I recently found myself on a most fantastic ride the other day, mired in an equally fantastic predicament. Here are some tips that I was reminded of upon my protracted return to the radical world of road bike rides. Many of you may already be savvy to much of this and many of you may not.
When going on a long road bike ride, about 50+ miles, there are a few things one should keep in mind before departing if avoiding mild catastrophe is of high priority.
I would suggest that if your bike allows for it, bring two large water bottles and fill one with special performance powder (flavors vary, choose wisely). It’s important to stay hydrated, even when it’s cool out and you don’t seem to be losing any fluid because you aren’t sweating a lot–you’re wrong, drink lots of water! A food bar or two is also a very good idea, I don’t like those chocolatey ones because they always melt by the time you’re ready to eat them. However, the shoe leather-like bars do really well in a jersey pocket because like the chocolately mess, they melt and because far easier to chew up when gooey (but not too gooey).
It is never foolish to bring too many tools.
Always bring the following: a pump, a patch kit, an extra tube (maybe two if you have the space) and a hex wrench set. These are essentials that you should have on your cycling person whether you are riding around town or going to the North Bay for a sweet day ride. There is nothing more frustrating and humbling than flating 35 miles from home and having to rely on the kindness of strangers to help you get back up and running. That being said, ALWAYS stop for cyclists standing on the side of the road, even if it looks like they’re okay–you’ll never be accused of being silly for stopping and asking if someone needs help or supplies. You might even make a new friend.
Some extra things you should bring with you: lip balm to keep your pucker from getting all hurty, gross and crackled, CO2 inflator and cartridge set (easier and quicker than a hand pump), a map of the area you’ll be riding around, cash-ID-bank card-health insurance card (if you’re lucky enough to have one), a cell phone or numbers of people you can call on in an emergency and some band aids or a hanky for McGyver-like first aid.
Having this stuff with you will make your ride so much easier in the even that you are way out in BFD and you get a flat, crash or start to bonk. Carrying it is another story. No one REALLY likes riding with a huge bag of stuff on their back, not I atleast, so some problem solvers are–TADA–saddle bags! That’s right folks, easy to attach, rather light and highly theft prone bags that fit under or off the back of your saddle (depending on whether you have a Brooks style saddle with bag hooks or a racy model with Ti rails and a carbon underside–both are fine). These bags, while sometimes unfashionable are the roadie equivalent to the messenger bag and should never be scoffed at.
Also, utilize those jersey pockets! You don’t pay $60-$150 for just dorky colors and synthetic fabric. Pockets, people–POCKETS! There are zipper types and opened top types, I prefer the opened top because I hate dealing with zippers while pedaling at high speeds and I don’t like stopping every time I need to pull out some lip balm or whatever. There’s also the half front sip and full front sip style jerseys, I often have trouble finding full front zip lady jerseys, bummer, what’s up with that?! I’ll look harder before I cry about it and instead lament the STYOO-PID color schemes on every single “femme” article of clothing. I mean, really?
Aaaanyways! I digress. Back to the lecture at hand. Check your bike before and after a big ride. A litle bit of prevention and diligence goes a long way when avoiding mid-ride melt down. Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper PSI (it’ll say on the sidewall of your tire) and check for excessive wear or slices that might necessitate a replacement. Ride around in front of your house/apartment/whatever and make sure the shifting and braking systems function well and efficiently. If you hear funny noises, feel something weird or can’t shift in either direction, get’cher self to a shop and have it checked out ASAP. Also, don’t be heartbroken if your friendly trusted bike mechanic can’t fix your problem ASAP or recommend that you replace some crucial components. It’s always for the better that your bike gets some TLC.
The most important thing to remember, dear reader, is to enjoy your ride, relax and say “hello” to the passing cyclist. We’re all out on the road for enjoyment in one form or another and it only makes sense to embrace and share the endorphine induced happiness.
Besos y Abrazos
K.
P.S. Thanks to Joe, Justin and Gary–you guys were life savers.
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