A Tip from the Dawn Patrol.

If you've stopped to rest a moment, straddled on your bike (to adjust your helmet or underwear), it's crucial that you make sure there's nobody coming up behind you when you launch out into the bike path again.

Like WWI pilots, (Snoopy, Biggles and the Red Baron, for example) you should be looking for an opposing aircraft coming up from behind. This can be accomplished by just twisting your upper torso and head -- then glancing back to see if there are other cyclists approaching. Contrary to popular belief, this twisting motion has proven not to be beneficial for downsizing your 'love handles'. But, it is a good way to determine if you should get back on track at that particular moment.

Another way to ascertain if there's somebody coming up behind you is to have a rear-view mirror -- either one attached to your helmet -- or one that is affixed to your handlebar. This, too, was a safety device used by a number of WWI pilots to quickly make sure there was nobody sneaking up from behind, while they were watching ahead for 'the Hun in the sun.'

If you look in your rear-view mirror and notice a semi or box truck approaching at an excessive rate of speed, it means that you've wandered off the bike trail -- and are on either rte. 6 or 28. Quickly give a hand signal and turn into the breakdown lane to collect you wits.

To avoid this scenario altogether, never ask a squirrel for directions. They are notorious liars. Instead, make sure that you've downloaded the bike trail maps on this web site before you head out. They are made by professionals -- without any input from squirrels.

So, look before you leap. It provides safety for both you and other cyclists. It's also a courtesy on the bike trails. And Snoopy will love you for it.

-- The Phantom Cyclist

NOTE: Riding with reflective tanning mirrors is a No-No on the bike trails. And besides, it smacks of vanity.