Secret Cycling Signals

I almost played hookie from a group ride for the first time (already). I was starting to feel crummy, so I had one of those conundrums - will pushing myself make it worse or will I feel better if I get out there and get moving? I got up. I got back under the covers. I got up. I dove back in. Finally I decided to just get up, start getting myself there, and reserve the right to turn back at any time (interestingly, the same approach I use to make myself go to parties where I won't know people). I was tired the whole time, but glad I got out there. Of course, now I'm on the couch with a full fledged cold, but at least I feel like I earned the down time.

We went around Lake Sammamish (22 mi), which was fun but had some hairy side-of-road conditions. Lots of things on the side of the road easily threaten balance on those skinny road bike tires and therefore our lives (that's why bikes don't always get all the way over to the side of the road; please be patient and/or vote for bike lanes). The first time I went on a ride with a group of cyclists, I was so impressed with how helpful and polite they were... they kept pointing out road hazards like bumps, holes, and glass for me. Turns out that is standard practice and completely necessary for riding close together in a group when you can't see what's up ahead (other than the dairy aire in front of you).

I bet you already know about putting an arm out for a left turn signal and the funny "L" shaped arm for right turn (I always wondered why you didn't just throw your right arm out; it's because the cars are usually on that side of you). But that's just the beginning! Slowing or stopping is an arm down with palm facing back, and for a grate/hole/post/etc. you point and yell whatever it is. Going around something up ahead (a pointing around your back motion) and loose gravel (jazz hand out to the side) are my favorite. The only catch is that I seem to need both hands on the handlebars when something worthy of signaling about comes up.

Then there are other great things to yell like "car back", "dog up", and of course, "on your left" (one of those musical phrases that reminds me of my dad, being a kid, and the Burke-Gilman Trail). But I'll spare you and leave it at that. Stay tuned for a lively exploration of all that super-stylish bike attire... trust me, there are good reasons why cyclists choose to look that silly.

Unsolicited bike safety tip of the day: Did you know you should replace your helmet after one crash or every 3-4 years regardless? It's true, so do it. Luckily, price has nothing to do with the safety functionality as long as there's a CPSC sticker.