Second Most Important Piece of Safety Equipment

"They're the second most important piece of safety equipment." This is what one of my bike guys likes to say about sunglasses. Although, if you're like me, riding through the dark forest, your sunglasses aren't so sunny. They are lightweight glasses with interchangeable lenses. Mountain biking days call for clear lenses, road days for amber.

I like clear lenses for mountain biking because I ride in the Keweenaw forests where the trails are well protected by the sun. I like to see everything in true color rather than through tinted lenses. I use amber lenses when I hit the road. My baby blues are sensitive to light, yet I like a brighter view, so amber works perfectly. I have smoke-colored lenses that I don't use much, but they're there if I need them.

I've had stones and sand thrown at me by passing automobile tires and leading mountain bike tires. Rain has smacked against my face as have tree branches. My glasses protect my eyes from all of this. This is why glasses are the second most important piece of safety equipment.

If you can't figure out what the first most important piece of safety equipment is, click here.