Epic Rides: Be Prepared

There’s nothing like a good challenge. Cyclists always want to ride faster and go further. As you prepare to tackle epic rides where you’ll be out on the road for many hours traveling long distances, you’ll need to be prepared in areas beyond fitness alone. The implications of a mechanical failure or similar issue are more substantial when you’re 50 miles away from the ride start or nearest bike shop.

 

It’s best to take a lesson from the Boy Scouts and be prepared.

Dress for success: Always dress in layers. A base layer in particular can help keep your core warm in the cold as well as help keep you cool in the heat. You should be prepared for temperatures that can fluctuate dramatically when rides cover highly varied terrain or span from early morning to mid-day or mid-day to evening. A skull cap is another small item that is easy to carry, but makes a big difference in keeping you warm should the weather start to turn cold. Always ride with protective eyewear; if it’s not sunny, use clear or amber lenses. Put valuables in Ziplock bags for protection from rain and perspiration. Carry or wear waterproof/sweatproof sunblock. 

Avoid the bonk: Bring energy bars and gels, and two water bottles. Don’t count on convenience stores to provide all your fuel. You may get off your planned route or find the little country store you were counting for supplies on is closed when you get there.

Know the route: Review the route in advance. Familiarize yourself with the towns and major landmarks along the way. Bring a route map with you.

Know how to change a flat tire: Release the brakes. If the flat is on the rear wheel, shift to the smallest cog before removing your wheel. Check the tire carefully and remove the offending bit of glass, rock or other object before inserting a new tube. Remount your tire without using tools to avoid a pinch flat. If your tire is badly damaged (sidewall blowout or large hole), fold a dollar bill and insert it between the tube and tire as a temporary tire patch. Carry more than one spare tube and a patch kit in case you get multiple flats.

Know how to deal with a broken spoke: Have the correct size spoke wrench with you. True the wheel if necessary by making small adjustments to the tension of the neighboring spokes. You’ll need to loosen on one side and tighten on the other. Make small adjustments only. Release the brakes and allow the wheel to wobble a bit. You’re not trying to make the wheel totally true, but just rideable enough to get you home safely. Ride easy and take the shortest route back.

Know how to repair your chain: Carry a chain tool and spare chain pins with you. Practice using it at home on an old chain. Chain breaks are pretty rare, but they are impossible to recover from without the proper tools.

As you set your goals for the rest of this year and next season, add preparedness to the list. It can be just as rewarding to make your a successful repair on the road as it is to meet an endurance challenge. And being prepared can give you the confidence to go on even longer rides and into more unexplored territory.

Tom Catalini is the author of Road Biking Massachusetts, a cycling guide book available on Amazon.com, and cycling blog roadbikingmassachusetts.com