Cycling Around Carlsbad, CA: What You Need to Prepare

Carlsbad is the place to be for adventure seekers and food enthusiasts. After all, it’s a known food haven that welcomes more than three million visitors every year, where tourists can try anything from the Mediterranean cuisine in Village Kabob to Mexican food in Casa De Bandini.

But aside from these food stops, did you know that Carlsbad is also home to several cycling trails?

Thanks to the city’s coastal location and nearby natural reserves, Carlsbad has several biking trails that cyclists can explore. The Coastal Rail Trail, for instance, is a flat and easy trail that provides breathtaking scenery of nearby coast and wildlife around the area. The Aviara Trails, meanwhile, can take you through landscaped gardens and offer majestic views of surrounding hills. However, before you grab your bike and head to the city, you’ll need to make the necessary preparations to ensure a safe and convenient ride. Here’s what you need to prepare before cycling around Carlsbad:

Protective eyewear

Cycling along the scenic trails of Carlsbad can expose your eyes to several risks, including dust that can cause irritation and UV rays that can lead to photokeratitis and other vision problems like cataracts. Wearing cycling sunglasses to prevent harmful light and small particles from entering your eyes on the road is, therefore, crucial for any ride. The Sphaera and Sutro S sunnies from Oakley are great options for biking, as these sunglasses are equipped with Prizm lenses that enhance contrasts while on the road and Unobtanium nose pads that increase grip strength even on rocky trails. Wearing protective eyewear is an effective way to enjoy cycling without compromising your vision health and safety.

Helmet

Biking along the breathtaking Calavera Lake Trail gives you panoramic views of the pristine water and hills, but it also takes you to rocky terrains that can cause you to lose balance and fall. Helmets are essential for any cyclist, but especially if you plan to ride along similar trails with uneven surfaces. Research published by the American Academy of Pediatrics mentioned that wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce the risks of head, brain, and severe brain injury by 63% to 88% across all ages. The Van Rysel helmet from Decathlon has a lightweight design that complies with CPSC 1203 certifications for guaranteed safety, making it a good choice for cycling.

Proper clothing

A study published by MDPI found that bikers receive an average of 50% to 75% of ambient UV radiation on the back, forearm, upper arm, and anterior thighs while cycling. Bikers need to wear proper clothing that can provide ample sun protection, especially in Carlsbad, where the average UV index is six during the summer months, posing a high risk of sun damage. You can wear UV-protective clothing made from polyester or nanofiber materials that can block the sun’s harmful rays from penetrating your skin. Long-sleeve clothing from apparel brands like Nike can provide extensive sun coverage, helping you avoid sunburn and other skin damage.

Water bottle

As mentioned, temperatures in Carlsbad can get high. For instance, last year, summer heat waves affected coastal communities in North County, with Carlsbad reaching mid-80 to upper 90 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. This means hydration is crucial, especially if you plan to do outdoor cycling along the city’s trails. Bring a portable biking water bottle from brands like HydraPak and CamelBak to help you beat the extreme heat and avoid dehydration or heatstroke, which can compromise your health altogether. Experts recommend drinking 16 to 24 ounces of water an hour or two before cycling.

Aside from its famous food stops, Carlsbad is also known for biking trails that offer the perfect adventure for thrill seekers. Make sure to prepare the gear mentioned above to prioritize your health and safety while cycling around the area.

Article written by Jackie Ruth

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