Did you know that you can travel three times faster on a bike than you can on foot? But it’s not just about going fast. Biking is an excellent alternative to activities like jogging, which can have a detrimental effect on joints over time. It can also help you connect with other like-minded individuals who enjoy feeling the wind whooshing past their ears, and it’s a great way to explore new places! Keep you and your bike running smoothly in any weather with these helpful tips:

• Shed the winter weight. Bike lubricants come in summer and winter weights. Winter weight lubrication is thicker than summer weight lubrication because winter bikers will typically run into more potentially damaging fluids on the road.  

• Keep it loose. It’s common for hot-weather bikers to suffer from foot swelling. Prevent it by tying your shoes loosely and wearing breathable socks.

• Slather it on. Sunscreen on the shoulders, nose, and ears is common sense by now. But for folks without a lot of hair on their heads, it is also important to put sunscreen on the scalp. Most helmets have air holes that can make for interesting, not to mention painful, sunburns.

• Prepare for the unexpected. Bring a repair kit on your rides. A good repair kit will include a spare tube, a multi-tool for emergency adjustments, and a flat tire patch with adhesive. It’s also a good idea to tuck a couple of dollars into your seat bag or pocket before leaving the house just in case.

The best thing about biking isn’t how far or how fast you can go—it’s the experiences you have in the seat. Biking gives you the opportunity to see things you’d normally pass right by in the car and experience the natural world from a new perspective. Grab your water bottle and hit the road for new adventures this summer!