More safe cycling suggestions

Readers chime in with ideas

SHIFTING GEARS The Sea Otter Classic may not be happening in the traditional sense this year, but a series of virtual ride challenges are scheduled in September. Photo: Curt Hentschke

The latest? Many of your favorite charity rides are going virtual, so check out their respective websites. Everyone’s favorite bike festival, the Sea Otter Classic, recently scrubbed their rescheduled dates. Fear not, they will be hosting a number of virtual ride challenges and festival opportunities throughout September. Start exploring.

Last month, I began sharing your wonderful responses on how you are making the cycling experience work during the pandemic. This month, we continue to explore our rider/readers’ really relative responses.

• RH recommended that you use a larger mask—perhaps a neck gaiter?—and stay out of other peoples slipstreams. Makes sense to me.

• JW and MK…aw heck, they won’t mind if I refrained from shrouding them in cycle secrecy. JW is actually Joe Weed, an amazing musician/producer/composer/videographer who has put together some beautiful musical offerings. (Check out his work online!) MK is actually Martha E. Kendall, an outstanding author and musician. (Check out her work, too!) If that isn’t enough, they are also avid cyclists! Win, win, win!

Joe and Marty have enjoyed bicycle adventures all over the world; for our current “stay-at-home” pandemic, however, they have discovered a new strategy: Picnics! Marty suggests that you pack a delicious lunch (like sandwiches, fruit, nuts, and always a dark chocolate bar), don your safety gear, then pedal to your perfect picnic place. On longer treks, consider stopping twice, breaking your meal into Lunch A—Marty calls this the Canadian Lunch; get it?—and Lunch B. Bon appétit!

Save the Dates

Tour de Fox: Santa Rosa–tourdefox.com–VIRTUAL 

Tour de Menlo: Atherton–tourdemenlo.com–INDEPENDENT

Sept. 1-30: Sea Otter Play–seaotterclassic.com–VIRTUAL 

Sept. 17-20: Sea Otter Festival–seaotterclassic.com–VIRTUAL 

Oct. 17: Devil’s Slide Ride–Pacifica–NEW DATE

Curt “Cycle Guy” Hentschke has pedaled more than 60,000 miles of South Valley and San Benito County trails. Send your cycle celebrations to [email protected]. Check for last minute changes before attending.

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