Cycling Tips

For Riders

Make sure that your bicycle is in good working condition. It is your responsibility to have your bike checked and service before the rider. Things to look out for. Brake pads, gear and brake cables, balding tires, trueness of wheels, smooth shifting of gear, comfortable seat height.
Bring front/rear light as some rides may start early in darkness. Lights are also a must in rainy/misty conditions.
Helmet and gloves must be worn when riding.
Wear bright clothing whenever possible, to make yourself more visible to motorist.
Do not ride alone. Stay with your group and its guide.
When cycling through village, always be on the lookout for children, chickens and dogs. Slow down on approaching a village.
Do not follow too closely behind fellow riders, especially when going downhill or in the dark (early morning or evening).
Avoid riding abreast other cyclists. Rider in a single file as par possible.
Turn around regularly to make sure the rider behind you is within sight; slow down if otherwise.
Be alert and attentive while riding. Establish. Eye contact with motorist and pedestrians if you are about to cross their path. Do not hesitate call out to warn other road users of your approach.
Look out for vehicle in front of you even if they are going in the opposite direction. Oncoming vehicle attempting to overtake the vehicle in front of them may swerve info your path.
Check back regularly and listen for vehicle coming from behind you, even if it sounds like a motorcycle. Be prepared for inconsiderate drivers who blast their horns as they are passing you.
A friendly wave usually goes long way. Don’t forget there are other riders in front and behind you and aggravating motorist may endanger your fellow riders.
Be cautions when you rider past parked vehicle (doors may be flung open in your path); and be extra cautions in school areas or where there are children playing, or animals grazing.
Use hand signals to warn you riders behind you of hazards ahead and for making intention clear. Point to road hazards (eg potholes) as you pass them.
If you must stop (for a break or for repairs), make sure you and your bike get off the road completely. Avoid stopping at bends a round blind spots that put you at high risk of being hit by passing vehicles.
Should you stop for a toilet or drink break, look after your bike and belongings.
If you should choose to rest at location that is not visible to passing vehicles, please indicate your location (perhaps by parking you bike by the roadside) so that the passing support crew can sport you and render assistance if necessary, or simply to account for you.
Warm up stretch well before stating a rider and warm down after it.
Wear padded short. To avoid nasty abrasions, you might want to bring some Vaseline or similar lubricant. Please approach one of the organizing committee members if you do not know where to apply this. Padded seats (foam or gel) might help.
Wear gloves and shock. To might experience numbness on your hands an feet on long riders. Make sure you change handlebar positions frequently, sit up and stretch while riding or pull off the road to a safe spot to do it you have to.
Pace yourself according to the distance to ride.
Protect your eyes-it could be a hot and dry ride. Use eyewear-shaded or clear.
Apply sunscreen and lip balm as required and protect the exposed parts of your body from sunburn with arm covers, tight, etc. the cheeks, nose and back of your neck are particularly vulnerable parts.
Arm protectors are highly recommended. For cheap and simple pair of arm covers, buy a cheap pair of women’s tight. Snip of the leggings and use those for arm covers.
You may want to bring a light raincoat or wind-breaker for cold or wet days.
Hydrate. The night before, during and after a ride, have a sip of water every 15 min or so; never you wait till you are thirty-that usually to late.
Try to carry some basic essentials with you luggage: see the list in section c above.
For mountain bikers, it is advisable to use a pair opt slick tires instead of you knobblies for are more comfortable and easier ride.