Century Tips
- Generally: Don't make any major adjustments or changes to your bike the evening before or the morning of the ride. Work all that out a couple days in advance and save yourself the stress.
- Lube: Your chain & derailleurs.
- Tires: Check them. Any fibers visible in the tread or cracks/cuts/bubbles on the sidewalls? Change them before the ride!
- Tire pressure: High pressure tires decrease your rolling resistance. Most good road bike tires will go up to 120 psi. Check the max inflation pressure on your sidewalls and pump 'em up!
- Tune up: Everything shifting OK? No, then get it taken care of a day or two before the ride and check it out beforehand.
- Tools and Supplies -- recommended supply list for that little bag under your seat:
- Spare Tube
- Patch Kit
- Tire Levers
- Multi-tool Click here for info
- Chain tool (may be included with your multi-tool)
- CO2 Inflator or frame pump. Click here for info If you carry the inflator, it's a good idea to have 3 CO2 cartridges, 1 in the inflator and a spare in your bag, and one or two in your shirt pockets. The non-threaded CO2 cartridges are available at your favorite box store very cheaply. I bought a box of 25 for less than $5 three years ago and still haven't used them all.
- Hydration: Start hydrating the night before the ride. You should have at least a bottle of water per hour on the ride.
- Food: Avoid bonking: eat well! You'll be burning 4000 calories or more. A hearty breakfast before the ride, and keep eating along the way. Power bars and gels are good, but you still need to eat something substantial.
- Money: You'll need enough to buy food & water on the way. You probably can carry enough food and water, but every extra pound is more enegy you have to expend, and money is significantly lighter than water. (And put it in a small plastic bag and save clerks everywhere from your sweaty bills.)
- Sunscreen: Apply liberally before you leave, and bring some to refresh during the day. My favorite is Bullfrog Spray -- SPF 36.
- Comfort: A little vaseline goes a long way. Even with cycling shorts, you can get uncomfortable on a long day of riding. A little lubrication makes for a nicer ride. I prefer Udder Cream -- lanolin based and water soluble. Either way, slather it on your chamois pad and yourself, and bring some along in a small baggie.
- Safety: A cell phone can be helpful if you are on a solo or unsupported ride. Share the road, stay with the group, and always wave with all five fingers.
|
