All­ inclusive packages are available for groups of four people or more and feature fully supported bike tours, meals and lodging at the dramatic 300-acre spread near the Hardman Ghost Town in Heppner, Oregon. Amenities include a hot tub for relaxing at the end of the day, a personal beer tap, pool table and of course, breathtaking views from the porch.

The area is so sparsely populated that cars are a rare sight on local roads and bicyclists enjoy wide berth. Rides can be customized depending on each group’s ability and desires. Proprietors Phil and Kathy Carlson say some of the best riding is along the Stagecoach Trail, which follows the path of the original stagecoach from the Hardman Ghost Town through the Blue Mountains and Umatilla Forest to the John Day River. They’ve also crafted a historic ride through the rolling hills of Oregon farming country that winds its way to the Old Western town of Condon, where visitors can stop at an old­ fashioned pharmacy, soda fountain and mercantile.

The proprietors are dedicated to ensuring their guests have a memorable experience, and are completely amenable to customized adventure days. Perhaps you want to ride to Kimberly, the confluence of the John Day and John Day North Fork rivers for lunch, rafting, or fishing, then continue riding. If you choose a rafting option, the guides will transport your bikes to the put out, and handle all the gear for you.

Riding Cycle Oregon? Spend some leisure time with TREO to loosen your legs and acclimate yourself to Eastern Oregon so you can make the most of your Cycle Oregon experience.

Whether you’re looking for extensive riding, heaps of adventure or plenty of relaxation, this new riding retreat offers it all in a small, customized setting.

MORE INFO >>

Around this time of year, a rash of articles with the same thesis starts to pop up: “You don’t have to wear that silly Lycra in order to bike to work.”

That’s totally true! Bike commuting shouldn’t require expensive gear, special shoes or padded shorts.

But Lycra exists for a reason – and we’re going to break it down here.

TO LYCRA OR NOT TO LYCRA

The thing about biking to work is that there’s no right or wrong way to go about it. Everyone’s commute is different, so it’s hard to apply blanket advice. The important aspect to remember is that you have options, and what works best for you is the best option.

My own commute is through an industrial suburban area, and almost every other cyclist I see is wearing bike gear to varying degrees. Although I wear my regular clothes when I’m out riding in the city, I always gear up for my bike commute. I like the idea of taking a leisurely bike-to-work ride in my skirt and heels, but for the sake of time and practicality I turn my 12-mile commute into an exercise routine.

After all, what better way to get the blood pumping in the morning than using your bike commute as training?

You might sweat into your clothes, but with Lycra people can’t as easily see your sweat and it will wick away. A little Lycra under your work clothes also goes a long way – especially under skirts short enough to let your skin touch the saddle.

LOOKING PRESENTABLE AT THE WORKPLACE

No matter how long or short your commute (and how much fun you’re having), at some point you have to put on your work-related clothes and join your co-workers. Arrive a few minutes early to change and clean yourself up. Nothing beats walking into a space relaxed and ready instead of rushed and frazzled, so especially on the mornings you have to face people right off the bat, give yourself just a few extra minutes to compose yourself.

TIPS FOR CARRYING YOUR CLOTHES TO WORK

• Roll, don’t fold. Rolled clothes take up less space in your bag and are less likely to wrinkle.
• Keep a pair of dress shoes at work.
• Keep an emergency bag with a pair of underwear and socks, etc., in your desk.
• A comb and a travel-sized bottle of your favorite hair product will help keep helmet-head at bay. Dry shampoo (you can make your own) is a great way to absorb any extra oil or sweat in your hair from the ride.
• Ladies who do the makeup thing, bring it with you. You may also want to wait until you get to work to put face lotion on, or switch to a moisturizing oil like jojoba which will be less clammy when you work up a sweat.

SWEAT FACTOR

Some lucky bike commuters can take advantage of showers at the office, but the rest of us need to figure out other ways to not offend our co-workers after our ride.

One option is to take it easy on the way in, and save your real workout for the way home. That’s my preferred style, though not entirely by choice. I commute by myself in the mornings, but in the evenings I meet up to commute with my husband. He’s a faster rider than I am, so I definitely get some training miles on the way home.

An absorbent pack towel, Action Wipes (or something similar) and a spot of deodorant can really do wonders.

WHAT’S YOUR FORMULA?

Do you kit up for your work commute? Why or why not? Leave your favorite bike commuting wardrobe tips in the comments below.

