This week I took the opportunity to interview local cycling expert and bike shop owner Melinda Barnes. Among the most important things we talked about were cycling safety, and how to ease yourself into cycling and the community if you're new to the scene. There are obvious reminders, such as wearing the appropriate safety gear (helmet, reflective clothes and lights), but there are also operational considerations that should be made at all times, such as being aware of your surroundings and making yourself as visible as possible. That includes making sure your intentions as a driver (you are considered a vehicle while on the road) are obvious and that you obey traffic laws and norms.
If you are interested in beginning cycling, either for recreation or commuting, be sure to pace yourself and adjust to what your body can handle. A good idea would be to bike once or twice a week to and from work. If it is quite a distance, see if you can bike to a place and get a ride from there, or find alternate means of transportation to accommodate your needs. Avoid technically demanding rides such as steep slopes and winding roads until you have the confidence to handle yourself safely. If you'd like more information, check out Big Sky Cycling and Fitness at 801 N. Last Chance Gulch or their website bigskybikes.com.
This week's tunes:
Miike Snow - Animal
Cults - Go Outside
Oh Land - Sun of a Gun
Reptar - Stuck in my Id
Matt and Kim - Lessons Learned
FM Belfast - Par Avion
Crystal Fighters - At Home
The Naked and Famous - Young Blood
Friendly Fires - Skeleton Boy
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - Vocal Chords
Theophilus London - I Stand Alone
Little Boots - New in Town
