Children just hop on their bikes, and – zoom – they ride away.  When we old folks were young, no helmets.  And, in the summer, no shoes.  But, that was the “natural” way, not the modern technique.  Now biking is safer and more complicated.

First is the helmet.  Much could be written – but, basically, it’s essential.  Next, we deal with spandex. A ride of any significant distance requires bike shorts for comfort.  (If you just go around the block on your old cruiser, bike shorts are not needed.)  And, if you are at all serious about keeping up with folks your age, clipless pedals are vital.  And, so now we need special bike shoes.  And, gloves, shirt, rain jacket…

And, if traveling to Europe with the Bicycle Adventure Club, packing the bike into a suitcase is essential.  [Best YouTube video on what this looks like when done by a professional.]

For those of us who are not professional bike folk, this is one of the most anxiety producing events of the trip.  For more on the positive effects of biking and anxiety, please read a brilliant article in Monday’s (May 7, 2012) New York Times: Anxiety: Cycle of Fear.

Now, to print the boarding pass for tomorrow’s flight…