Safety First!

We all agree that we ourselves would never ride without the following basic cycling "must-haves":

• Helmets are essential!  They are the seat belts of biking.  You can fall off or crash your bike in your driveway, and a helmet can be the difference between a small ding and a trip to the hospital. 
  
• Water Bottles help keep your body hydrated and replace electrolytes.  Many cyclists carry two bottles at a time, depending on the ride. 
  
• Flat Packs --just in case!  Have everything you need to fix a flat tire: a tube, pump, and tire levers, so that you're not stranded on the road or trail.  (Bikesport offers a free Tire Changing Clinic on the 1st Saturday of every month!  It can't hurt to know how to change your own flat... click here for more info!)
  
• Eyewear protects your eyes from glare, low branches, bugs, and dirt/pollen in the air and help keep you safely focused
  
• Helmet to protect your melon!  -Children 12 and under are required by law to wear a helmet!
  
• Lights and reflectors (front and rear)
  
• Bell or Horn to make yourself audibly present
  
• Mirrors for your handlebars or helmet

It is also important to keep yourself safe by hydrating and carrying proper sources of nutrition.  if you are going for a long ride, you will probably need two water bottles and a snack, whether it's a power bar or a bagel.  Or carry some cash so that you can pick something up along the way.