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Originally Posted by Tron_fdc
Dusted off the roadbike and took it for a 20K rip this AM. Actually felt pretty good for not being on one for almost a decade.
I live out in Okotoks, is there any good rides out here that a) are on a road with a decent shoulder and b) aren't ridiculously challenging? Something 20-30k?
What do you guys carry for tools? Basic multi with a patch kit? Carry it in a Camelbak? Seat post bag? Any suggestions?
What about riding in town or on secondary hiways? Ride close to the shoulder as possible on the hiways and let cars figure it out? When I lived in Calgary I used to ride in the middle of the lane in town, and ride the shoulder on faster roadways. Just wondering if that's still the way to go? Not to open a can of worms.....but I'm curious what people think here.
And do I really HAVE to wear gear that makes it look like I just came off the Tour?
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Same for tools as the others. I wear kit, but it was a gradual thing. Started with more normal shorts over padded cycling shorts, then eventually went full tight kit as I started to care and realized the aero loss it was causing (more work for less speed).
As for roads, usually you have 2 options; busier roads with bigger shoulders, or quieter roads with small or no shoulder. I have decided I far prefer the latter. The experience overall is so much more enjoyable when you don’t have traffic flying by you, even if you have a few feet of buffer area.
And I will say, for the occasional horror stories about inconsiderate drivers, by and large I find most drivers to be very accommodating and try to give you lots of room.
Either way I like having a flashing rear light from a safety aspect.
Have fun!