Things to do in Boise: Getting Your Ride Ready for the Boise River Greenbelt, the Foothills

For many Boiseans, riding their bikes on the Boise greenbelt counts among their favorite activities. And why not? Among the things to do in Boise, it's relatively inexpensive, beautiful and peaceful. If you've got a hankering to really get out and enjoy the bike path, you'll want to make sure your bike is in tip top shape for the experience. The Bellingham Herald has a few tips for making that happen.

Before You Do Anything Else

You're probably chomping at the bit to really take your bike for a long ride along the Boise River. However, first and foremost, your safety on the Boise greenbelt trails as well as on the road should be your first priority. KTVB reported recently that the Boise Police Department unveiled a bike-themed police car to remind viewers that cyclists are on the road and that drivers should watch for them.

However, to ensure that you have to best and safest ride, be sure that you keep your awareness in check, too. According to the news report, collisions between cyclists and motorists in the City of Trees is on the rise. Make sure that the roads are clear and that you're aware of any traffic when you set out, especially during the times that you must ride on the road instead of on one of the Boise greenbelt trails.

Now, for your bike...

Getting Your Tires Ready for the Boise Greenbelt Trails

The Boise greenbelt was instrumental in getting the City of Trees named one of the fittest cities. But that doesn't mean this city gem isn't without its downside -- though even this isn't a major one.

Here's what I mean.

I have a friend who initially had a terrible time when she took her bike onto the Boise bike path. Bullheads, those terrible stickers that hurt like the dickens when you step on them, wreak havoc on your tires as well. It turns out that my friend got a flat tire three different times on the Boise greenbelt because of these nasty things.

Finally, she solved the problem by putting inner tubes in her tires that had some self-sealing goop in them. This was enough to seal up the punctures she got when she was out riding. As it turns out, this is one of the tips that the Bellingham Herald suggests when you're getting your bike ready for your first outings, some sort of slime in the tires is a good thing.

You'll also want to check to make sure that your tires have enough air for your ride and that they are not worn out. If your tires have more parts that are split or cracked than they are whole, you'll want to change your tires.

Some Other Problems That Will Ruin This Boise Attraction for You

You'll want to make sure that the following parts on your bike are in good working order before heading out:

• Check your brakes, brake pads, brake lines, etc. While much of your riding may be on the Boise greenbelt trails, some of it is bound to be in the foothills. If you opt to ride on this piece of Boise, Idaho real estate, you don't want to find out that your brakes are less than stellar, because you've gone over the handlebars on the downhill. If you can't fix your brakes yourself, visit one of the Boise bike shops for an expert tune-up.
• You'll also want to know that the bike's suspension can handle some of the rough terrains around the City of Trees. The mountainy areas surrounding the city count as a favorite among adventure cyclists. The thing is, you want to make sure that your suspension can accommodate the differences in terrains, meaning that it should be strong enough to ride the foothills, but agile enough to keep your ride smooth once you're back on the Boise River greenbelt again.
• Check the gears for the same reason. Different speeds and terrains put different requirements on your bike's gear system. As with the suspension, make sure you can confidently go from one terrain to another.
• Other adjustments can include the seat, the bike's height, the pedals, etc.

Related Stories That Could Affect Your Boise Greenbelt Ride

For those of you paying attention to the Boise Bike Share Project, you'll want to catch up on the latest news here.

Watch the video below to get some ideas about trail riding in Idaho.