Whenever beginning a long bike ride it is important to be prepared. The following are a few safety tips to prepare for your next bike ride.
Use the rule of thirds
Divide your bike ride into three segments. The first split should be taken easy, just pedaling along. During round two you should start to feel your muscles working. If you have any energy left, push it in the third segment.
Eat and Drink
Proper nutrition and hydration is important on a long bike ride. It is smart to eat small portions more frequently, rather than large portions less often. Every 30 minutes or so, eat a small snack. Even though you will lose a lot of water during your bike ride, you do not need to drink as much as you lose. About 16 oz an hour will keep you from dehydrating. You will want to eat before you are hungry and drink before you are thirsty to ensure proper nutrition. It is important to remember that too many carbohydrates might cause you to become nauseous or ill. One way to make sure that you are not eating too many carbs is to drink plain water, instead of sports drinks, when you are eating energy bars or gels.
Ride Lots
Before your first long bike ride you will want to make sure that your weekly mileage totals the mileage you want to complete in one outing. If it falls a bit short, you will want to increase your miles. This will ensure that you will have enough leg fitness to ride it in one day.
Watch the wind
If you start with a tailwind that means that you will have a headwind on the way home. Stay in groups for a headwind and take turns being the leader.
Be Prepared
You don't want to try out new clothes, shoes or have a brand new bike or tires on the day of a long ride. You will want to take your bike in a week or two before your ride to make sure everything is working properly, but take it for a couple of test runs after to make sure everything is the way you want it.
Carry emergency gear
Although you likely will not have an emergency, it is smart to plan for one. Carry enough gear to fix at least two flats, a mini tool, ID, cellphone and cash.
Have fun
Riding bikes is one of the best ways to see the country. When you are prepared it will be a great experience and provide many years of fun memories.
