As cyclists, we know all too well what happens when we don't take proper care of our skin - saddle scores, itching, sunburn, and for many of us, skin cancer. Dermatologist Elizabeth Ju tells us how to prevent and treat skin ailments, and the importance of sunscreen on every ride.

Ann Groninger is an avid cyclist, bike safety advocate, and expert on North Carolina bike law. She handles personal injury cases and advises clients in an area of law and insurance that is often poorly understood. Sadly, in some cases, insurance coverage is inadequate to take proper care of victims and their families. Ann strongly recommends that we all check our CAR insurance policies - UnInsured and UnderInsured coverage - and see that it is "maxed out". Something else that we may not be aware of - HOMEOWNERS insurance may come into play in an accident when a motor vehicle is not involved.

In the early 1970s, Raleigh's business community opposed restrictions on development, but after Crabtree Valley Mall opened and experienced recurrent floods, they realized it was not in their best interest to develop flood-prone areas along streams and rivers. City planners recognized the importance of preserving these areas not only for storm-water runoff and sewer lines, but also for water quality, wildlife, parks, recreation, and transportation. Vic Lebsock was the chief Greenway planner for the city of Raleigh for 25 years. In that time he implemented a farsighted plan that recently included 34 miles of new trail along the Neuse River in north Raleigh. There are now 115 miles of bike trails in Raleigh, and along with the American Tobacco Trail, the Triangle section of the East Coast Greenway is 94% complete for 72 miles from Durham to Clayton.

The city of New Bern and the MS Society put the fun back in fundraising. There's something for everyone - 2 days of biking on scenic, rural roads; good food, camaraderie, and entertainment. All this while raising 2 million dollars each year for the National MS Society.

A morning ride in rural Orange county - fields, pastures, meadows, barns, country stores, and churches - all for the cause of supporting bike organizations and infrastructure. Hear from the riders and volunteers who make it happen.

Rob and Kaleb's team finished in 5th place, without mishaps and without much sleep, and raised 30K for MS

Costumes, games, stunts, skits, music, beer, food trucks, Dr. Seuss bikes - it's like Mardi Gras on 2 wheels with proceeds going to 3 local nonprofits: Bike Walk NC, the Triangle Spokes Group, and the Durham Bike Co-Op.

Rob Fontes and Kaleb Naegeli are about to embark on a cross country relay race, on a team with 8 riders. Hear what they have to say before the big ride. In Part 2 we will hear from them after the ride.

Where there are no bike lanes, we mostly ride on the right side of the lane, but by law in all 50 US states, we are entitled to use the full lane. NC State researchers George Hess and Nils Peterson conducted a study of road signs to find out how to best communicate this to the public.

From the colonial capital of Williamsburg to the modern capital of Richmond, this new trail follows the James River along a scenic path that offers something for everyone. Meet some of the people who made it happen, and who participated in the recent Cap-to-Cap bike ride.