvage yard has a 550 Suzi for $1200.00- small shield and a tailtrunk big enough for helmet and some extra space, new tires. Helpful to know where you're located.

Wanting to buy some sort of street bike?

mahchellex

I'm a girl I just turned 18 recently and I'm going to get my motorcycle license soon and was wondering what kind of street legal bike I could get. Any information would be helpful.
I'm going to take a rider safety course. I'm 5'5 145 lbs. I want something that would be well suited for a girl but nothing real girly. Enough for me to handle. And something that will be legal to ride on the road.

Answer
First off, I STRONGLY suggest a motorcycle safety foundation training course. (The final exam earns you your license.) http://www.msf-usa.org/

Buy something used and inexpensive for a starter bike.

Look for something old but not too old. You don't want something so old that it is a junker, but not something so new that you'll feel bad if you lay it down.

Look for something in the 500 - 800 CC engine size. This will be powerful enough so you don't get bored too soon, but not so fast that you will be afraid of it.

Look for a standard or cruiser bike for your first bike. They are more forgiving and usually have less power than a sport bike with the same size engine. Although cruisers are heavier than other bikes they have the lowest center of gravity and are easy to balance considering their weight. Stay away from the sport bikes for your first bike as they require more skill. Going with a sport bike for your first bike is like getting a Formula 1 race car for your first car, not a good idea. Also used sport bikes tend to be more abused.

Consider the fit of the motorcycle. People come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes. So do motorcycles. When selecting a motorcycle consider how well it fits your body. Ask yourself how well you can put both feet flat on the ground. Ask yourself how well the seating position feels. Do you have to reach too far to the handlebars? Riding hunched over can get uncomfortable very fast. Is the foot peg location comfortable? Does the bike feel too big or too small? An uncomfortable motorcycle won't be much fun to ride for any amount of distance. However, a bike that fits you well will be lots of fun.

Avoid buying over the Internet. I would never buy a motorcycle site unseen. You could very easily end up paying too much for junk. Always do a visual inspection and test ride before buying a motorcycle. When you go to look at the bike, bring a helmet. If you do not have your motorcycle license yet, bring a friend with a motorcycle license and 2 helmets.

Watch the classified section of your local news paper. Some locations have shopper magazines with used motorcycles in your area. Reasonably priced used bikes are out there. Be patient. Don't buy too quickly, but if you find one you like, buy it right away. If you find a good starter bike, don't hesitate as they can sell quickly.

Don't get hung up on any particular brand. All of the name brands are about the same. Pay more attention to the bike's condition. If any one brand were really superior to all other brands, this would be the only brand bike on the road. In addition, if any brand bike was really inferior to the other brands, nobody would buy them and the company would be out of business.

Learn on this bike. Make your mistakes on it. You will make mistakes. Nearly all new riders will lay their bike on its side at least once. Would you rather make your mistakes on an older bike or your nice shiny expensive new bike?

The most important thing you should do when getting your first bike is to take a motorcycle safety course.

After you have been riding a while and gain some experience, you can sell your starter bike and get the one you want. If maintained properly and not abused, you won't lose too much money on your starter bike. Put the money from the sale towards the bike you really want. By this time, you will have figured out what style bike best suits your riding style and needs.

If you settle on a sport bike for your next bike, avoid the used ones. Young riders think they are racers on racing bikes and tend to beat the crap out of them so they are likely to be more abused. So if considering a sport bike, consider something new.

I know I used variations of this answer before. However, I feel this is good advice.

Use your head while riding. Remember, Stupid Hurts.

Have fun - Ride safe


Beginner bike list -

Suzuki GS500F (Sporty)
Kawasaki Ninja 500R (My current bike...dated but sporty)
Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD (cruiser)
Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (Cruiser)
Suzuki DR-Z400SM (Dual Sport)
Honda Shadow Aero/Spirit 750 (Cruiser)
Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 XL Low (Cruiser)
Suzuki GSX650F (sporty)
Triumph Bonneville (Cruiser)
BMW G650 Xcountry (Dual Sport)
Kawasaki Ninja 250R (Sporty)
Suzuki SV650F (Sporty)
Suzuki SV650 (Naked)
Hyosung GT250R (sporty)

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What is the best cyclist helmet that I can purchase?

best bike helmets for triathlon image

biggie32_2

Im getting a friend of mine a gift and he is a professional cyclist, but I don't know anything about that type of gear.

Answer
Cycling helmets are largely the same in terms of protection. A $30 helmet generally protects as well as a $150 one, the only main differences are weight, ventilation, style, and fitting devices. More expensive ones generally have more ways to customize the fit of the helmet, but generally you can still get a cheapo helmet to fit your head pretty well.
If your friend is a professional racer and does plenty of time trials or triathlons, then you might consider getting him an aero helmet. These are those goofy looking tear-drop shaped helmets that are more aerodynamic as they streamline the air moving over the body. However, the use of these helmets are extremely limited. If your friend does not do serious time trial events at a professional level, then you shouldn't consider this type of helmet. If he has a custom time aerodynamic bike with a disc wheel in the back and aero bars in the front, then he might be able to take advantage of an aero helmet. Otherwise he will just look ridiculous.

Bell, Giro, and Specialized all make decent normal helmets. I'm not too sure about aero type stuff as I'm not a professional racer. Check to make sure the helmet you purchase is ANSI safety approved. This is a regulation that requires a certail level of safety for all helmets.

What do I wear during a triathlon?

zscor

I'm not really sure what to wear during a triathlon. I'd like to be able to wear bike shorts so my butt doesn't hurt, but I'm worried that they will be soaking wet/never dry from the swim portion. Do the Zoot suits or other triathlon unisuits have quick dry padding in the butt? The just look like shorter, thinner wetsuits so I'm not entire sure what the difference is.

