Things you
can do before you leave the house to help you make it back in one piece
We’ve chosen a dangerous pastime. Not as dangerous as smoking, or
skydiving, or driving . . . but potentially dangerous all the same, and
worthy of our respect. You can increase your safety in the water and on
the roads and trails by training with a buddy, improving your skills, and
maintaining your alertness. But how much attention do you pay to your
safety before you leave the house? Frequently we’re in such a rush to get
out the door and on to the activities we love that we neglect to do some
simple things that may help prevent an accident or protect us in case of
one. Make safety a part of your workout routine. Here are some tips I’ve
picked up:
- If you’re training alone,
make sure to tell someone what you’re doing.
A quick chat with a significant
other/roommate/friend should do the trick. At the very least, leave a note
with your planned route and return time. Following a cue sheet? Leave a
copy.
Check your East Coast chic at your front
door. The waters and roads are no place for training clothing in a subtle
palette of gray/black/navy/white. Dress for visibility. You want people to
see you, so stand out with the brightest colors you can find. If you’re
running after dark, wear a reflective vest. If you’re swimming in open
water, wear a bright swimsuit and cap.
Shameless plug: Preserve your fashion sense
and possibly your extremities with a green-and-yellow Guy’s Multisport top
or a screamin’ yellow Guy’s hat.
Helmet: Are your straps tight enough to keep
the helmet snug in the proper position? By the way, how old is that
helmet? If it has ever been involved in a crash, has visibly deteriorated,
or is more than 3 to 5 years old (depending on how much you use it), get a
new one.
Brakes: Make sure they’re not open. Give
each lever a squeeze and make sure it works.
Quick-release skewers: Ensure they’re
clamped down tight—you really don’t want a wheel to pop off mid-ride.
Tires: Visually inspect for wear, cuts,
debris. Replace if necessary.
- Carry emergency supplies.
At a minimum: Spare tube(s), tire levers,
mini pump or CO2 cartridge kit, and cell phone. It’s a good idea to bring
some money, both bills and change, in case you need to purchase fuel or
make a call from a pay phone. Some people carry a credit card too. If you
use up any of these items on a ride, replace them immediately at the end
of the ride—before you realize 50 miles into your next outing that you
used your last spare tube on your previous ride.
- Bring enough food and water.
Yeah, I know, you bike the same routes all
the time and you know exactly where the water fountains and gas stations
and country stores are, and you’re fine leaving the house for a 100-miler
with 24 ounces of water and a Fig Newton. Well, it could be 98 degrees. A
water fountain could be broken. A store could be closed. You could get
lost. I’m not saying you should pack 10 hours’ worth of fluids and
nutrition; I’m saying you should have a Plan B. And a Plan C. And the
sense not to let yourself get in trouble. If you’ve gone an hour with
nothing to drink, and you’re not sure where you can get water, it’s time
to turn around or call for help. Carrying an extra water bottle and couple
of gels won’t kill you. Wrecking—because you’re dehydrated and bonking so
hard you can’t see straight—can.
OK, before your very next workout, write
your name, emergency contact number (not YOUR number—the number of someone
to contact in an emergency involving you), insurance information, and any
pertinent health information on a piece of paper and slip it in a baggie
to carry on you when you train. Then go to RoadID.com (or a similar site)
and order a more permanent ID. Or go to the pet store and get a tag made,
instantly and for only a couple of dollars. Wear this on your body every
time you train alone. It doesn’t hurt to keep your emergency info in your
bike bag, but if you’re actually wearing the information, there’s a better
chance it’ll make it to the hospital with you.
Got
any more ideas? Share them on the Training Safety Tips thread on the
message board. Let’s all help each other enjoy this sport for years to
come.
Barclay Cunningham
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