Jessie Kwak is a writer who loves to type about the good life: travel, outdoor adventures, food and drink, and (of course) cycling. You can find her at Bictoro: Bikes and Crafts.

Remember when it was a time for great adventures and trying new things and re-inventing yourself a bit? It still can be! This year, try upgrading to clipless pedals for a whole new (and better) ride that can take you further than you thought possible.

LINGO + GEAR

Let’s just get this confusing bit out of the way right off the bat.
Cleat: The metal part of the shoe that attaches to the pedal.
Bike shoe: Typically this is a shoe that has a mount for cleats, but you need to make sure before you make your purchase. There are a few models of shoes out there called bike shoes because they grip onto a pedal nicely or have other features that make them a good option for biking. If you want to ride clipless, you need a bike shoe that has a cleat mount plate.
Clipless pedal: This refers to the type of pedal that a cleated shoe attaches to.
Clip in: Ride with clipless pedals. “But they’re called clipless….” I know. It’s confusing. Clipless simply means having a shoe attached to the pedal, but not using toe clips, also known as cages.

WHY CLIPLESS

Clipless pedals are the best option for longer rides. They give you a huge advantage by optimizing the entire circle of your pedal stroke (as opposed to just pushing down). By spreading the work between muscle groups, your legs are less tired and much more efficient. In other words, you can ride longer, faster and easier with them – pretty great for a small change.

TRY CLIPLESS

You’ll need to buy a pair of special shoes, a set of cleats and the pedals. Your local bike shop can help you decide which options are best for your riding style. Luckily for you, there are many options in brands and shoe types. You can even buy a sandal to rock that summer feeling.

You can choose a pedal that is for riding only with cleats or one that has a flat side for street shoes. These flip flop pedals are a perfect option for people who both ride the distance and like to ride in style. You don’t have to switch out your pedals based on what you’re wearing or what type of riding you’re doing. A quick run to the corner store is no big deal.

DIFFERENT PEDALS – DIFFERENT STROKES

I recommend starting with a mountain-style pedal. This is double sided so it’s easier to get into and the cleat is recessed in the sole of your shoe. This means you can walk normally (unlike the road style which are meant mostly for only being on the bike) and you can run errands or pop into the gas station, piece of cake. As an initial investment they also tend to be a little less expensive than the road style.

Once you’re experienced with riding clipless, or if your main motivation is to only go the distance or race, you may want to choose a different pedal system. Talk with your local shop about the options to find what’s right for your needs.

BUT WON’T I HAVE TO WEAR UGLY SHOES?

Not necessarily. It depends on what type of clipping in you want to do and which system you use, but there are a growing number of stylish shoe options that fit cleats.

For men, DZR makes a very attractive shoe. Women can wear them too, but they’re sized for men’s feet, which tend to be wider and larger. Shimano makes a few options. Masculine shoes definitely dominate the casual bike shoe department, check out this Guide to Stylish Clipless Shoes.

BUT WON’T I FALL?

Yes, you will. But maybe only once.

Many, many people avoid clipless because they think it will be too hard to free their foot. Be not afraid. You release like a ski binding — a small, easy twist of your foot and you’re free.

If you’re pretty nervous about this venture, choose a multi-directional (vs. omni-directional) cleat. These allow you to release your foot by tilting your ankle to the side or twisting your foot. Having additional release directions means you’re less likely to get your foot stuck in a panic – nearly any way you move your foot will release the shoe.

Ask the shop to install your cleats on your shoes and your pedals on your bike. Ensure they adjust the pedal tension to the loosest setting. Hop on one of their stationary bike trainers so you can practice clipping in and out in until you’re comfortable trying it on the road. You can also practice while holding onto a sign post, telephone pole, playground equipment, etc.

The lowest tension setting can be so loose that a big bump will knock your shoe out of the pedal. As you become more comfortable being clipped in, you can adjust the tension for a snugger fit.

Major disclaimer: Most people fall while learning – almost always at a sudden stop putting the foot down in a panic. Practicing in a stationary trainer first will help prevent this, but it still sometimes happens.

Ask your friends or folks at the bike shop who already ride clipless about their one fall. Everyone has a story. Mine was on Germantown Road with a line of cars building up behind me, so I decided to pull over to let them by. I was tired, forgot I was clipped in and… promptly tipped over from the shoulder into the road. Luckily, the cars were already slowed behind me when I signaled my exit. Now drivers were stopped completely (so much for trying to help the flow of traffic) and hanging out their windows to see if I was okay. Because I didn’t reach my arm out to catch my fall (never do this — it’s how you break your arm or wrist) I rolled cleanly and lightly onto my thigh and shoulder and was only slightly bruised. However, I turned about sixty shades of red as I tried to wave traffic on from the ground.