I just want to make sure I'm comfortable on race day, thanks!

Answer
Either get a tri suit, They can be found for a reasonable price on Ebay or use tri shorts and a tri top again these can be found on Ebay.
On race day use body glide and your tri outfit, This will dry quickly once on the bike and the pad is designed for this, Trying to change when wet is very hard. Do not bother. Make sure your bike shoes are ready and ff you are using cleats attached to the bike. Use elastic bands to hold the pedals ready to slip your feet in and then on pedaling they will just snap off.
Practice your transitions as you can win and loose here. When you do the swim to bike practice make sure you are wet. It sounds silly but this finds any problems in advance. When you are doing cycling practice Again do some of this starting wet to find any problems up front.
Be prepared for it to be raining on the day and practice for this again.
Things like special tri laces will speed your transitions,
Remember do not touch the bike without your helmet secured,
Practice of the transitions is as important as training for each leg. You have to improve a lot to gain 2 minutes on your time for any leg. It is easy to loose this in a transition.
After the race you will get your times including those for T1 and T2. Look at these compared to others and see how you can reduce your times. My sister got Bronze not Silver because of a bad transition.
Wear a swim cap put on your goggles then add a second swim cap to fix your goggles on. This stops them coming off when you get knocked in the swim,
Prepare well and have fun on the day.

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What are all the parts that I need to assemble a bmx bike?

bike helmet 7 5 8 image

Jake

My diamondback is real messed up. I bought a DK frame off some kid and now I wanna assemble a decent bike. I just need to know the basic parts I will need. Please help.

Answer
Things You'll Need:
BMX Bike Brakes
BMX Bike Forks
BMX Bike Frame
BMX Bike Gloves
BMX Bike Parts
BMX Bike Pegs
Bike Pumps
Bike Tools
BMX Bike Helmets
BMX Bikes
Step
1
Start with a good flatland-specific frame. These usually have a short top tube, a short rear end and steep angles.

Step
2
Do a quick check of the frame and everything else on the bike to be sure nothing is cracked, bent or broken.

Step
3
Remove any pads, reflectors, chain guards or kickstands.

Step
4
Put axle pegs on the front and rear wheels and cable detanglers on the front and rear brake cables.

Step
5
Position your handlebars so they are straight up and down or in line with the fork. You may be more comfortable with your bars a little further forward or back, but don't go too far in either direction. Some riders like to cut their handlebars' width to just wider than shoulder-width.

Step
6
Remove old grips if they're torn or if the handlebar is showing through. Bar end caps will help protect the ends of the handlebar.

Step
7
Choose a wheel set that has a rear hub specifically designed for flatland, usually called a free coaster. Free coaster hubs allow you to set your pedals at one position, and they will stay there when rolling backward. Hubs with a regular free wheel make the pedals go backward when rolling backward, and coaster brake hubs don't let you set the pedals easily because of the brake in the hub.

Step
8
Use tires that have a smooth tread and inflate them to the maximum air pressure. Most flatlanders run at least 100 pounds of pressure in their tires, even though it is usually well above the recommended pressure on the tires. There are only a few tires rated to that pressure.

Step
9
Tighten all nuts and bolts to their specifications, including axle nuts, stem bolts, pedals, cranks, seat and seat post nuts, brakes, and headset.

Step
10
Lubricate all moving parts, such as brake cables, brake pivot bolts and your chain.

Step
11
Put the correct amount of tension on the chain so that it doesn't fall off when you're riding.

Step
12
Use the smallest front sprocket that you can find. The easier gearing makes it easier to ride away from tricks and the small sprocket will not get in the way.

Step
13
Choose platform pedals over caged pedals.

Step
14
Find the shortest crank arms you can.

Step
15
Adjust your seat to a height and angle that allows good mobility in front and in back.

Step
16
File down any sharp edges on the bike, such as the edges of the stem or handlebars.

How should I plan a bicycle trip across Washington?

Stan Thomp

I have been thinking about riding my bike across Washington, starting in Spokane and ending up in Seattle. I believe the distance is about about 450 miles, which is much farther than any other biking trip I've been on. I'm not sure exactly how I should plan it out, exactly.
As for specifics, I have a ten-speed mountain bike, I'm going to make the trip alone, and I don't plan on spending my nights at motels.

If anyone has any advice on preparing for this, let me know!

Answer
Wow there is a lot to plan. Its seems like second nature if you've done it though.

1. make sure your bike is in top shape, tune and lube.
2. use smooth road tires not knobbies. Keep them pumped up.
3. Bring essential tools, several tubes, patch kit, levers, pump, hex wrenches etc.
4. Have a small camp flashlight and waterproof tent.
5. carry clothes you can layer - especially for the night if you aren't bringing a sleeping bag, you need water a proof wind breaker for sure.
6. carry a phone and cash. Sunglasses and clear lens glasses as well.
7. A couple garbage bags, bungee cords can come in handy.
8. Always carry enough water and small snack-able type food if you can't get to a store for a while.
9. plan your route so you have plenty of overnight options - you may want to do more or less miles some days.
10. helmet, bright jackets/shirts, good gloves and padded shorts
11. if you're going to cook, small alum pan, backpack type stove.
12. make sure to pick up extra water or sports drinks before you camp and your dinner and the next morning's meal too.

There more but that's a lot of what I remember doing for my trips back in the day. Have a blast and don't forget the map

Once you've done it once you know all the other small things.

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