European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - May 10, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse                                A 1 a t a a a Safe Riding outfit should be highly visible and should include gloves and a helmet. A amps Gus Schuettler by Jon Pettebone it s that time of year bicycles that Haven t been Ridden since september Are being taken out of storage and dusted off in anticipation of the summer ahead. But before you grab those handlebars and turn your front wheel toward the City streets and country lanes of Europe take some time to consider safety. Safety first your Bike your body and your mind need to be in shape for the season Start with the bicycle itself. There is More to Bike maintenance than blowing off the cobwebs. Check it from the ground up. Do you have the proper Type of tire for the kind of Riding you intend to do Are the tires in Good shape How about tire pressure terrain Load and Type of tire determine tire pressures. Make sure the spokes Are properly tightened. Pick the Bike off the ground and spin the wheels. Are they truly round How about dented or Bent any wobble if you have any of these problems Correct them. Not Only will they make your Bike less comfortable to ride and More difficult to handle but the effectiveness of today s Caliper brakes depends on smooth Contact with the rim of the wheel. Are the brakes themselves in Good shape make sure that they open and close smoothly and that the pads apply pressure smoothly and evenly. Replace worn pads remember that if your front Brake grabs tightly and the rear Brake does to you might be taking a flip Over the Handlebar. If your Bike is equipped with gears make sure that your clutch and derailed Are properly adjusted. It s not Only inconvenient and sometimes embarrassing to miss a shift it can be downright dangerous if you re downshifting to get out of harm s Way. Check nuts and bolts and give the Bike an Overall tightening. Handlebars that come Loose or pedals that drop off during an Outing Are less Welcome than rain Clouds and can ruin More than your Day. Make sure the seat and Handlebar Are adjusted to suit your size and Riding style. The Saddle is far too High if your feet barely rest on the pedals when they re at their lowest Point. That makes it extremely difficult to control your Bike. Oil your Bike. Keep in mind that the Chain uses a different lubricant than the clutch Cable and that the Forks use still another. Bike shops can advise you. Many european countries require that bikes be equipped with a Bell or Horn. Your Bike should have one even if the Law does t require them. Bells Are particularly useful in signalling other riders and unwary pedestrians of your approach. Make sure that you have the required reflectors in the proper places. Some Are mounted to the front and rear fenders others clip to the spokes some Dangle from the seat and others Are attached to the front Fork. Be sure All Are in Good repair clean and visible. Consider adding a few More the increased probability of being seen is More than Worth the Cost and the few extra ounces of weight. Seeing others is also a must rear View mirrors will help you spot the automobile that s about to overtake your bicycle on a narrow Road or crowded Street. Ensure that you have the proper lights front and rear and that they work even if you Don t plan on Riding at night. The Odds Are that sooner or later you la get caught Riding at dusk or under other conditions of poor visibility. If you Don t have the tools or skills to tackle such maintenance yourself visit a local Bike shop. They Are common in Europe even in Small towns and such routine work is inexpensive. Once your Bike s Frame is in shape consider your own. Muscles that have not been used in several months need to be stretched and warmed before strenuous exercise Start slowly with Short trips and gradually build strength and endurance. The muscle to exercise most of course is your brain think. Be careful. Leave the  tricks and the daredevil weaving through cars or pedestrians to someone else. Remember that you Are about to enter the Quot danger zone Quot and that bicycling in Europe is not the same As Back Home. The conditions Are different and so Are the rules. In Europe bicycles generally have Many of the same rights and obligations As motor vehicles and Are subject to similar regulations including fines for violations. A thorough knowledge of a and strict adherence to a the rules is a must. Memorize traffic signs especially those specifically for bikes. Erratic weather with its accompanying poor visibility Cobblestone surfaces train and Streetcar tracks heavy traffic seemingly indifferent Drivers and narrow winding streets often Combine to make Riding in Europe a real Challenge. Finally dress for the occasion. A helmet is a must. Avoid Loose clothing that can get caught in the gears Chain or spokes and dark colors that Are difficult to see in dim Light. Reflective tape for your Bike helmet and jacket is Worth considering. Jon Pettebone is a Public affairs intern for the 7th medical come headquartered in Heidelberg West Gormany. Pedal Power May 10, 1990 stripes Magazine 5