A Few Thoughts as Spring Turns to Summer

 It is hard to believe that we are already at the start of summer, 2022. The longest day of the year is close at hand, and with that comes a few thoughts for fixing and riding old bicycles.

First, there is no time like the present to get out and get riding. The days are long and the weather is warm, which calls for getting out and onto the road with your bike whenever you can. This beats 95 degrees and humid (August) and it beats 20 degrees and freezing (January).

 Second, if you have a warm, dry day, now is the time to get any paint work you have done, before the heat and humidity of summer strike. Paint dries better when it's 75 and dry than it does when it's 95 and very humid in August (and good lucky getting it to dry when it's 20 and freezing in January). I've spent several afternoons recently prepping and painting some parts from my bins that needed it. 

Third, when you ride, stay visible, even with the longer days. Summer usually means increased car traffic, and that also means more interactions between motorists and bicycles. Keep your lights charged and your lamp batteries fresh. Make sure your reflectors are in good condition. Even though there is more daylight, drivers still need to see you and to share the road with you. Don't be afraid to use a public road, but be selective with your roads and don't take an undue risk by riding on a high-speed, dangerous road.

Finally, have an app on your cell phone that provides weather updates. Summer often means thunderstorms that can develop and sweep in quickly. Make sure you get an alert if you have lightning strikes within 5 or 10 miles. You don't want to be caught out in a downpour or get tangled up with downed trees or lightning.