Coming out of hibernation. Spring is in the air!

It’s time to start cycle commuting, exploring the streets or local countryside and escaping!

I’ve not been in hibernation and have been riding both for work and pleasure across the winter, i’ll get off my moral high (1 horse power) bicycle now and talk about getting back in the saddle. The weather is getting better and will continue to do so, oily fingers crossed, so now is the time to dust off your bike or think about getting a bike! Bikes really are the solution to many modern problems…congestion, obesity, health and mental well being, they create time and space in a cluttered world.

Now, getting off my soap box, let’s talk about what you need to get back on the trail or open road. It’s not about how expensive your bike is, or the latest gadgets or even how fast you are going…it’s about being in the open air and how much fun you are having.

Whenever I go for a ride, I have a checklist of kit that I take.

Pump, multi tool, spare tube, snack (most important), water, phone, bank card, gloves and a waterproof.

Maybe a lock if I want to stop at a country pub or cafe and you can’t leave your bike securely.

Now that sounds like a lot, but it’s really not, but probably enough for a small rucksack, pannier (old school) or Bike Packing (trendy) bag.

Clothing…make sure you are comfortable, tuck those pesky laces in and don’t wear anything too baggy that’s going to snag on things or flap in the wind. Bright colours are good from a visibility perspective, but if you prefer flattering and slimming black, accent colours or a bright helmet and gloves are a good idea!

Making yourself comfortable and being seen is my Mantra for the Everyday Cyclist!

Give your helmet a check over to make sure there are no significant cracks or dents and if you find any, get a new one. Check the pads, to make sure they are not too smelly or beaten up. These can be replaced and you may have a spare set included when you purchased the helmet. You can buy products to refresh and clean the straps and foam pads if your helmet is well used or has been stored away for some time.

OK, now for your bike. I like to give my bike the ABCD test before I go on any ride, it’s a quick and easy test to check the safety aspects and performance of your bike…and not too onerous.

A – air. Check your tyres are pumped up, like a firm apple and not a squidgy banana for the road. Maybe softer for more traction off road or if you are riding tubeless. I like to ride pressures fairly hard as the road surfaces and pot holes can be a challenge.

B – brakes. Check that your brakes stop both wheels. Rock your bike forward and backwards and apply the brakes while doing so.

C – Chain. Check that your chain is running freely and is appropriately lubricated, you can use olive oil if you don’t have chain lube. Apply it to a rag and rub it on the chain, don’t squirt it straight on. The chain should be silver, grey or black and not brown or orange in simple terms.

D – direction. Check that your handlebars are not loose and that your street is on straight and approximately level with your hip. D also stands for Dirty Knees…I pinch the front wheel between my knees and then check that my handlebars are not wobbly. D also stands for drop…not very scientific, but you can gently drop your bike on its wheels to see if anything is loose. ie wheel quick releases, which you will hear.

Now that sounds like a lot to do, but it should only take a few minutes unless anything needs fixing.

If unsure, take your bike to a local bike shop, where they can help you or introduce you to the N plus 1 rule…N being the number of bikes you currently have.

Let’s ride! Follow your nose or have a specific plan.

Always carry your phone, for that obligatory 5 bar gate photo and for any mis-haps.

Happy Cycling.