4 TIPS FOR A BETTER BIKE RIDE PEDALS TO THE METAL
Bicycle safety cannot be understated. While we shared a few great places to ride, we also want to share a few tips before you head out on your next ride — whether it’s your first outing of the year or you’ve already been for a few rides or more. First and foremost, always wear a helmet. It’s the single best thing you can do for yourself. It’s all about being prepared for the unexpected. But every rider should check four other things before their ride. Spokes Correctly tensioned spokes keep the wheel perfectly round. Poorly tensioned spokes can give your ride a wobble. This can damage the wheel, brakes, and the bike itself. Adjust spoke tension with a spoke wrench or take your bike to a bike mechanic for a check-up. (It’s always good to take your bike in at least once a year for a professional tuneup.) Brakes With regular use, brake levers and cables can slacken, which means weaker braking. That’s the last thing you want if you need to stop in a pinch.
On top of this, brakes and brake pads wear out and need to be adjusted or replaced regularly. Chain Give your chain, shifters, and derailleurs (gears) a regular once-over. The chain should be well- tensioned and clean, with only a light coat of lubrication to keep it running smooth and quiet. When you lift the chain up on the bottom run, there should be little give (no more than half an inch or so) before the rear derailleur cage begins to move forward. Any more and one bump on the road can knock the chain off the drivetrain. Or, if the chain is too tight, it can damage the gears. Tires Always check tire pressure before heading out. A quick pinch with your finger and thumb will do. You want it to feel firm. Maintaining good tire pressure ensures a safer and more efficient ride. Underinflation can damage rims and spokes, and overinflation can destroy the tire, especially if you hit a bump. Both can damage the tire and inner tube as well.
Drivers Let’s not forget those of us in motor vehicles! Always watch out for cyclists. They have as much right to the road as any car. Give them the right of way and be patient. On top of that, be observant! They can be harder to spot, so keep your eyes peeled for cyclists, motorcycles, runners, and pedestrians. Also, keep your distractions at bay and be their ally in traffic.
Easy & Healthy Green Rice
LEAH’S BAD DAD JOKE OF THE MONTH
Ingredients •
1 cup tightly packed spinach leaves 1 cup tightly packed kale leaves, stems removed 1 1/2 cups vegetable stock 2 tbsp full-fat coconut milk
•
1/2 cup yellow onions, finely diced 1/2 cup green peppers, diced 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 1 cup long-grain white rice
What do you call a bear with no teeth?
•
• • •
• • •
1 tsp kosher salt
•
Directions 1. In a blender, purée spinach and kale with vegetable stock, coconut milk, and salt. Set aside. 2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, sauté onions and peppers in olive oil until soft. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. 3. Stir in rice and cook and toast for 1–2 minutes before adding the blended mixture. Increase heat to bring to a boil. 4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until liquid has evaporated, 15–20 minutes. 5. Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
A gummy bear.
If you would like your favorite joke featured, email Office@ExceptionalSmiles.com . You may see it in our next issue!
Inspired by 101Cookbooks.com
ExceptionalSmiles.com
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online