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Check your bike's tyres. Sometimes the bike tricks you with a surprise flat, since you parked it last time. In fact, a tiny habit I have, is to pump 'em up the evening before a designated ride. If there is any problem, you'll see it (plenty of time ahead) in the morning when you get up! |
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Also called quick releases! Make sure your wheels are securely fastened to your bike. Especially if somebody helped you put your bike together when unpacking it from the car. |
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Do we need to say why? |
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Need some oil? Or maybe some cleaning? |
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Keep the rear and front derailleur as clean as possible, for best shifting. |
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Clear your cables from last ride's mud. |
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General checkup. I once rode with a guy who lost a bolt holding the handlebar ... |
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Don't leave home without them! |
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I know it's hard to not let the hot summer air breeze through your hair! But I don't want to be there to sweep up your brain if something happens. Wear it, and in particular make your kids wear one! (no, not all the time, just when biking) |
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More important than you think. Gloves are not only there to protect you from cold during winter, but also to help not scrape off any skin when suddenly finding yourself head (or should I say hands) first against gravel. With padding in them they also help your hands to not go numb from handlebar pounding. |
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Another key item. Avoid getting bugs, dirt, even stones in your eyes while dashing down that technical descent! Those UV rays aren't your best pal either. |
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Yes. If you go by car to the starting point you might be happy that I have put shoes on the checklist. |
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Ditto. |
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Uhum. |
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Maybe I should add "padded", but you will probably get the drift after your first long ride. |
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Windproof/rainproof clothes are essential when riding during the cold season, but also for longer rides. |
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Along with water, you need somewhere to put all your stuff ... |
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Bring a photocopy of your identification card. (compulsory by law in Belgium) |
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Bring a photocopy of your insurance information. |
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Don't be cheap on space in your camelback! I've seen enough out there to highly recommend this! Maybe YOU won't need it, but bring it for thy loving, and sometimes highly unfortunate, neighbour! |
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Next to the first aid kit, you'll appreciate it! If riding in a group, check you have everybody's number noted, and let people have yours, before heading out. |
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Even if you go on a route you know by heart, bring it. You might have to cut the route short due to technicals, accidents, weather or just running out of time or daylight. |
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Calculate at least half a litre per hour of expected riding (one litre per hour if it's above 35 degrees - we do get that kind of heat in Belgium!). |
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Whether it's one or two bananas, or carbo products or protein bars from the bike shop, bring 'em! |
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Wrap them in a plastic bag. |
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Self-explanatory? |
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At the **very least** tyre levers, chain tool and allen keys. |
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Oh yes, you can have more than two flats on one ride! Want to walk? |
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After those two flats, and without that repair kit, what about bribing someone to drive you home? Seriously, sometimes you run out of water (despite your preparation) and you need to buy more to take you all the way home. Or, you need or want to stop and have a bite to eat. The possibilities are many. A couple of bills won't weigh you down much. |
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Yes, your bike might need a refreshment break as well. |
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Take care of your skin. You'll get your tan, but don't rush it. |
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Especially for day excursions, for your car ride back home.And, especially if it is someone else's car! |
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Especially for those rides where you go to the start by car, and where you have the possibility of a shower before heading back home. |
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For those rides in the dark, either intentionally or late back from a ride |
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You could be courteous to those riding behind you. (Me, I cannot afford the extra weight.) |
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For inflating a tyre in one sec, instead of two. Quick-air. |
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monitor+belt |
Uhum. |
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To permanently memorize naked riders (those who forgot about the checklist). Action photos for this web site always welcome. Remember extra batteries if you have a digital ... |
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For those eecky banana peels. Please do not litter in nature. |
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I always carry extra power chain links in my backpack. You are up and going in a sec again! |
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Very light, very small ... can be used for all sorts of things ... |
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Should you run out of voice ... |
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For extra long rides, especially if it's hot and/or if you haven't changed them in a while. |
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Especially for female riders, only to be used in extreme urgency. |
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Yup. I am talking from someone else's experience ... |
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One of those essentials when riding. You break this during a ride ... |