Potholes: Look over your shoulder to make sure the road is clear; pull smoothly to the left and ride around the hole. If you can't do this because of traffic or other riders, brake before you reach the pothole and then shift your weight back as your front wheel enters and forward as your rear wheel enters. Some riders center themselves over their bikes, rising slightly out of the saddle while keeping their elbows and knees loose to absorb the shock.

Railroad tracks: The primary danger is coming across the rails at a slant, which makes your front tire more likely to slip or catch in the channel cut between the rail and the road. Adjust your line to approach the rails at a right angle. Or, as with potholes, as the front wheel crosses, slightly shift your weight back and then forward as the rear wheel comes across. This prevents your wheels from bashing sharply against the steel rail. As with potholes, center your body over your bike and rise slightly out of the saddle while keeping your arms and legs flexed to absorb the shock.

Road stripes and metal bridge sections: These are innocent road surfaces until they're wet, either from rain or early morning dew. When riding over wet paint or metal, ride as straight as is practical, pedal in a slightly higher gear for better balance, avoid turning, and never brake while you're on the painted line or on the metal portions of the bridge.

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