What to Do When a Dog Runs Toward Your Bike
I’ll explain how to respond when a dog runs toward your bike, including how to reduce speed, use your voice, choose a safer line, and decide whether a recurring hazard needs reporting.
Read articleIndependent field notes
Keep It Rolling
Keep It Rolling is a practical and energetic guide to recreational road cycling. It covers riding technique, fitness, safety, bike setup, maintenance, essential gear, and the habits that make every ride smoother, stronger, and more enjoyable.
Maya ReynoldsI’m Maya Reynolds, a dedicated recreational road cyclist who believes a good ride is equal parts preparation, persistence, and the freedom of moving under your own power. I write practical guides about riding technique, fitness, safety, bike setup, maintenance, and the lessons that make every kilometre more enjoyable.
Recent articles
View archiveWhat to Do When a Bicycle Isn't Detected at a Traffic Signal
I’ll compare the safest options when a traffic signal fails to detect your bicycle, from repositioning over the detection area to waiting or using a pedestrian crossing, while clarifying which choices depend on local traffic law.
Read articleWhat to Do When Your Bike Chain Comes Off During a Ride
When your chain drops on a climb or slips off after a rough shift, a calm roadside check can prevent a small problem from becoming a damaged drivetrain. I’ll explain how to recover safely, when to use each approach, and when it’s better to stop riding.
Read articleWhat to Check Before Buying Your First Road Bike
The right first road bike prioritizes fit, dependable braking, sensible gearing, and room for practical tires over flashy components. I’ll help you check the essentials so your budget goes toward a comfortable, usable bike rather than an expensive mismatch.
Read articleWhat to Carry on a Short Road Ride When You Ride Far From Home
When a “quick” road ride takes you beyond reliable help, I’ll show you how to build a compact carry list for water, identification, communication, repairs, and changing weather without turning a short outing into a fully loaded expedition.
Read articleThe Weekly Ride Habit for People With Unpredictable Schedules
When work, family, or weather can change your plans overnight, a rigid cycling schedule is hard to sustain. I’ll show you how to build a flexible weekly ride habit with safe short, medium, and longer options.
Read articleA Weekend Cycling Trip Packing List That Leaves Room for Mistakes
I’ll help you pack bike equipment, clothing, tools, food, documents, and backup items for a weekend cycling trip—protecting against weather, repairs, delays, and forgotten essentials without filling every spare corner of your car or luggage.
Read articleHow to Wash Cycling Clothing Without Ruining Stretch Fabric
I’ll explain how to wash jerseys, bib shorts, gloves, and technical layers without weakening stretch fabric, trapping odors, or shortening their useful life. You’ll learn which temperatures, detergents, drying methods, and laundry habits prevent the most common care mistakes.
Read articleHow to Use a Route File Without Missing Turns or Losing Phone Battery
Route files turn a planned ride into usable directions, but only when your device, battery, and backup plan work together. I’ll explain how to prepare the file, choose navigation hardware, preserve power, and stay oriented when conditions change.
Read articleHow to Use the Road Shoulder Without Treating It as a Guaranteed Bike Lane
I’ll clarify when a road shoulder helps you ride safely, when it creates new hazards, and how to assess debris, drainage grates, parked cars, merge points, and narrowing space before choosing your line.
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