Photo by Clay Nolen 



Pedaling against the wind on Ocracoke Island 



Toe clips 



lightning, high winds and heavy rains 

 are a different matter. Get off the road 

 and seek shelter during such a storm, if 

 possible. Driving rains can decrease 

 your own visibility, and that of 

 motorists. 



• Don't forget the sun. Protect 

 yourself with lotions, clothing and 

 hats. And remember, even on cloudy 

 days, radiation can toast your skin. 



• Think about where you'll sleep. 

 For novice bikers, a soft bed feels aw- 

 fully good to sore muscles. Also, you'll 

 have easier pedaling if you're not 



Water bottle 



carrying camping equipment. But once 

 you've built up your muscles and your 

 endurance, camping can enhance a 

 biking experience. Camping areas are 

 plentiful along the North Carolina 

 coast. Check with the bicycle program 

 or parks service to see what is 

 available. 



• Stash away a few snacks. 

 Choose foods high in carbohydrates 

 and potassium, such as bananas, pears 

 or peanut butter. To quench your 

 thirst along the way, carry a plastic 

 bottle filled with water, weak tea or 



water laced with sugar. These bottles 

 are handily attached to your frame. 



• Get in shape. Begin to get your- 

 self in condition at least 30 days before 

 your trip. It's a good idea to check 

 with your doctor before undertaking 

 an exercise program, especially if 

 you're over 30 or have a history of 

 health problems. Do your conditioning 

 gradually. Start out biking slowly, two 

 or four miles several times a week, and 

 build yourself up to a faster pace and 

 longer distances. The bicycle program 

 distributes a pamphlet, "Getting in 

 Shape for Bicycle Touring," that offers 

 a conditioning schedule and other ad- 

 vice. 



• Check out your bike. Have your 

 brake pads changed, the brake and 

 gear cables checked, and your tires in- 

 flated to proper pressures. It's a good 

 idea to have toe clips placed on your 

 pedals. They keep your feet from 

 sliding off your pedals and they allow 

 you to pull up with one foot, while 

 you're pushing down with the other. 

 This can increase your biking ef- 

 ficiency 40 percent. 



You don't have to have an elaborate 

 touring bike to cycle at the coast. The 

 flat terrain lends itself well to three- 

 speed and single-speed bikes. But for 

 long distances and varied terrain, a 10- 

 or 15-speed touring bike is necessary. 



If you're going to buy a bike, do a 

 little research at the library and bike 

 shops to see what type of bike best fits 

 your needs. Also, be sure the cycle is 

 the right size for your body frame. 

 Good bikes are expensive these days, 

 so be ready to make a sizeable invest- 

 ment if you plan to buy a new bicycle. 



• Pack lightly. Take only 

 necessities. You can buy bike bags or 

 rig your own. Pack brightly colored 

 clothes that are interchangeable. 

 Bright colors are more visible to 

 motorists. Roll your clothes to 

 minimize wrinkling and place them in 

 plastic bags to prevent them from 

 becoming damp. Be sure to pack a set 

 of bicycle tools. Carry a bike pump 

 and tubing in case of a flat tire. 



• Watch out for motorists. Some 

 drivers are courteous, but others are 

 not. Ride in the right lane and use 

 those hand signals you learned in 

 driver's education to indicate turns. 

 Listen for approaching traffic and 

 move as far to the right as possible as 

 cars pass. North Carolina law treats 

 bicycles like any other vehicles. 

 Cyclists have the same rights and 

 responsibilities as motorists. 



