Biking Has Become My Favorite Way to Sightsee During the Pandemic

"Biking has offered not only a safer alternative to public transportation but also a new perspective on the place I've called home for seven years."

TRAVEL TODAY Cycling Biking Has Become My Favorite Way to Sightsee During the Pandemic I've owned my bike for about two and half years, but perhaps unsurprisingly, my time spent in the saddle has increased over the past year. In previous years, I would mainly ride it for leisure on summer and fall weekends to meet friends in my neighborhood park or ride to some local breweries. In 2020, however, my Trek became my main mode of transportation around New York City, taking me to those same breweries and parks, but also to the city's outer reaches. I explored places I'd never visited previously (like Randall's Island and Governor's Island) and crossed many iconic bridges (including the George Washington Bridge to see some friends in New Jersey). Basically, anytime I have needed to go anywhere, my first thought has been "can I bike there?" And the answer has almost always been yes. Biking has offered not only a safer alternative to public transportation but also a new perspective on the place I've called home for seven years, allowing me to venture to areas that are frankly impossible or annoying to reach by car or train. I'm lucky to have owned my bike prior to the pandemic, as it's been well documented how demand has surged while supply hasn't been able to keep up. However, once you have the bike, you only need a few other pieces of essential gear to get started. First, a bike pump: This basic tool is necessary to fill your tires to the optimal level for safe riding, and owning one means you won't have to stop by a shop for this chore when they're overloaded. Also, biking is a year-round activity—you just have to prepare for the season. In warmer months, the main essential you'll need is a pair of sunglasses to combat bright light and wind. If you're riding in the winter, you'll still need those, plus a few good layers for warmth. However, you don't want to overheat—a moisture-wicking base layer topped with another warm layer and outer shell is plenty. Most importantly, buy a good pair of gloves to protect your fingers, which take the wind head-on while riding. Have you been exploring your hometown by bike? I'd love to hear about your favorite two-wheeled adventures this past year! Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products and services; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Jamie Hergenrader Senior Editor Gear The Top Places to Buy Bikes in 2021 read more Gear These Bike Pumps Will Help You Maintain Proper Inflation and Enjoy the Smoothest of Rides read more Gear Bring Your Kids Along for the Journey with These Lightweight and Versatile Bike Trailers read more Gear These Mountain Bikes Will Help You Navigate Through—and Over—Tricky Terrain read more Style 11 Pairs of Bike Shorts You Can Wear From Trail to Town read more Gear 9 Beach Cruiser Bikes for Riding Around Town in Comfort and Style read more Gear 7 Hitch Bike Racks That Make It Super Easy to Transport Your Wheels read more Style Protect Your Eyes From the Wind and Sun with Our Go-To Cycling Sunglasses read more VACATION LIKE A PRO You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Travel Today newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005 © 2021 Dotdash.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.

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For Perfectly Juicy Steak, Don’t Skip This Step

It's worth the wait.

For Perfectly Juicy Steak, Don't Skip This Step It's worth the wait. READ MORE More Tips to Try Make It a Steak Night With One of These Delicious Recipes The 15 Best Black-Owned Food and Kitchen Businesses How to Make Cappelletti ("Little Hats") The Ethiopian Spice Blend You Should Have in Your Cupboard New From The Spruce Eats Baked Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Are Sure To Please READ MORE Japanese Vegetable Spring Rolls (Harumaki) as an Appetizer or a Meal READ MORE More From The Spruce 18 Perfect Side Dishes for Soup Philly Cheesesteak Sliders Belong With Your Game Day Spread Cheesy, Melty, and Drool-Worthy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Breads Winter Recipes Comforting Pasta Dishes Seasonal Produce Soups, Stews, and Chili Breakfast Casseroles Did somebody forward you this email? Sign Up for Cooking School by The Spruce Eats Newsletter! Have feedback? Send us an email at contact@thespruceeats.com, subject line: Newsletter Feedback. You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to Cooking School by The Spruce Eats newsletter. Unsubscribe © 2021 Dotdash.com — All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005

The Top Garden Trends of 2021, According to the Pros

It's no surprise that gardening grew in 2020.

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The Top Garden Trends of 2021, According to the Pros It's no surprise that gardening grew in 2020. READ MORE More Gardening Tips How to Grow and Care for Blue Poppies How to Grow and Care for the Scaredy Cat Plant How to Grow and Care for Cigar Plants How to Grow and Care for Rattlesnake Plants How to Grow and Care for Calathea White Fusion A Guide to Hydrangea Winter Care Landscaping Gardening Basics DIY Projects Perennial Plants Houseplants Outdoors & Gardening Did somebody forward you this email? Sign Up for The Spruce Gardens Newsletter! Have feedback? Send us an email at contact@thespruce.com, subject line: Newsletter Feedback. You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to The Spruce Gardens newsletter. Unsubscribe © 2021 Dotdash.com — All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005