Planning for a Long Bike Ride
Getting out on your bike can be a lot of fun; you can explore new locations and get fit at the same time. If you’re new to long bike rides, you might want to plan ahead and get everything you need together, so you’re not caught short on your ride. Here are some of the things you can plan ahead of a long bike ride.
Plan your route
Planning the route you're going to ride has its benefits; you can arrange your ride around local beauty spots or attractions you want to visit. You can also plan in places to stop for lunch or a rest when you’ve ridden for sustained periods. This is especially important if you’re planning a long bike ride with children. Your children are more likely to need to stop regularly to rest their legs or use public toilets. A planned route will also help with timings. You can check how long it will take and ensure you have enough supplies to last the duration of the bike ride.
Pack a bag
When planning a long bike ride, you will need to pack a bag with all of the essential items you need during your journey. These will differ depending on the time of year and your planned stops. A bottle of water is always a good idea for any physical activity; it's essential to keep yourself hydrated and prevent headaches. Along with water, you might also want some snacks to keep you going; protein bars, fruit, and nuts are good options to give you the energy and nutrients you need to keep on pedalling. If you’re not planning on stopping for lunch, you could also pack a picnic to enjoy whilst you’re travelling.
Along with food and drink, you will need other supplies to keep you safe during your bike ride. Lights for your bike are a must if you’re going to be riding at night; they will allow you to be seen and keep you safe on the road and public paths. A coat or light waterproof jacket is a good idea if you expect to encounter rain during your journey. You should also pack sun cream for hot days to protect your skin from sun UV rays. Finally, a travel puncture repair kit, tools for your bike and a travel first aid kit are useful items. A puncture miles away from home can be a disaster and end your ride; if you have a repair kit, it might be just what you need to get home. Even the most experienced cyclists can come off their bikes on uneven surfaces or when faced with unexpected obstacles; a travel first aid kit will help patch up any minor wounds and get you back on your bike.
Wear appropriate clothing
When cycling, you will want to wear clothing that doesn’t interfere with the pedals or get caught on your bike chain. Activewear is a good option; you can buy ethical activewear worldwide and get it delivered to your door. Activewear will also help to keep you cool by wicking away any sweat you produce during your bike ride, keeping you cool and dry. Dress according to the weather conditions and always check the forecast before you embark on your journey. If you’re unsure of the weather, you could dress in layers, but be careful not to overload your bag with clothing items which could make it too heavy to carry.
Check your bike
Before starting your journey, you need to check your bike is up for the trip and ensure everything is working. Ensure your chain and drivetrain are clean and well-lubricated and that any nuts and bolts are correctly adjusted. You should also check your brakes are working and there are no issues with them. Suppose you have a slow puncture or problems with your tyres; it's best to get a new innertube fitted before going on a long bike ride. If you’re unsure about bike maintenance, you can pop into a local bike shop and ask them to give your bike a tune-up and ensure there are no issues. Alternatively, look online for video tutorials to help keep your bike in good condition.
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