Parking the bike on long rides

[warneral]

One of my favorite thing to do during a long (roadbike) ride (20-30mi is currently long for me) is to stop and eat at a local cafe. Recently it was just a Starbucks stop for a egg white & feta wrap to re-fuel.

I really don't want to lug my heavy lock around for such trips.

So what do you do in those situations?

[Owlie]

I was actually going to ask this. I've been asking people to watch it while I nip in for a bathroom break, but I'd like to be able to lock it up.

[shootingstar]

I lug my lock around all the time. No kiddin'.

Last 17 yrs. I figured that extra half lb. made a stronger cyclist.
But then since we are car-free, I also haul groceries on bike.

[Pedal Wench]

I clip my helmet through the wheel and clip it onto something, but still keep it right in my eyesight. No one can run off with it before I could get out if I see someone messing with the helmet. But I understand my risks in doing that.

[lph]

For short stops like that I carry a thin, lightweight cheapo lock. I don't have very valuable bikes, and I figure anyone who might pinch a bike on a whim like that is not going to be carrying a humongous lock cutter around. It's not hard to cut a lock, but you can't do it with standard home tools, at least not the ones I have.

Bikes that are regularly locked up at the same place and time, or left in a spot with many other expensive bikes are definitely at risk from the professional thieving lot though.

[moonfroggy]

i use a lock
but not a super heavy one and keep it where i can see it at all times

if i ride someplace with a really high rate of bike theft i use my super heavy lock or stay on my bike the whole time until i am someplace without a high risk of bike theft

[OakLeaf]

I have a cheap retractable cable lock that I use for short stops like that (if I lock it at all ... depends on where I am).

You could probably cut my lock with scissors, but the point is just to discourage opportunists. A serious thief is going to get any bike they want, or at least parts of it.

When I ride to work (not often) I bring the bike inside. I wouldn't be so shy of leaving it outside if the bike racks were in view of the security cameras ... I've asked several times for the racks to be moved or the cameras to be zoomed out, but no dice.

[Crankin]

I also have a light, cheap, cable lock I can stick in a jersey pocket. I rarely use it, because mostly I would be stopping at a place where I could watch my bike, or take it inside. When I've gone on group rides where we stop at a restaurant, I usually end up locking my bike with someone else's, who has a good lock.
I have to be with DH, when he uses his Carradice bag, to have the super good lock with me. I just had to buy a new seat bag and now i don' even have room for arm warmers or a vest. There's absolutely no seatpost there.