Tim's Riding Rules

I recently published “Tim’s Running Rules” based on over 30 years of running.  In October of 2003, I retired from running on my doctor’s recommendation.  Hanging up my running shoes was a milestone in my life.  I had been a runner for over 30 years and took great pleasure in the sport.  10 years later I still find myself wanting to run and often describe myself as a “recovering runner.”

When I stopped running, there was an immediate exchange for a bicycle.  My good friend Dave, coaxed me into riding by loaning me bikes and inviting me on rides.  Since October of 2003, I have owned 6 bikes and ridden over 25,000 miles.  I converted my running log into a riding log and continued logging almost every ride.

Over that decade of riding I’ve developed a set of riding rules.  While my running rules were communicated in no particular order, my riding rules have a definite Rule 1 - 3.  Beyond that, they’re random.

• Rule #1:  Watch where you are going.  
• I’ve had one accident on my bike that resulted in a serious injury.  It was a direct result of not watching where I was going
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• Rule #2:  Watch where the rider in front of you is going!

• Rule #3:  Wear a helmet – the scar from the stitches in your head won’t look cool.

• Ride fast when you can, there’s a reason why dog’s like to ride with their heads out a car window.

• Buy the Spandex and get over how it looks.  The good news about bike shorts is also the bad news about bike shorts, they make everybody’s butt look BIG.

• Don’t wear your riding clothes for anything but riding.  Seriously, it's not complimentary.

• You will fall over; it’s usually funny – so laugh with your friends.
• Right after I started riding with cleated shoes, I stopped in our neighborhood before making a turn and could not get my feet off the pedals.  I simply tipped over into a yard.  My next door neighbor was driving by with all 4 of her boys in the car.  I can still hear them laughing with the windows rolled up.

• You will fall over – get back up, get back on, and start pedaling again.

• Ride in the sun.

• Don’t ride in the rain.

• Don’t antagonize any dog.  They're faster than you and they’re motivated.

• The more you weigh, the faster you go downhill.  The converse is true - live with it or lose weight.

• Don’t obsess over the weight of your bike.
• Think in terms of your body weight. Last year I lost the equivalent of an entire bike – it was far cheaper than buying a lighter carbon fiber bike.

• Put your mirror on the left side of your handlebars.

• Keep a log of your rides – make goals and keep yourself accountable.

• Wave (carefully) at other riders – it’s a salute of respect and camaraderie.

• Ride with friends and make friends who ride.