Touring: Pre-Trip Preparation

Touring: Pre-trip Preparation Always be prepared. It works for the Marines, the Boy Scouts, and touring cyclists alike. Here are some things to keep in mind as you get ready for that first push of the pedal on your next touring adventure. Check your balance for getting under way. Double-check your gear and its stability. Pre-arrange a strategy for reconnecting with your group in case you become separated. Get Your Bicycle Ready For safety's sake, check your bicycle before every ride to make sure it's in good working condition. A simple pre-ride check (like the one described in our article The Pre-ride Inspection) only takes a couple of minutes. But it can save lots of time and hassles out on the road. Once you've checked over your bike, it's time to check how it rides. To make sure your ride is stable, pay close attention to how you pack your bags. See our article Packing for a Tour. Balance Lift both bags to feel for balance. To make sure one arm isn't fooling you by being stronger, reverse hands and lift your bags again. To maintain a good balance with a full load, keep the gear low and centered on your bike. This doesn't mean, however, that you can't buy one or two bags that sit higher on your bike, like a handlebar bag or rack trunk. Wobbles As you get underway you'll inevitably experience some shaking or shimmying in your bike. This may happen at 5 mph or at 25 mph. Because this is so common, test your bike at the beginning of each day's ride after you're all loaded and ready to go. Your bike can start wobbling from a variety of sources. Check first for loose bags, then for overloaded bags, and finally, for an uneven balance according to the above method. Get Yourself Ready

Stretching out before strenuous exercise reduces your chance of injury. Develop and follow a basic stretching routine (five minutes or so) before each ride to get warmed up and ready for the road or trail. Make sure your routine stretches your back, arm and leg muscles. NOTE: Some experienced cyclists prefer stretching after a half hour or so of easy riding, rather than before they get on their bikes for the first time each day. This approach is designed to give muscles a chance to warm up prior to stretching. Keep in mind as you ride that stretching is also important during and after your rides. Occasional back, leg and torso stretches during the day will help you stay loose. Stretching at the end of the day will help your muscles get rid of lactic acid so the next day's ride is more comfortable.

Basic Checks Equipment Make sure: All of your equipment and clothing is packed. Your gear is secure and your bike bags are closed. Your bike bags are out of your way and clear of your bike's moving parts. Loose items not in bike bags are strapped securely to your bike, with all strap ends tucked away. Your bike lights are secure and functional. Your maps, water and other commonly used items are stored within easy reach. Clothing and Accessories Make sure: You're wearing your helmet (correctly) and some form of eye protection. Your clothing is comfortable and appropriate for the weather conditions. Your clothing (pant legs, shoelaces, drawstrings) is clear of all moving bike parts. Group Members (When Applicable) When riding with cycling companions, make sure that everyone: Understands the day's plans (the route to be followed; any rest stops, attractions or gathering spots along the way; the final destination). Knows what to do if the group gets separated. Contingency plans typically involve a place and time to meet in the next town, or a phone number where you can call and leave a message for the rest of the group.