Your Route
A local park, a distant hill with good views, just your usual training route... Whatever your destination, cycling is an ideal mode of transport - it's economical and it's healthy but your journey will be much more rewarding if you do some planning before you set off.
Where you ride obviously depends on where you live and the facilities (parks, trails, roads, canal towpaths, etc.) around you, but cycling is much more pleasurable on quiet back roads or tracks. Heading out of a city on the major dual carriageway is not what most people call fun! If you're riding just for pleasure maybe plan a stop at the far point of your ride so that you can rest and relax for a while. You can carry a picnic and stop at a shady spot or find a caf? or pub.
Avoid being too ambitious with your route at first. Use a map to plan your route. If you can, arrange your ride so that you travel out into the wind (or do more climbing on the outward journey) so that your return will be a bit easier (wind assisted, or predominantly downhill) despite any tiredness.
The Weather
Take a look at your local weather forecast. If its going to be blizzards you don't go out but be sensible. The forecast is an important aid in choosing the right clothing to wear on your ride. A roasting hot day, shorts and jersey, cold, you wrap up. Don't take the forecast literally though. Its always worth preparing for bad weather or wearing an extra layer in case of cold or wet weather (remember wind chill as you ride along). Extra layers or rain capes can be worn or taken off as and when needed.
Your bike
Ensure your bike is in good working order. Before you get on your bike, check the brakes, gears, and make sure the handlebars, pedals, cranks and saddle are adjusted correctly.
Food and Drink
Make sure you take enough food and drink for the duration of your ride. Eat and drink regularly on your ride. Your body needs to be kept fuelled up or you will struggle later on in the ride even to a point of exhaustion, so be careful.
Equipment
There is a chance you may have a mechanical problem or puncture at some point on a cycle ride. Its a good idea to carry a basic set of tools with you on every ride. The following list is an example:
- Money, Mobile Phone
- Puncture Repair Kit or Inner-tube, Tyre Levers, Pump
- A Basic Toolkit (Allen keys, spanners, chain tool)
Don't rely on your mobile phone, you may not get a signal. Let someone know your intended route and a time you expect to be back. Don't deviate from it unles you let them know.
The Plan
To summarise what to do before embarking on your journey
- Make sure your bike works properly
- Use a map to plan your route
- Don't be too ambitious - you have to ride back home!
- Check the weather forecast
- Wear the right clothes
- Carry the right tools
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