Healthy Mesa County is hosting a do-over (of sorts) this month for Bike to Work month.
Healthy Mesa County is hosting a do-over (of sorts) this month for Bike to Work month. There will be competitions, prizes, and discounts at local businesses. You can get the full low-down on their website. What we’re focusing on this week are a few tips to get you ready to commute to work!
Gear Up – you’ll want to have the right gear to make it enjoyable, no matter what the weather is like. A helmet, chamois, gloves, bike lights, and a water bottle are must-haves for biking to work. You’re also going to need a way to carry your work stuff. That could include a change of clothes, shoes, laptop, lunch, or whatever else you’ll need. You can get a nice backpack if your gear is lightweight, or you can invest in some panniers that hook onto your commuter bike. 
Knowledge is Power – if you’re commuting to work, you need to know the basics of your bike. How to change a tube/tire or how to fix your chain are easy things that you can learn that will come in handy. You never know where you’ll be when something goes wrong, so just learn a few things before you hit the road (or trail).
Plan – it doesn’t matter what you ride or what you pack, you need to plan your route accordingly. Figure out how many miles it is door to door, and how long it will take you to get there. Also, find the safest route to your office. We all know there are good ways to get around and great ways. Avoid those busy intersections, if possible.
Pack it Up – having the right gear and the right plan is fantastic, but not if you forget something. Pack the night before. You don’t want to get to the office and have left something critical at home. Planning will also help you get everything situated in your gear bag and have you ready to run out the door on time.
Keep it Fun – riding your bike to work isn’t just about being healthy, it can be fun too! Have some music going (at a low volume, so you can hear other traffic), plan your route with a friend (or a partial route), and enjoy the ride home. You’re not in a hurry at the end of the day, so you can take it a little easier.
If you’re ready for the September Bike to Work Challenge, we’re here to cheer you on! If you need a little something else to get you started on your challenge, we’re here to help! Follow these tips to get you ready to commute to work and happy 2nd Bike to Work Month Grand Valley!