TAKE A DEEP BREATH, DIVE IN

Moral of the story: falling usually only happens once and rarely do you have much injury beyond a bruised ego.

Luckily for me when I fell, no one knew me or cared to remember, so it quickly became a brief moment in the past. My summer of clipless pedals was a summer of new accomplishments on my bike. Since then, my clipless pedals have helped me go new places I never thought I could – forests, mountaintops, bike tours and beyond. They were the little change that made the biggest difference in my relationship to my bike.

So take a deep breath and dive in. You won’t regret it!

Tori Bortman is a bike mechanic, educator, consultant and the owner of Gracie’s Wrench.

JUST PACK THE RAIN GEAR

30% chance of precipitation. Do you risk it and skip the rain gear? NO! Just pack your rain gear. Summery weather inspires us to travel light in flittery skirts and tank tops, but at this transitional time of year you never know when those sunny skies will turn grey and dump rain. Just pack the rain gear and hope you don’t need to put it on.

LONG SLEEVES AT NIGHT

If the day is extremely warm, chances are the nighttime will be, too. But if there’s even a slight breeze, it’ll be chiller than you think. Pack long sleeves for those super hot days that go late. If the day isn’t in the mid 80′s – or if you get cold easily – pack a sweatshirt for your night ride home.

LAYER UP

Start with a base layer of something like a flattering tank top that you don’t mind wearing with nothing over it, and layer up with a t-shirt, a long sleeve, maybe a vest or a jacket. As you ride and warm up, and as the day warms up, you can remove layers until you’re down to what’s hopefully only a summery tank top as you bask in the sun.

If you like biking in skirts, consider bike shorts underneath for extra warmth and secure coverage. On cool mornings, leg warmers or tall socks are a great idea. Sock Dreams, based in Sellwood and online, caters to bikers with warm and cozy cool and funky socks that reach up as far as your thigh – perfect for changing weather..

SUNSCREEN

If you’re removing layers, remember that this may be the first sun those naked arms have seen for quite a while. So if you haven’t spent your winter relaxing in the Riviera, slap on the sunscreen and protect your skin.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO GO BARE

We’re not talking the World Naked Ride here (it’s not until June 8), but on warm days don’t be afraid to take off that neon yellow jacket. Feeling the breeze on your arms and the sun on your skin is good rejuvenating. Oregonian’s don’t get much of that vitamin D, so soak it in while you can.

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR SUMMER?

What are your tips for riding in this transitional time of year? Share your ideas below.

So many rides, so little time! Why can’t summer be longer? With so many options, how do you decide? Here’s your handy guide to choosing your next ride.

WHAT’S THE DATE?

Not only are you free that day, but what are you doing the day before or after? The day before is when you’ll want to be resting and getting your gear ready. The day after, your legs just might be jelly.

If possible, choose rides that fall on dates that will work well for your friends, too. It’s way more fun to ride when you’ve got your favorite people along with you for the day.

WHERE IS THE RIDE?

Are you going to want to drive three hours to get there? Is it a destination location? If your drive is more than an hour, consider staying the night and making a weekend of it. Some rides, like Reach the Beach and Petal Pedal, happen in areas that make for wonderful vacation locations where there’s plenty to see and do while you’re there.

WHAT’S THE ROUTE? HOW MUCH CLIMBING IS THERE?

Is the ride heading out your normal commute or weekend ride route? That might not be so interesting to you. Well organized rides will have interactive maps on their websites so you can explore the route and check the elevation. Explore a new region, a part of the state you’ve never seen before or a route that takes you past areas that will be new and exciting.

Check the elevation. It may be too much or not enough for your tastes. Most rides keep the climbing low to moderate, but there are a select few that have course options with extreme climbing. This can be a rewarding challenge – one that you just might want to train up for.

Are there route options? Most well organized rides offer at least two route options and allow you to switch routes on the morning of the ride. This is a great feature so you can choose the distance that’s right for you. And, who knows, when The Big Day approaches, you may find you’re feeling stronger than ever and want to challenge yourself to a longer distance. Or maybe you’ve talked a friend (or yourself!) into a first-time distance ride, in which case the shorter routes are life savers. There’s no reason to take on a course that’s too much for you; enjoy the ride.

CAN YOU FIND THE INFO YOU NEED? WHAT’S THE SUPPORT?

