Keep Your Tail Safe Out There!
A crusty-but-cheerful field guide to riding smart from Fred Goldfarb, Tailgator’s 70+-year-young chief tail-watcher.
#### The First Taste of Freedom
Picture Thanksgiving, Austin TX, a few decades back. I’ve got stuffing in my belly, a breeze in my face, and no brake light on my buddy’s bike. He slams on the binders to dodge a car; I don’t see it coming. One busted wrist, two plates, and three months of itchy fiberglass later, I vowed never to let another cyclist’s backside go unprotected. That promise birthed Tailgator—but enough origin-story; you came for safety smarts, so let’s chomp down.
1. Dress Your Dome (and the Rest of You)
| Gear | Why Old Fred Cares | Quick Fred Fix | | ------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Helmet | Your gray matter is irreplaceable; cracked melons make lousy memories. | Get one that fits snug, replace it after any crash, and yes—Grandpa, that means you too. | | Bright threads | Cars see what shines. | Neon, reflectives, LEDs. If you look like a lit-up Christmas gator, you’re doing it right. | | Season-smart fabric | Cotton soaks, synthetics breathe. | Hot day? Go feather-light and quick-dry. Cold snap? One slim wind-blocking shell—remember, you’ll warm up quick. | | Shades & shoes | Eyes hate bugs, feet power pedals. | Wrap-around glasses, stiff-soled kicks. Tie those laces tight—no “shoelace vs. chain” cage match. |
2. Ride Like You Belong—Because You Do
1. Claim the bike lane. It’s yours—use it. 2. Signal clearly. Your arm is the original turn indicator; flaunt it. 3. Eyes up, ears open. No doom-scrolling, no earbuds concerto. Traffic is loud—listen. 4. Flow with the rules. Red lights aren’t suggestions, and tailwinds aren’t excuses.
✱ Fred Flair: “Go slow—or drive like hell and you’ll be there,” Mama used to say. She meant the ER.
3. Map It, Don’t Wing It
- Pre-plan routes with low traffic and decent pavement.
- Roll out early so you’re not sprinting like a caffeinated squirrel to catch your crew.
- Buddy up on distant trails; gators hunt better in packs.
4. Love Your Machine
- Weekly wipe-down. Chain lube, tire squeeze, brake test—the bike spa your steed deserves.
- Pre-ride ABCs: Air, Brakes, Chain. Ten seconds that save ten grand in hospital bills.
5. Light Up That Tail
I’m biased, but facts are facts: 70 % of daylight bike wrecks happen because drivers “never saw the cyclist.” So:
1. Headlight: At least 400 lumens, with a pulsing daytime mode. 2. Tail light: (Cue shameless plug) A smart brake light that flares when you slow—ahem, like the Tailgator. 3. Mirror: Tiny, bar-end, and life-saving. 4. Horn or bell: Because “ON YOUR LEFT!” only works if they hear you.
Spend where it counts. Good lights cost less than an X-ray deductible.
6. Hydrate & Carry the Essentials
- Bottle & cage—every hour, chug.
- ID, cash, phone. If trouble strikes, first responders know who to call (your mom will thank you).
- Mini-tool & spare tube. Flats happen; whining doesn’t fix them.
Roll Home in One Piece
Cycling is flight—gravity just hasn’t caught on yet. Respect it, gear up, light that tail, and you’ll glide back with stories instead of scars.
See you on the road— I’ll be the silver-haired guy grinning behind a blazing red Tailgator, making sure nobody gobbles your tail.
Ride bright, Fred 🐊