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Here is a map of the route that Ray and David are planning on taking. Below the map are some packing tips. Clothing Shoes Don't dry
soaked shoes near a heat source-it may cause them to shrink or become brittle. Instead,
remove the insoles and stuff the shoes with crumpled newspaper, changing it
after a couple of hours. Put thin,
resilient insoles in your shoes to improve comfort and insulate your feet. Helmets Helmets
shouldn't be tipped back, causing them to catch wind and expose the forehead.
Adjust the four retention straps to have equal tension when the helmet is
level. In
winter, wear a balaclava under your helmet. Hats are bulky and may require
changing helmet pads. Shorts
and Tops Always
wear padded cycling shorts. The smooth leather chamois or synthetic liner will
reduce chafing and increase comfort. Leave the tightie-whities in the drawer. No
underwear should be worn with bike shorts because the seams will score you like
ropes. About 70
percent of the drag in cycling is caused by the wind resistance of the body. The
best way to reduce this is to wear clothing made of a tight stretch fabric such
as Lycra. Night
Riding When out
at night, wear white. Also, use clothing that has reflective stripes or panels.
Look for reflective material on the heels of cycling shoes the next time you're
shopping for a pair Weather Long-distance
tourists should buy a rainsuit designed for cycling, which is more comfortable
and protects against hypothermia even in the nastiest weather. Commuters can get
by with just a poncho. If you don't have either and rain is possible, wear
garments made of wool, polypropylene, or other materials that insulate when wet. In hot
weather, wear light-colored clothing. A white jersey will deflect a large
portion of the sun's rays, and one made of a wicking material such as
polypropylene will transport perspiration and enhance cooling by evaporation.
Mesh panels can increase comfort by allowing more air to reach the skin. Your
hands and feet will be the first to complain about the cold. Protect your mitts
by wearing gloves that contain an insulating material covered by a windblocker
such as Gore-Tex. Neoprene booties and wool socks will stave off toe numbness. Gloves Other
than a helmet, cycling gloves may be the most important safety item you can
wear. They provide a nonslip grip, enable you to brush debris from spinning
tires, allow you to wipe stinging sweat from your eyes, cushion your hands
against road shock, and protect your palms when you reach I out during a
fall-and some gloves have soft, terry-cloth backings to wipe your nose with. Glasses When
purchasing riding glasses, try on lots of models and simulate different riding
positions while wearing your helmet to check for an unobstructed, undistorted
view. Wraparound lenses are best because they provide the most wind protection
and don't interfere with peripheral vision.
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