by Erick Wikum

I remember my first bicycle road race for two reasons. First, as a new rider who was not in particularly great physical condition, I wondered why my club teammates did a multi-mile warm up. To my way of thinking, the energy to ride that warmup should have been saved for the race. Second, I was dropped by the pack immediately after the race began and as I struggled to catch up, I rode up on a teammate who had crashed. Fortunately for him, while his face was bloodied and his helmet cracked in two, he and his head in particular was okay.

Ever since that day, I have been on a crusade to encourage others to wear helmets when engaged in bicycling and other wheeled activities. When people ask me for advice on which type of bike to buy or where to ride, I always mention the importance of wearing a helmet and note that I would never ride anywhere without one.

For whatever reasons (ignorance, lack of respect for potential hazards, cost, etc.), many Little Miami Scenic Trail users do not wear helmets. Count yourself among wise trail users who understand the critical importance of helmets and stay safe by adhering to the following helmet guidance:

1. Purchase an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) certified helmet comfortable and attractive enough that you will wear it. While more expensive helmets may be lighter, better looking, more aerodynamic and better ventilated, any certified helmet will provide protection.

2. Visit your local bike shop for assistance in selecting a helmet that fits your budget and your head, for help adjusting straps and for advice for proper positioning of the helmet on your head.

3. Replace old or damaged helmets. Styrofoam used in helmets degrades over time, and damage impacts the structural integrity of the helmet.

4. Always wear your helmet, not only to protect yourself, but also to set a positive example for others (especially children).
Bicycling and engaging in other wheeled activities on the Little Miami Scenic Trail can be very enjoyable, but these activities are inherently risky due to gravity, trail and weather conditions, road crossings, other users and animals. You can mitigate these risks by paying attention, exercising caution, and equipping yourself with a helmet, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for your head. My former neighbor used to say that helmets can be pricy, but if your helmet does what it is designed to do, it will be the best money you ever spent. Touchè!

by Erick Wikum

One bright spring day, my daughter and I set out on our bikes to explore the Little Miami Scenic Trail together. As we approached a group on horses, I encouraged her to pass with care and moved to the front to demonstrate. As we drew nearer, one of the riders (clearly an inexperienced one) suddenly pulled back on the reins, causing his horse to back up across the trail.
It was too late for me to brake. My instincts kicked in and I directed my gaze at the horse and rider. The result? It is too gruesome to recount here!

Let’s rewind the tape and try again.

My instincts kicked in and I directed my gaze to an escape path through grass bordering the trail. In what seemed like slow motion, I rolled off of the trail, perilously close to the horse’s advancing rear end. I was certain that the horse would spook and kick me, but I narrowly avoided that catastrophe. Heart pounding and body limp, I slowed to ensure me daughter was all right. Fortunately, she was.
I owe my escape (true story here) to a simple principle. Where you look, so too will you steer. Look where you want to go and not at what you want to avoid.

The next time you are riding your bike, try this experiment. First, swerve around a cone (or similar object) while staring at the cone. Then, swerve around the cone while looking at a path around the cone. Practicing this principle in a controlled environment will not only improve your bike handling skills, but will also prepare you to respond appropriately when the inevitable need arises. When it comes to avoiding collisions, your eyes have it.

by Erick Wikum

While consisting of only two words and ten letters, the Boy Scout motto—Be Prepared—provides solid advice for life. What does it require for you to be prepared when using the Little Miami Scenic Trail? Here’s a list of five key items you should carry with you when using the trail to ensure you are ready to address situations you may encounter:

5. Sunscreen: Despite its plentiful tree cover, the trail still exposes you to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Lather up with SPF 15 or greater, being careful to cover all exposed skin including the back of your neck and tops of your ears. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.
4. Water or Sports Drink: No matter your activity on the trail—walking, running or cycling—staying hydrated is critical. The amount of fluids to consume depends on your level of exertion as well as environmental conditions. For convenience, consider investing in a hydration backpack or runner’s belt.
3. Nutrition: Long distance athletes require calorie intake as they train and compete, and so do hikers who become lost or misjudge distances. Nutrition is available in many convenient forms ranging from gel packs to bars. Typical serving sizes offer around 100 calories, which doesn’t sound like much, but is enough to provide a pick-me-up. Readily available foods including fruit and crackers can provide a similar effect.
2. Identification: In an emergency, others will need to know who you are, whom to contact and how and what health issues such as allergies you may have. Various companies offer engraved identification bands, but simply printing this information on a piece of paper carried inside a sealed plastic bag will work just as well.
1. Mobile Phone: Use your phone to summon help in an emergency by dialing 911. Report fallen trees or other hazards by calling the Trail Hotline at (513) 212-6958 with a description of the problem and its location (mile marker or intersection). Consult your phone to find your location or check the weather. Cell phone coverage along the trail is generally good. Before departing home, ensure your phone is adequately charged. Carry your phone in a secure way to prevent damage.