One of the most common concerns from our family, friends, and others is our safety on the road with cars and other motor vehicles. Terry and I have many years of cross country miles, years of experience, and safe cycling education (Mark is a certified cycling safety instructor).
Our first step every day is to be prepared to ride the long roads across America. Getting ourselves prepared with fuel in the morning and eating right throughout the day. Helmets, rear view mirrors, high visibility clothing, powerful 500 lumen headlights seen for over 1/2 mile, powerful tail lights seen for over 1/2 mile for daytime riding will give motorist time to see and maneuver around us. Finally we need to get our bikes prepared for the day by giving them an ABC Quick Check.
A=Air B=Brakes C=Chain, Cassettes Quick Check = Making sure all our quick releases are tight so our wheels won't fall off, and all our panniers are fastened properly.
While on the road we will ride as far to the right side as practicable, and to ride single file without drafting leaving a safe distance between the front rider. We will be relying on our sense of sight and hearing to detect vehicles coming up from behind us so we can make the appropriate choices to pull off the road or stop and let large vehicles and long lines of cars to pass. Riding in urban environments we will be on heightened alert at all intersections, busy streets, and driveways.
It's essential that we take periodic rest stops and watch out for the each others well being on the trip. If one of us is feeling sluggish maybe it's time for a longer rest break to refuel or a day off to rest.
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