How to Prep for a Day of Biking
Ready to hop on board with the latest craze of the pandemic season? Go biking!
OK, so biking isn’t a new concept. But bike sales have surged since March and bike riding has increased 50% over the past year. In my opinion, it’s one of the best ways to go on an adventure and enjoy the scenery, smell the fresh air, grass, and flowers, and, yes, feel the pleasant muscle strain as you pedal. If this all sounds great to you, get choose a biking adventure on Shrpa or create your own.
Get ready to roll
Before you hit the road, a little preparation is in order. If you need to dust off your wheels, leave enough time to get your bike professionally tuned. A simple tune-up can cost between $30 and $80. You might need to drop off your bike at the local shop for a day or so, but it’s well with the time and money. You’ll get freshly oiled bike, gears that switch smoothly and tires you can depend on.
While you’re at the shop, ask the attendant to check how the bike fits your frame. You may need to adjust the bike seat and handlebars to get the best ride.
What to bring
Whether your bike adventure lasts an hour or a full day, you’ll need to bring a few essentials. If you are missing any of this your local bike shop can help you pursue your adventure:
· Bike helmet. Get one that fits snugly on your head, isn’t too large or too small, and sits midway on your forehead. You should only be able to fit two fingers between your chin and the chin strap, and only one finger between the helmet and your forehead. Anything bigger and your helmet could fall off in a crash. Anything smaller and you set yourself up for a headache.
· Biking shoes. These aren’t necessary for short bike rides, but if you’re going on a daytrip or longer, biking shoes can help with pedaling efficiency. You can buy bike shoes with cleats that fit onto special pedals or attach cages on your pedals for use with regular street shoes.
· Tire pump. I always keep a small tire pump attached to my bike frame in case my tires go low during a ride. Make sure not to over-inflate your tires — too much stress is put on the bike tube can cause a blowout during your ride.
· Tire tubes and patch kit. Keeping a tube and tire patch kit in my bike pack has saved me on a few rides — especially when riding a road bike on gravel or unpaved roads. Make sure you buy the correct tube size — you can find the size on the old tire. Your local bike shop will be able to help you find what you need. It’s a good idea to watch a how-to video for steps and tips before you start out. Here’s one I found helpful.
· Flat-head screwdriver. You’ll need this for changing your tire. If you don’t have one available, a putty knife or bike lever works as well.
· Water container. Bring at least one water bottle for the ride. For day trips or longer, make sure you’ll have access to water on the route. If not, carry a hydration backpack, waist pack or vest. You can purchase one for around $60–$100.
· Cell phone and power bank. Stay connected to weather conditions, GPS travel maps and emergency resources. Protect your phone by storing it in a waterproof container that has a clear window for viewing. Make sure your extra power bank is fully charged — and remember to bring the cord. As tempting as it may be, leave the phone in your bag or pocket while riding, distracted riding is not great.
· GPS or map. Most smartphones have GPS programs installed. You can save on cellphone battery power by bringing a paper bike map or a separate electronic GPS device designed for biking tours. You can buy a mount for hands-free viewing.
· Camera. Keep memories of your adventures and share it with other adventure-seekers on Shrpa.
· Sunscreen and bug spray. A spray can of sunscreen will keep your hands free of slippery oils. And I always bring bug spray for rides through wooded areas.
· Bike pack. Toting a backpack on longer day trips can get hot, so I store my extra gear in a saddle bag that fits on behind the bike seat. You can also get a tube pack or handlebar bag. For even more storage, a rack trunk or saddle bag provides even more space.
· Clothing. Dress in layers for the weather. You might start out a light jacket for chilly weather, but you’ll want to peel off layers as your body temperature rises during your ride. If rain is in the forecast, proper raingear and shoe coverings can protect you from pelting rain. Rain pants and jackets can be rolled up and stored in your bike pack if the rain hits hard. A word of caution: Water can make your brakes less effective and the path slippery, so make sure to bike at a slower speed.
· Bike light. In case your bike ride extends beyond sun down, or if you’ll be biking through dark tunnels or wooded areas where rocks, tree branches and small animals could cross your path, it’s wise to mount a light on your bike. Select a light that’s water resistant, has a sturdy mount and projects a powerful beam with a wide range. Some lights automatically adjust to save on battery power as more or less light is needed. A helmet-mounted light adds extra protection for viewing surrounding terrain, while a bike-mounted light illuminates where the bike is heading.
· Bike locks. Protect your bike with a sturdy bike cable, chain or U-lock — and don’t forget to bring the key! (Yes, I’m speaking from experience.)
· Identification. I always make sure to bring identification with me on a ride, no matter how long I’ll be out. I keep a paper copy of my driver’s license and medical cards, and write down my emergency contacts in case of an accident.
· Money and/or a credit car. Whether or not you plan to stop, I always find this handy to have in case of emergency, I may or may not have had two flats in one ride and needed to buy an extra tube.
· Nourishment. Bring along plenty of electrolyte drinks and packable snacks that are full of carbohydrates and protein and easily digestible. Bananas are great source of potassium and carbohydrates needed to fuel your muscles during exercise. The protein from peanut butter, nut butter or almond butter is good for building up muscle during and after exercising. Here’s some information on what to eat and drink to keep you well-nourished and hydrated (without the stomach cramps) through different lengths of bike trips.
How to transport your bike
When your biking adventure starts at your own front door, your only preparation is to pack food and drink for nourishment, bike and personal safety gear, and you’re on your way.
If you’re starting a bike trail away from home, bike racks work great. If you need to transport your bikes in the trunk of your car, here’s a video on How to Fit a Bike Into (Almost) Any Car.
You’re all set for a great biking adventure. Climb up on your seat, push off, and enjoy the ride! See how you can share your riding experience and images on Shrpa.
Here are a few of our favorite biking adventures in Shrpa.
