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Know before you roll long

June 8, 2017 at 9:17PM
(Billy Steve Clayton/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

In retirement, Richard and Molly Hoeg of Duluth finally found the time to take long bicycle trips. Not everyone will be drawn to the lengthy tours the Hoegs occasionally do — they've had expeditions of 3,000 miles more than two months — but if you're considering graduating from rides around town to something that involves multiple days on the road, here are some things the Hoegs have learned:

• Avoid the tendency to carry too much. Determine what you think you need and then find a way to eliminate a quarter of it. You'll be happy you did.

• Consider getting a touring bike. "A lighter road bike can break down more over the course of a long-distance tour," Richard Hoeg said. "Light is good, but strong is better."

• Check out Warm Showers, a hospitality exchange for touring cyclists. The Hoegs have used it for lodging and often find their hosts can offer good route recommendations.

• Be capable of handling basic bike maintenance on your own. Know how to fix a flat and carry the equipment to do it.

JEFF MORAVEC

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