Lately, this summer to be precise, I realized how much fun it is to experience the outdoors on two wheels. I am not a professional biker and don’t intend to be. But once in a while biking around the beautiful lakes, eventful streets and by the bushes got me into making this impulse purchase. It’s a cool idea to give your gas guzzler, or whatever it is, a rest and go green for at least a day. As it is, make the most of sun till it’s still beginning of fall. ‘Cos once it is winter, snuggling in a quilt with a mug of hot coffee, catching up on TV are all you going to think about.
Washington Monument & Me So, this short tour my husband and I made, cycling away to Washington, D.C., had me pondering over various things I missed, didn’t take care of, observed en route, et al. Made a mental note of them and sharing with all of you now…
MAP THE ROUTE: Whether it is a paper map, a GPS or an app on your phone, make sure you know the routes thoroughly to avoid any confusion and argument with your biking partner later. Sure, you don’t want to hear “Didn’t I tell you…” or “Maine kaha tha na…” anytime during or after the trip. And, no! We don’t have a handlebar for it, yet. We kept the phone GPS in the pocket, took it out as and when we needed.
CARRY LIGHT: You don’t want to add up on your weight while cycling, especially upslope, with a heavy backpack. Carry light! Though, in my case, I royally gave away the backpack to him. Carry an empty bottle since you are most likely to find water fountains in the vicinity. Other essentials include some cookies/chips to munch in between halts, a hand towel for a quick wipe and some band aids for those unexpected and unwanted bruises.
SORE BUM: It’s the scrawny-ily narrow seat that’s the first culprit then it is that speed bump which you so want to avoid. But alas! As much you try, it is sure to take on your bum and make you scream “Ouch!”. Well, what’s the solution? We didn’t and still don’t have a seat cover on but a padded seat cover should help one cushion, else, make sure you have a good balm at home.
LOCK & KEY: It is most certain that you love your bikes unless you borrowed them. In any case, you got to lock them up. You know, you may not worry about pick pocketing but for this, you don’t want to take a chance. U-lock or the cable lock, we saw both of them on streets. One cable lock for both of our bikes worked just fine or we were simply lucky that day.
STAY COMFY: Okay, I have seen girls biking in heels and biking just as comfortable as any other. But, this chick I saw, cycling in a short tight skirt didn’t give me those vibes of how comfy was she unlike her guy in shorts and even knee caps on. Guess, a combination of a tee, shorts and sneakers should be the answer to comfort factor. I wish I could have clicked them. The frame would have just been perfect for a great contrast. Oops!
–> Giving you specs of our journey, we completed a total of 8.2 miles in close to 45 minutes of riding time. Below is the map of routes we followed to reach from Destination A to D:
A: National Postal Museum
B: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
C: Washington Monument
D: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
MAP THE ROUTE: Whether it is a paper map, a GPS or an app on your phone, make sure you know the routes thoroughly to avoid any confusion and argument with your biking partner later. Sure, you don’t want to hear “Didn’t I tell you…” or “Maine kaha tha na…” anytime during or after the trip. And, no! We don’t have a handlebar for it, yet. We kept the phone GPS in the pocket, took it out as and when we needed.
CARRY LIGHT: You don’t want to add up on your weight while cycling, especially upslope, with a heavy backpack. Carry light! Though, in my case, I royally gave away the backpack to him. Carry an empty bottle since you are most likely to find water fountains in the vicinity. Other essentials include some cookies/chips to munch in between halts, a hand towel for a quick wipe and some band aids for those unexpected and unwanted bruises.
SORE BUM: It’s the scrawny-ily narrow seat that’s the first culprit then it is that speed bump which you so want to avoid. But alas! As much you try, it is sure to take on your bum and make you scream “Ouch!”. Well, what’s the solution? We didn’t and still don’t have a seat cover on but a padded seat cover should help one cushion, else, make sure you have a good balm at home.
LOCK & KEY: It is most certain that you love your bikes unless you borrowed them. In any case, you got to lock them up. You know, you may not worry about pick pocketing but for this, you don’t want to take a chance. U-lock or the cable lock, we saw both of them on streets. One cable lock for both of our bikes worked just fine or we were simply lucky that day.
STAY COMFY: Okay, I have seen girls biking in heels and biking just as comfortable as any other. But, this chick I saw, cycling in a short tight skirt didn’t give me those vibes of how comfy was she unlike her guy in shorts and even knee caps on. Guess, a combination of a tee, shorts and sneakers should be the answer to comfort factor. I wish I could have clicked them. The frame would have just been perfect for a great contrast. Oops!
–> Giving you specs of our journey, we completed a total of 8.2 miles in close to 45 minutes of riding time. Below is the map of routes we followed to reach from Destination A to D:
A: National Postal Museum
B: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
C: Washington Monument
D: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
So, where are you biking this weekend? Care to share some more tips?
P.S. Next trip should definitely be amid the hues of red and yellow,
what do you think?
P.S. Next trip should definitely be amid the hues of red and yellow,
what do you think?
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