A well organized, thorough website is quite often a reflection of how well organized the actual ride will be. If you’re paying to participate in a ride, you deserve to be treated to good support along the way.

At minimum, support should include frequent rest stops with snacks, water and helpful staff plus support vehicles and a ride hotline you can call for support from the course. Some rides also offer breakfast, lunch on course (Reach the Beach offers TWO lunches on course!), dinner at the end and a free beer garden. If the ride doesn’t cost much, it probably means the before and after meals are not available or could be an extra cost. If you prefer an all-inclusive experience, make sure you check the fine print.

WHAT’S THE CAUSE AND IS THERE A FUNDRAISING FEE?

There are so many wonderful rides in this state that raise money for impressive causes. Sometimes these rides have a fundraising minimum, and sometimes they don’t. Don’t let a fundraising minimum scare you away; it’s very easy to reach most fundraising minimums by sending an email to a handful of friends and contributions are tax-deductible. You can always self-fund your ride, too.

If there is a minimum fundraising fee, start early so it’s not stressful to reach your goal. Check out the incentives, you might want to go above and beyond that minimum to earn a sweet prize. Read our tips for easily fundraising for a ride.

If there isn’t a required fundraising fee but the ride is a benefit for a cause, consider making an additional donation. There are a ton of costs that go into putting on a ride and unless the attendance numbers are just so, most events don’t generate a ton of money for the non-profit beneficiary. If every rider gives even just $15 extra dollars, it makes a big difference.

WHAT ARE YOUR RIDING GOALS THIS SUMMER?

See a new area? Push yourself harder? Relax and explore? There is a ride out there that will meet your riding goals this summer. Take the time to seek out (at least) one ride to meet your goals and you’ll be a happy biker this summer.

WHAT HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR?

Tell us what rides you’re doing this summer, and which ones are your “must-do” favorites. What do you look for in a supported ride? Tell us below!

One way to accomplish this is to use your bike commute as training time. The average bike commute in the US is about 30 minutes each way. Once you add up your full day’s ride, it amounts to some pretty good training time. Depending upon the resources you have at your workplace, there are many different ways to make your commute double as training time. If you can take the long way in (or home) that’s great. However, when time is short, it pays to optimize.

USE YOUR COMMUTE FOR RECOVERY

The most pleasant training commute is to use your commute time as active recovery time. Cycling events mostly happen on the weekends, so an easy, ambling Monday commute is just what those tired legs need to help them loosen up and recover. Keep your cadence high, but your effort level low – you should be able to do this in your street clothes without breaking a sweat. Think of it as a gentle massage for your legs.

MAKE YOUR COMMUTE A STRENGTH TRAINING RIDE

Another way to make your commute more effective training is to use it for strength training. Take one of your commute days and make it a low cadence, high force interval day. For example, start in a big gear from every stop light or sign and pedal your way up to speed over 30 seconds. Once you’re done, spin easily until the next stop and then do it again. Incorporating five or six of these sets into each direction of your commute will help you build power without becoming drenched in sweat. Think of this as a weight-lifting session on your bike.

PRACTICE YOUR TECHNIQUE

Your commute is a great time to work on technique. While working on technique is often tedious in a normal training session, it is much easier to handle in a short session. Concentrate on your pedal stroke and focus on spinning in nice, smooth circles. Imagine your feet floating on the pedals. You may even want to do some spin-ups while you’re at it. These are short sessions where you start at one cadence and gradually increase it to 100 or 110rpm over about 30 seconds before resting for a bit. They’re like the strength intervals mentioned previously, but without starting in a big gear.

When you’re thinking about technique, it’s also worth remembering your position on the bike. Keep your elbows bent, your neck relaxed, and try to bend from your hips and not your back. After a long day at work, it’s easy to get hunched over the handlebars.

THE PAYOFF

Making your commute useful training isn’t difficult, and it has a lot of benefits. Besides letting you optimize your time, it allows you to do two workouts in a day. This makes for more efficient training and a better training response. You’ve got all day to recover between sessions, and so you can make your second session more effective. If you work on your feet, consider doing your hard work on your way to work, and using the ride home for recovery. Remember to have a good, protein and fruit-rich breakfast, and stay well hydrated during the day. This will help you keep your energy levels high, allowing not only for better workouts, but also for a more pleasant day overall.

Most of all, have a great ride and be courteous to your fellow commuters. Sometimes when we get into our heads, whether we’re thinking through ideas or focusing on our pedal stroke, it’s easy to forget about the people around us. Using your commute for training and focusing does not get you a pass in the courtesy department! Sharing the road always reigns supreme.

