“Don’t sweat the small stuff.” How often do we hear that? But sometimes it’s the small stuff that makes all the difference. Remember, “For want of a nail“!

Going on a bicycle tour? Be sure to pack a

multi-tool; and a couple of spare tubes don’t hurt! In fact, reduce the risk of flats by investing in a set of

tire liners. These things help a lot! I’ve used them for years now; and have had few flats. When I do get a flat, it’s a headache: I know what to do to fix a flat; but I’m all thumbs at it! In fact, my hands don’t seem to have the requisite strength for flat-fixing.

There’s so much small stuff that I can’t list all of it; and in fact, it’s easy to take these items for granted when you’ve got them around the time. At home, that is. Out on tour, it’s another story.

Then there’s the small stuff of training. How do you get faster when preparing for a big event?

Start small, of course! Try riding several mph faster than usual for a short way; and gradually increase both intensity and distance. I’ve been falling short on that lately; and I have less than a week before my bunion surgery. Not much time left to ride; so I hope I get in some good miles before next Wednesday. Post-surgery? The small stuff won’t be so small for a while!