I've been asked to write a series of articles revolving around cycling. Subjects will include riding skills like descending and ascending, pace line technique, flat tire changing, and general riding etiquette. Also I'll add other topics like cycling nutrition, caring for the bike, big event preparation and the night before a typical ride preparation. I do not profess to know more then anyone else and the opinions expressed are just that, my opinions. If you find something useful then great, if they make you drowsy, then I hope you have a great nights sleep.
I've been asked to start with the day/night before a typical ride preparation. In addition I will add some other thoughts that roam around my brain and are just dying to get out.
Pump Up Your Tires and Oil Your Chain
Always check your bike the day before to make sure your tires have plenty of air; it's very disconcerting to head out the door the morning of a ride only to find you have a flat tire. It could make for a stressful start to an otherwise great day. I highly recommend you have a floor pump at home or carry one in your car; or both. You don't have to pump your tires up to the maximum pressure embossed on your tires. I've found that 110-120 psi works well for me. Some of my lighter tires are rated at 140 psi, talk about a rough ride! If I ride 3 times a week I usually use the floor pump, with pressure gauge, 2 of those three days. Keeping the tire pressure up helps prevent "pinch flats."If you happen to wake up on the day of the ride with a flat tire and if you are not the best flat fixer and could use some help then just show up early to the ride. Ask around for a little assistance and I'm sure some of the early riders will be most helpful. Be sure to have an extra tube ready and not the one you have in your tool kit/bike bag. In fact I usually have two tubes and a glueless patch kit in my bike bag along with tire changing tools of some nature. For me the glueless patch kit is a last resort repair. When I get home I toss the tube into the "I'll fix it this winter" pile and use glue type patches to make a more permanent repair.
Cleaning the chain should be done often but not before every ride. A chain cleaning tool, like the one from Park Tools, makes chain cleaning a lot easier. Using disposable gloves helps keep your hands soft and fresh (sounds like a commercial). Lube the chain after cleaning and remember to wipe off chain to remove excess lubricant. While you are at it you may want to consider cleaning the rest of the bike. I've been told that harsh cleaning materials like 409 can etch titanium over repeated use; therefore I use Lemon Pledge to clean most everything else on the bike. Using Pledge makes your bike slip through the wind so you go faster; okay that was crap.
Be Prepared
Another thing that I have found helpful is to lay out everything I need for the ride the night before. I point to my feet and work up to my head to be sure I have every item I need ready to go. Personally I use a cycling duffel bag where I can keep my helmet, shoes, gloves, extra clothing, and ride food all in one place. All I have to do then is put the bag into the car and go. Don't forget water bottle(s) or hydration pack. The only thing missing is the bike. If you forget that then—too bad!
Once at the ride prepare your bike for the ride. Some have to take off a wheel to get to the ride. Once you replace the wheel, exercise both brake levers then check to make sure the wheels turn freely. If not re-center your wheel and try again until the wheels spin easily. Now you are good to go.
Have a wonderful and safe ride.
Mike Cox