Adnan is a USAC-certified Level 1 cycling coach who believes that in sport, as in life, it is important to strike a balance between the various aspects of what one does. Adnan has been a competitive cyclist and triathlete for nearly 25 years. His full-time coaching practice can be found at AeolusEndurance.com

You’ve probably already got the basics in your repair kit (and if you’re wondering what the basics are, read this post). Along with a spare tube, CO2 cartridges and tire levers, these three things will help get you home without calling the sag wagon (aka friend, boyfriend, wife…).

A DOLLAR BILL

Nothing can ruin a ride quite like a slashed tire. Even after you’ve replaced your flat inner tube, the new one will just bulge through the tear and you’ll have another flat in no time.

Good thing you have a dollar bill! To reinforce the tire wall, fold the dollar in quarters (making sure it’s longer than the gash), then slide it in between the tire and your new tube. Pump it up slowly and keep an eye on the slashed spot to make sure the dollar bill is holding.

For a smaller slash, or if you’re getting flats from the rim, wrap the bill around the inner tube to protect it.

An empty goo packet also works, but just remember: this isn’t a permanent fix. Replace your tire when you get home.

ZIP TIES

A couple zip ties in your repair kit can help keep you on the road (or fix that annoying rattle you hear). From fenders to loose housing, zip ties help secure things that need to stay in place.

Broken spoke? Use a zip tie to secure it to its neighbor so that it won’t puncture your inner tube or wreck your derailleur.

In a pinch, you can also use zip ties to replace broken shoelaces, or even attach a flashlight to your handlebars. Your imagination is the limit here.

ELECTRICAL OR DUCT TAPE

Wrap a short length (1-2 feet) of electrical or duct tape around a piece of cardboard (or your pump) to make a portable mini roll. Alternately, adhere a strip of electrical tape to the underside of your downtube, so it’ll always be there when you need it.

Like zip ties, tape secures that which needs securing: loose housing, unraveling bar tape, broken water bottle cages and more. Tear your saddle in a crash? Wrap it in electrical tape for a barely-noticeable solution that will last for years (ask me how I know).

As a very last resort, use a bit of tape to patch your inner tube. You may have to stop and re-inflate it several times on the way home, but at least you won’t have to carry your bike.

WHAT’S YOUR TRICK?

What unorthodox items to you make sure to always have in your repair kit?

Jessie Kwak is a writer who loves to type about the good life: travel, outdoor adventures, food and drink, and (of course) cycling. You can find her at Bictoro: Bikes and Crafts.

In fact, no United States cities ranked on the prestigious list.

Rio, Budapest, Dublin and a few other “had no idea” bike friendly cities are on the list.

What Gives?

So what gives, Portland? You know, the place many call a bike mecca. Business Insider says the root of the problem is that “Americans often perceive cyclists as extreme athletes” and there’s certainly some wise truth to that statement. We could spend all day debating and discussing the relevance of such lists, the criteria, validity and why we ranked as we did. But the true take away is twofold.

We Live In a Bubble

Oregon is a fantastic place to ride a bike, and Portland is a bike friendly city, but we’re not the only ones rockin’ on two wheels. It’s important to pop outside of our little bubble and to gain some global perspective, even if it means our egos are knocked down a peg or two – or we don’t even rank.

Ride with Gusto

Secondly, it’s all about what we can easily do next. And “we” means you and me – everyday, regular folks who ride bikes.

Correction. Regular folks like you and me who LOVE riding our bikes. Love is contagious. So let’s spend this coming summer spreading bike love. Smile when you ride. Attend Bicycle Transportation Happy Hours (and support the BTA!). Join a bike club. Help your neighbor buy a bike. Ride to happy hour with friends. Cruise around lazily on a Sunday. Train for a century.

Support the organizations, agencies and groups who are fighting the good fight to get more people on bikes and make our roads safer for cycling, but focus on what you’re best at, and where your passion lies. If that’s on two wheels, then get out there and ride your heart out.

However you spend your time on your bike, do it with love, dedication and gusto.

Oh, and if you do want to grab a pint to debate and discus the relevance of such lists, the criteria, validity and why we ranked as we did, I’m game.

Check out the list of club events on the ORbike calendar. Anything listed there is open to the general public and free of charge. This is a good way to get to know the club and see if they’re right for you.

