Wear a helmet. Yes, if a MACK truck hits you then you are in trouble. However, if you just fall over because you can't clip out a helmet can make a big difference! A helmet should be replaced every year. The elements such as wind, rain, sun and your own sweat contributes to the breakdown of the hard foam particles. Hydrate every 20 minutes. Good idea to set your sports watch to chime every 20 minutes. Carry your cell phone. If you don't have one, then carry some coins to place a call. Always carry ID and emergency contact name and number(s). Watch out for those pesky wet leaves after a rain. They are very slick, as are the painted lines in crosswalks. When descending a hill keep a focused line straight in front of you and scan back and forth constantly looking for rocks or other objects. Always carry two spare tubes and a compact repair kit. It's worth the investment. Try to go to the same bike shop and use the same fitter when you have your bike tuned up. They really do remember you and your bike. Don't get angry at slow riders in front of you. Remember when you first started? Give them tips. Besides if you're all bent out of shape you lose your focus. Constantly scan for motorists in parked cars and let riders behind you know by calling out or using your right hand to point at the parked car and ALWAYS, ALWAYS CALL OUT "ON YOUR LEFT" WHEN YOU PASS ANOTHER CYCLIST AND NEVER PASS ON THE RIGHT! Check the back of your spandex shorts for streamers of hanging TP! Hydrate, Urinate and Exfoliate!   ABOUT THE FOUNDER: Larry Lare Nelson  Volunteer positions ·         (California) AIDS Ride cyclist-5years-1997-2001 ·         AIDS LifeCycle cyclist-5years-2002-2006 (SF to LA bicycle ride benefiting AIDS organizations) ·         AIDS LifeCycle roadie-4 years- 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010 ·         AIDS Walk San Francisco walker and volunteer-15 years-1990-2000 & 2004-2009 ·         American Heart Walk co-captain-3 years-2001-2003 for Comerica Bank ·         AVON 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk volunteer-3 years-2000-2003 ·         Breast Cancer Walk Susan G. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk--2003 & 2004 Team Captain staging closing ceremonies, 2008, 2009 & 2009 Bus Liaison ·         Camp Sunburst Counselor-8 years-2002-2009 (summer camp for kids affected by or infected with HIV/AIDS) ·         Domestic Violence Prevention program with Body Shop-year long phone collection-8 years 2000 to date ·         Founder of www.firstcaree.org-12 years-benefiting in-need fundraising bicyclists since 1997 ·         New Leaf Outreach To Elders-Senior Potluck Program Coordinator-2008-now ·         Trips for Kids Volunteer-2 years-1999 & 2000 (mountain biking organization benefiting at-risk inner city youth)   Professional and other Organizations ·         California Escrow Association ·         Diamond Heights Village Association Committee member ·         Federation of Exchange Accomodators ·         GLAAD Media Watch Member ·         Human Rights Campaign Member ·         National Escrow Association ·         NRDC-National Resource Defense Fund Member ·         San Francisco Chamber of Commerce ·         San Francisco Historical Society ·         Sierra Club Member ·         Yosemite Foundation Supporter   Background Mr. Nelson is a native of Duluth, Minnesota and attained his BA degree in Social Casework and Social Psychology from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth.  After relocating to San Francisco in 1976 Nelson has worked in the real estate, property management and consulting businesses.  He is currently a Vice President with Comerica Bank and serves in the position of Corporate Escrow Officer.   Nelson’s interests are volunteer work, bicycling, camping and music.  When asked what he “does for a living” Nelson replies with “For a living, I volunteer, for money I work.”  Nelson is a long time advocate of volunteerism and giving back to the community.