1st ride in 20 plus years

[tatonka]

Dug out old bike I bought many years ago and never rode , put new tires on it and a fat seat. Went about 5 blocks and got leg burn , will practise more

Will also add lights. Do ya think it will hold up?

[Elorrum]

That's a classic, love the sweeping handlebars. Check the chain for lubrication, or replace it if it's too rusty... that will make pedaling easier. Unless you're pretty short, I think you'd also want to raise the seat.

[Shambala]

Screw the bike, I LOVE the 14 cases of Corona Beer on the front porch. Can I get your address by any chance?

[gaminwench]

I ride a 60's Schwinn on the playa (and off)... works great.

I put fur and a flag and a basket (you definitely want a basket) and sparkly stuff on mine, and a stuffed critter on the seat (for comfort).

[tatonka]

thks all , will light it up for sure . Tried the seat higher, didnt like it, and Im 6ft. tall. want to get some el-wire for it , but cant find it in any stores, will have to order it on line I guess.

[AntiM]

You'll want new tubes, and/or bring spares, and remember to deflate the ties slightly for the journey. The pop-bang of tire tubes bursting is a common early-week sound on the playa.

[Bob]

Repack.

[Savannah]

White Lightning Clean Ride is a good chain lube, if you start with a clean chain.

I'm glad to hear you'll be riding more between now and the Burn--riding your bike all day @ the Burn will kick your ass, if you're not used to riding. There's about 7 square miles' worth of city to see.

[dragonpilot]

Tried the seat higher, didnt like it, and Im 6ft. tall.

For proper seat height, one places their heel on one of the pedals in the down position. There should be a slight bend at the knee...but as always, YMMV...on the playa going slow and short distances, it may not matter that much.

[mgb327]

Put a tennis ball on the end of that kickstand, trust me, it pays off.

[Savannah]

Someone on these boards was saying they put some sort of adherent on the inside of the tennis ball before they jam the kickstand into it. It might have been a kind of sticky foam that eventually hardens, or something like that. Anyway, it was to help keep the tennis ball on.

[Bounce530]

That was me suggesting to fill the ball with expanding foam or some such. That way it does not MOOP itself.
I've had the same tennis ball on my bike for 4 years now.

Although last time I mentioned this, the thread drifted off some how into snowshoes and bunnies.

[theCryptofishist]

Although last time I mentioned this, the thread drifted off some how into snowshoes and bunnies.

You mean, returned to it's proper topics, snowshoes and bunnies.

[oscillator]

Beach cruisers are playa-puuurfect. +1 on the inner tubes - get thorn resistant.

Check your chain for kinks & replace if necessary, spend the extra couple $ on a heavy duty BMX chain.

A front basket is a good thing.

Get El-wire kits & DIY from Cool Neon in Oaklandia, CA http://www.coolneon.com/

I use a 8xAA battery holder from Radio Shack and gaffer tape it to the frame behind the seat frame- will power el-wire all week.

Get a cheap LED flashlight and use a short heavy rubberband to loop it to the handlebars.

Oh, and get a combo lock. Did I mention the combo lock? Use it early and often.

Post-playa, wash it all down with vinegar/water ASAP, WD-40 the chain, then lube it.

Then you are all set for next year!

$0.02

[tatonka]

Thanks for all the great idea's , going farther each day on it