WHY JOIN A CLUB

Linda Jellison, a member of Portland Velo, says the sense of community is what drew her to join a club. “The value of being involved with a group where everyone is passionate about cycling is amazing to me. I’ve had some terrific experiences, getting to know the roads in a way I never would from driving a car. I’ve made lasting friendships.”

A club is also a great way to have a group of people to ride with. It’s much easier to stay committed to your ride when you know there’s a team of people waiting for you. You’re also likely to discover new routes and make new friends.

TYPES OF CLUBS

The club you join depends on your riding style.

MOUNTAIN BIKE - Disciples of Dirt in the Eugene/Oakridge area, NW Trail Alliance in the Portland area, Black Rock Mt. Bike Association outside of Monmouth area are clubs that will help get you out on the trails. Additional clubs abound, see a list on Singletracks.com.

RIDE FAST – Some clubs, like Portland Velo, essentially double as a racing team. Some members may never race, but most will. Whether that’s cyclocross or a time trial, they’ll be there as a group to support each other. The regular riding they do is vigorous and focused. If you’re considering racing, teams like these are the way to go.

GO THE DISTANCE – Groups like Vancouver Bike Club, Salem Bike Club and Portland Wheelmen really know how to log some serious miles, and they like to have a good time doing it. No one gets dropped on a ride and they’re a supportive group that encourages members to ride further (there are often incentives for earning miles, like earning a club vest or a patch.)

ULTRA CASUAL – Cycle Wild reconnects people to nature via bike with casual self-supported camping trips. Shift advertises fun grassroots bike events and events promoted through Shift are an excellent place to meet other riders of all stripes. Black Bike PDX gathers the black community of Portland for existing rides. NW Butts on Bikes is a very casual club for people who want to clock some miles at what is usually a very slow pace.

PERKS FOR RIDERS – Portland Bike Club is a hybrid riding club and rewards program that offers discounts to support all aspects of your bike lifestyle, including ride discounts, discounted beer, gear discounts, free giveaways, and, coming soon, bike shop discounts. The club is an excellent option for people who like supported rides, in particular, because you can save year round. The membership fee is only $40 and you can easily save that in a year with all the perks and discounts.

EXTENSIVE CLUBS LIST

Check out the Organizations/Clubs list on BikePortland.org for a broad list of bike clubs in the general Portland region.

Perhaps summer is on your mind, and maybe biking, too.

Here are some things to be thinking about as you plan out your summer of riding in Oregon.

GET SUMMER BIKE READY!

• How are you feeling on your bike? A bike fit, which can run you around $200, is a very wise investment if you’re not feeling quite right on your bike. Aches, pains, strains – these can all be alleviated with a professional bike fit. The fitter will spend a few hours with you – thoroughly analyzing your exact body and making detailed recommendations.
• How’s the bike riding? Head in to your local bike shop well before planning a big ride. You want plenty of time to get the word done well and test out your ride.
• What are you going to do this summer? If you’ve never participated in a supported distance ride, like Reach the Beach (one way, one day), Portland Century (one day loop) or Century Ride of the Centuries (multi-day) this should be your summer to do it. Supported rides offer an opportunity to hang with your friends, relax in the saddle, explore a gorgeous region and sometimes support a cause without having to worry about a thing. Think of it as a mini-vacation; the organizers take care of all the pesky details for you.
• Stretch those legs. Nothing serious, but ensure you’re getting out to remind your legs what it is to go the distance – before you’re out on that first long ride.
• How are your accessories? Look for sales (Bike Gallery is having one right now) and ensure your lights, lock, rack, carrying device and other accessories are in good working order so you can simply enjoy the ride this summer.
• Plan a fun day of riding. Maybe shopping all around town, a bar crawl, a visit to a friend across town, dinner far away, or just a cruise to Sauvie Island with friends. Get out there for a full day bike adventure that’s lighthearted and will help you fall in love with your town (and your bike) all over again.
• Psych your posse. Ensure you’ve got your riding buddies ready for the summer. Next time you’re having beers, bring up the topic of summer riding. You might find that one of your friends needs some assistance getting a bike, repairing a bike, finding appropriate routes or just being motivated to ride. Start that conversation now so you’ll have a posse by summer.
• Join a club. If your friends are riding enough to satisfy your craving for two wheels, consider joining a club. Clubs are a fantastic way to have an instant crew of people to ride with every single week (sometimes every day) – just add bike.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO? HOW ARE YOU PREPARING?

What are you doing to get ready for summer, and what are your big (or small!) riding plans? Share your stories below in the comments.

Happy riding!