Cycle Tip Sheet
Before any big ride, get your bike and gear ready the day before:
· Check tires – cuts, wear
· Check tire pressure – tires will typically loose pressure overnight
· Check and clean – chain, Derailleurs, chain rings, cogs
· Lube Chain
· Check shifting – can you get into every gear?
· Check brakes and brake pads for wear – there shouldn’t be excessive movement in the brake levers
· Check headset – wiggle the handle bars (holding the front wheel still, there shouldn’t be any “play”
· Check hubs – wiggle the wheels, there shouldn’t be any “play”
· Check wheels for true and roundness – spin each wheel and look for wiggles and flat spots
· Check saddle position, height and level
· Check handle bars – height, position and angle
· Check helmet – look for cracks (if you find any, replace the helmet!), check the straps and buckle
· Check your cycle computer – working and properly calibrated
· Check your inner tubes – are they in sound condition and are they covered with talcum powder?
· Check your tools and tire levers – do you have everything you may need?
· Check your frame pump – make sure it works properly
· Fill your water bottles and refrigerate or freeze if the weather is to be hot
· Prepare your food – be sure to bring enough for the time you’ll be riding
· Layout your clothing – helmet, cycle gloves, sunglasses, cycle shorts, cycle jersey, bike shoes and socks, rain gear, extra clothing for colder weather (arm warmers, leg warmers, extra layers)
· Review course directions
The morning of the ride:
· Inflate your tires
· Double check your saddle bag – inner tubes, tire levers, tools
· Double check your supplies –
o Frame Pump
o Water bottles
o Food
o Extra clothes
o Cycle computer
o Helmet
o Sunglasses
o Cycle gloves
· Dress –
o Cycle shorts
o Cycle jersey
o Cycle shoes and socks
· Bring Directions
· Pack –
o Identification
o Medical ID
o Cash / credit card
o Directions for the ride.
o Phone numbers:
§ Contact - someone that knows where you're going and can help you if you need a ride
§ Cab / Car Service phone number - if you need a ride home
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