There’s nothing quite like the feeling of hopping on your bike, getting out into nature, and clearing your head as you pedal. That peace of mind evaporates quickly, though, when you run into trouble a few kilometers into the ride. Here’s a cycling checklist to help minimize problems and prepare you for when something unexpected does come up.
The night before:
- Route Review: Check the profile of the ride -- distance, altitude, terrain, ways to shorten it or access public transportation, places you might want to stop for food or ice cream, etc. Just so you know what to expect.
- Nutrition: The recommended intake of food during a ride depends on the distance, but a good rule of thumb to follow is 60-90 grams of carbs per hour and start adding electrolytes to your water after the first hour. Pack at least one energy bar, and also consider electrolytes, gels, or chews to replenish your energy stores as you go. If needed, add a stop at SALA to the itinerary to stock your pockets!
- Power: Charge your bike computer and any other batteries you will need on the ride, such as electronic gear shifting batteries.
- Maintenance: Check your drive train, screws, disc/rim brakes, and chain, and adjust, clean, or oil accordingly. Check out our bike diagram to brush up on the names of different parts of the bike.
- Pack a Tool Kit: It’s always nice to get this done before hand, rather than rushing around at the last moment. Don’t forget a multitool, tire lever, extra inner tube, pump/air cartridge, and patches, even if using a tubeless setup.
The morning of:
- Plan Ahead: Check the weather forecast. As our German friends like to say, there is no bad weather, only bad clothing. For more guidance on how to dress both for comfort and for different weather conditions, check out our blog post on what to wear for road cycling.
- Drop Test: Before departing, it’s always a good idea to perform a “drop test.” This means lifting the bike about 10cm off the ground and then dropping it in a controlled way, listening for any rattling or other strange noises.
- Check Your Tires: Do they have enough air? This is a good resource for finding the right pressure for your tires.
- Apply sunscreen: Some cyclists wear tan lines like a badge of honor, but be careful out there. Even in Germany, the sun can sneak up on you.
- Apply Chamois Cream: Chamois (pronounced “shammy”) cream goes directly on the inside of the bib to help avoid chafing down there.
- Water Up: Don’t forget to fill up your water bottle(s)!
- Layering: Bring an extra layer if there’s any chance you might need it.
- What’s in Your Wallet? Here’s a good sub-checklist to start with:
- ID
- Insurance card
- A little cash, because…Germany
- EC card. See above.
- Lights - Check the route for tunnels beforehand, but it’s always good to bring a set, just in case.
- Nutrition Again: Remember to take a bite or two at least once an hour! If there’s a big hill coming up on the route, take a few bites of your bar half an hour before you get there for maximum benefits. Since you reviewed the route beforehand, you will know what's coming, right?
And there you have it! Take these steps before a ride to enjoy your time on the bike to the max. Happy cycling!