How should I prepare for a club road ride?
Be prepared!
Run preparation - Riding in a group has many advantages but it also places certain responsibilities on each rider. Punctures, mechanicals etc, whilst often bad luck, can be less of a trial if certain precautions are taken before the run :
Make sure your bike is safe - check brakes, wheels, rims and steering. Also ensure that nothing is loose (especially mudguards) or liable to fall off. A lubricated chain etc is also a good idea.
Check your tyres - worn tyres are the single biggest preventable cause of punctures. Multiple punctures, apart from being a pain, won't endear you to other riders waiting for you on a cold day !
Make sure you know how to fix a puncture - practice beforehand if you need to.
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
You are likely to need the following equipment:
- An appropriately serviced bike
- At least one, but preferably two, spare inner tubes.
- A working pump
- Puncture repair kit - for those awful days when two tubes aren't enough.
- Tyre levers - 2/3
- A multi tool - to adjust gears etc
- Other optional tools eg chain breaker
- Even in winter hydration is important - carry a water bottle.
- Personal first aid - plasters, antiseptic wipes etc
- Money - for cafe stop
- Waterproof
- Carbohydrate drink
- Solid carbohydrate source eg banana, raisins, jelly babies
More information
Please read the Frequently asked questions page and the What's on? page for more information about club activities, or contact us for more information.
Check the Edinburgh RC forums to read the latest event reports and find out what club members are talking about.
