Road Safety Reminders for Coming Thaw. (3/12/08)

According to the weather forecast for the 48124 Zip Code on weather.com the next ten days will have highs above freezing but night time and early morning lows below freezing.

Here's a few thoughts for all of us to keep in mind as the bikes come off the trainers and out onto the roads:

- The heavy snowfall and subsequent thaws have opened many new chuckholes, especially along shoulders where cyclists ride. Even if you are familiar with a ride route stay alert for bad pavement. Debris from chuckholes such as loose gravel, asphalt patching material and hunks of concrete or black top are being released from thawing snow along the road side where they were deposited by plows. Keep a sharp eye out!

- Great time to recheck the contents of your saddle bag and be sure you have a fresh spare inner tube, CO2 inflators and cartridges, tire levers, a fresh patch kit and your emergency contact information.

- Keep your knees warm. The first 60 degree, sunny day is around the corner and it is tempting to get outside in shorts. The connective tissues in your knees are fragile and have minimal warm blood supply. They are particularly susceptible to overuse injuries during the build-up of miles in the early season and in cool temperatures. Wear tights, leg warmers or knee warmers below 70 degrees fahrenheit.

- With wet snow run-off its likely your bike will be a mess. Be sure to spend a few moments cleaning it off and applying fresh chain lube after a dirty ride- it will save you an expensive trip to the bike shop!

- You haven't had your helmet on in months. Check your chin strap adjustment and make the necessary adjustments to position the helmet on your head correctly if you wear a wind hat or skull cap under your helmet. Follow your helmet owner's manual instructions and don't wear your helmet too far back on your head.

- Remember dirvers are not accustomed to seeing cyclists on the road for the last 6 months and they are busy dodging chuckholes too. Give them extra room in the early season.

- If you go out in the morning beware of "verglass" or "black ice", thin layers of ice that form overnight and hang on until after sunrise. These can be invisible or appear as wet pavement. They are extremely slippery. These are a hazard while running too. Keep a sharp eye out!

I hope your first ride outside this season is safe and enjoyable!

Edited by Thomas Demerly 2008-03-12 9:38 PM