There's a not-so-glamorous side of biking that most people don't realize until they've spent some time cruising the highways. If you're thinking about purchasing your first bike, you should read what I'm about to tell you. While you may 'think' biking is all fun and games, there are certain aspects that will turn some people away. To learn more about the not-so-glamorous side of biking, keep reading.
Flies, Bugs and Bees, Oh My!
Yep, you're going to run into quite a few insects when you're riding your bike at 60+ mph on the highway. Whether it's gnats, mosquitoes, flies, yellow jackets or even wasps, expect a nice face-to-face meeting with insects such as these. They'll fly into your mouth, sting you on the face and get into your eyes. And even if you wear a helmet and glasses, the impact force of an insect alone is enough to cause pain.
Don't Listen To The Weatherman
When your local meteorologist tells you the weather is going to bright and sunny today with no clouds in sight, you might assume it's a good day to ride your bike. Unfortunately, the cold hard truth is that you can't rely on the weatherman for an accurate forecast. Regardless of what the meteorologist says, mother nature can turn your perfect day of biking into a real nightmare. You'll be driving around on the open road only for a sudden downpour of epic proportions to hit. And guess what? There's no place hide for cover when you're riding a bike on the open road. The only real option you have is to drive your bike under a bridge or seek shelter at a gas station until it passes, but even then you're at the mercy of mother nature.
Chill Factor
You probably take your car's heater for granted. When the fall and winter seasons approach, biking becomes increasingly more difficult due to the cold temperatures. Even if feels 'okay' outside, driving down the road on your bike will intensify the mildly cold air. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it will also get your sinuses running (remember Dumb & Dumber). It's hard to look cool when you have a stream of snot running down your face.
These are just some of the untold elements of biking that most people seem to overlook. Does this mean you shouldn't get a bike? Absolutely not. But make sure you're fully prepared to deal with bugs, bad weather and cold temperatures.
