Thanks for all the great tips guys. They will certainly make life easier for a newbie like myself.

In a fast group ride, look at the back jersey pockets of the rider in front of you. He can't go anywhere without them and it's an easy shift of the eyes to see up in front of him.

If you see someone on the side of the road or trail fixing a flat, stop or at least slow down and offer to help. Especially if it looks like a newbie. That newbie will think that's what we cyclists do. 'Cause it is...

Ride... Ride... Ride.... and Ride...

Stop... when you're tired... then.. ride....

I wish.

I had my bike upside down the other day trying to fix my chainring. Five "cyclists" rode past me without even a glance.

Yes, please!!!

Don't forget your water bottles.

Don't be affraid to ride on sidewalks, even if it is illegal. Of course be sensible about it (like, don't ride down the sidewalk of 5th Ave three days before Christmas), but what would you rather get hit by, a person or a bus?

Two good bike cleaners: generic spray furniture polish, and a spray bottle with 1 part Windex to 3 parts water. Maintain braking surfaces by cleaning the glaze off brake pads with emery cloth, @ 80 grit, and the sides of aluminum rims with Scotchbrite. Peanut M&M's and iced tea beat the hell out of Powerbars, too.

A free saddle bag from your local bank. Heavy canvas bag used by banks to carry cash makes a nice tool bag. Put your essential tools in the bag and just roll it up. Plus, it is so retro.......cool.

George!

That reminds me of my grilling tool set. It comes in a similar package.

BTW, that seatpost is really cool. What kind is it?

Pack a spare tube in a zip lock with a couple of shakes of baby powder in it. Roll it tight with a rubber band. It'll seat in the tire easier.

Don't paceline with riders that have water bottle holders on their saddles. The bottles pop out when they hit potholes.

T O U R I N G 1 0 1.

Never take pictures in: Lumberjack saloons, Indian bars or Girlyman pubs.

-m.

Ahh yes... how does that Monty Python Lumberjack song go again?

I carry with me a pair of disposable polyethylene gloves.

When I am have to do something on my bike during the journey, like changing the inner tube, I use them and do not have to wash my hands afterwards.

The only way to better at riding the bike, is to ride the bike.

Right!

I would only add that some knowledge about riding can be gained also by reading.

Maybe everyone already does this for hot weather riding...I fill my water bottles 3/4 full and pop 'em in the freezer. When I go for a ride, I top off the bottle with cold water. Stays pretty cold even in a DC summer.

I carry Bactine wipes, wet wipes, and bandaids in different sizes in a ziplock bag. (Have one in my car, too.) Even if I'm not carrying a fanny pack or handlebar bag on a ride, this is something I can slip in a pocket, especially if I'm riding with kids. They are SOOOO much easier to calm down when you can mop up the blood!

(Great thread; wish I had something truly great to contribute!)