Greenway rides

[Penny4]

I actually took the road bike on the trail last weekend, but was nervous the whole time. There was a lot more debris on it than the first time I rode it with my FX. I was dodging lots of gravel (from the side of the paved trail...had made it's way on to the paved part), and those little round spikey things that fall from trees. I was afraid I was going to flat. Not sure if I will take it out there again. Will have to see how the well maintained the trail stays.

[OakLeaf]

If by "those little round spikey things" you mean sycamore gumballs, they're soft and fine to run over. If they're horse chestnuts, best avoid them. Neither will puncture your tire, but a horse chestnut is hard enough to deflect your wheel and possibly cause a crash.

[Dogmama]

Penny, can you change a flat? It might ease your mind. If you've never done it, you might practice in your living room.

Regarding bike paths - I'm always looking out for other cyclists. I'm always having to shout "HEADS UP" when oncoming cyclists are in my lane & not paying attention.

Be sure to practice courtesy to everybody. Let people know you're passing with a loud "ON YOUR LEFT." Remember that lots of people have IPods in their ears, so you have to be heard. Watch dogs that are on flexi leashes. I don't think pedestrians understand that we cannot stop and/or swerve on a dime. Ride like you're invisible & you'll be fine

[Owlie]

I actually took the road bike on the trail last weekend, but was nervous the whole time. There was a lot more debris on it than the first time I rode it with my FX. I was dodging lots of gravel (from the side of the paved trail...had made it's way on to the paved part), and those little round spikey things that fall from trees. I was afraid I was going to flat. Not sure if I will take it out there again. Will have to see how the well maintained the trail stays.

You can run over sweetgum seeds (look kind of like spiny cherries) with no problem, especially if they're wet. Nuts, on the other hand... I had a major problem with some kind of hickory nuts back in the fall. Just avoid big patches of leaves.

If you can't fix a flat, learn. It'll set your mind at ease.