Category Archives: Riding Tips

Look here for short articles you can use to enhance your cycling experience

In Case of Emergency

Chris Smith, a local paramedic, spoke at the Summer HRBike meeting. Below is a summary of helpful information from Chris if we find ourselves in an emergency situation.

Stay Calm – Take a deep breath to get your thoughts together before calling 911. Clearly describe where you are, the details of what happened and the status of the person injured. Stay on the line until 911 says it is okay for you to hang up.

Don’t make the situation worse – If the injured party is in harm’s way, move them to safety as gently as possible keeping their head, neck and spine in alignment. To move them put your hands under their armpits and pull them to safety. If they can move on their own, it is probably okay for them to do so.

Figure out what is different from normal – Ask the injured person where they’re hurting and tell responders everything you know about what happened. If the injured person shows signs of shock – pale, cool skin, rapid heart rate & breath – cover them up. Continue reading →

Dogs and Bikes Do Not Mix

Dogs are attracted to the spinning wheels and feet of the cyclist; even a friendly dog can cause you to fall and it hurts! Read on for what do to if you encounter a dog while riding and what the laws are in Tennessee related to dogs and their owners.

Tips to protect cyclists from dogs:

  • Watch for and announce dogs that chase.
  • Be very alert and keep both hands on the handlebars.
  • Sometimes, you can ignore a dog; in other cases, try a firm, loud “NO,” “HALT,” “HEY,” or “STOP.”
  • Hold your line in a group, if possible.
  • If the dog doesn’t stop, spray the dog with water or pepper stray.
  • Dismount your bike & put it between you and the dog.
  • Wear your Road ID every time you ride.

Continue reading →

Spring Bike Training Camp

Baseball has Spring Training Camp, and now, so does HRBike.

On Saturday, March 25, members of the bike club will hold a FREE class for the community to teach bike basics to cyclists of all ages and backgrounds. The camp will be held at West Middle School in Tullahoma from 9 – 11 am.

HRBike President Tim Harrison says, “We’ll conduct a very basic maintenance class (Bicycle ABC’s, how to inflate a tire, how to change a tube) as well as an on-bike skills class (how to shift gears, how to do hand signals, how to perform obstacle avoidance and how to do a quick stop).” Continue reading →