If you are a member and unable to logon using your email address, send an email for the address you wish to use, it must not be the same as any member of your household,  to membership@hiawathabike.org and ask for a logon link to be sent to you.

Make sure you bike is in good working condition.  Perform the ABC = Air / Brakes / Crank&Chain

Make sure you have your helmet. All riders on HBC Rides must wear a helmet.  Your local bike shop can help you find and fit a helmet.  The attached link provides a good summary about selecting using a bike helmet:  https://www.helmets.org/nhtsafit.pdf

Bring “after” ride clothing which is easy to change into and comfortable.  Bring sandals or walking shoes if you use bike shoes, especially if use cleats.

A is for Air. 

> Make sure your tires are inflated to the pressure listed on the side of the tires.

> Make sure that your tires still have plenty of tread, and are free from cuts or bald spots.

> Make sure there is no glass or rocks in the tread that will make trouble later.

B is for brakes.

> Inspect pads for wear; replace if there is less than ¼" of pad left.

> Check pad adjustment; make sure they do not rub the tire.

C is for cranks and chain.

> Pull your cranks away from the bike – if they are loose, tighten the bolt.

> Make sure your chain is clean and lubricated.

> Quick" is for quick releases: Make sure your quick releases are all closed - They should all be pointing to the back of the bike, so that they don’t get caught on anything.

Bike clothing needs to accomplish the following:

> Keep you warm or cool based on conditions

> Dry quickly

> Fit comfortable and avoid being sucked into wheels, chains, brakes, etc.

> Protect your buns and private parts – main contact point on bike

> Be layered so that you can adjust to changing temperatures

You can ride in blue jeans and a cotton shirt.  Some of our riders do that and get along just fine.  But many of our riders find they are more comfortable wearing more technical clothing for maintaining body temperature, comfort and staying dry.

Lycra is a wickable fabric.  The advantage of a lycra bike jersey is that it will have pockets in the back and you can bring money/cellphone treats or an extra clothes layer with you.

Padded lycra bike shorts. This is the main contact between biker and bike.  Padding is gender specific. Padded bike shorts may be liners or a standalone tight.  If modesty is an issue or you are running errands, then they are bike shorts, skirts, kilts or light weight gym shorts you use or over the lycra tights.  Start inexpensive and let your buns and comfort tell you if you need more. For example, what you wear on 10 mile is not what you wear on a 40 mile ride.

Light rain or wind jacket based on conditions