Question of the week:  Should I wash my helmet?  Absolutely!  It may not improve your performance, but will smell better, look better, and last longer.  The straps can break down faster if salt from sweat and other liquids get into the fabric.  I wash mine once a week.  After your ride bring it in the shower with you.  Rinse it off then let it sit while you take care of the rest of your business.  Then use shampoo on the straps and pads and rinse thoroughly.  Let it sit and air dry in a warm place, but not in the direct sunlight.  When you put it on for the next ride notice that clean fresh scent.

Safety Tip of the Week: Be aware of vehicles-Many collisions occur when a cyclist is on the inside of a vehicle which is turning right. Don’t assume the vehicle is going straight ahead just because it isn’t signaling right. Always avoid ‘undertaking’ any vehicle in this situation – it’s better to hang back until the vehicle has moved past.  Never cycle along the inside of large vehicles, such as trucks and buses, especially at intersections, where most accidents happen.  When turning right, a truck will often pull out to the left first, creating a wide gap between the vehicle and the curb. Many cyclists think it’s safe to ride into this space, but this is a dangerous place to be as the gap quickly disappears when the truck swings around to the right.