Goooood morning readers! How are you? Thinking about cycling? Don't forget to take this with you!
Going cycling is one of the coolest outdoor activities you may do in yourlife; It easy and cheap to start, it'll put you in in direct contact with nature, you'll exercise yourself and meet a lot of people with the same freedom thougths along the way. You can also make use of the bike in your everyday life; using it to do your everyday duties or to go to work will not only put you into shape, but save a ton of money on gas all year long. Isn't that great? Check out this essentials to make your experience master blaster enjoyable.
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Many newcomers to the bicycle universe start cycling for those very reasons, however, they fail to follow the essentials for having a good experience. Have you ever experienced the awful situation of having a flat tire away from any help? It would be no problem, if you were prepared.
I've divided the essentials for a good cycling day into 3 main categories: SAFETY, NUTRITION & MECHANICS. With this 3 you'll protect yourself in case of an accident, you'll feel strong and hydrated and you'll be able to handle minor mechanical failures. Let's see them one by one.
SAFETY
HELMET: This is the most imporant of them all. In most countries, Brazil included, wearing a helmet is not a rule, as it is for motorcycles. However, it's common sense that you should, without questions, wear it; no matter if it's hot, uncomfortable or ugly, you are not in it for the fashion. One fall near the sidewalk is enough to severe harm you. So, do yourself a favour and protect that precious head.
LIGHTS: You don't need to turn your bike into a Christmas tree, but having lights, even reflectors, is a must. I've been a driver before I've been an everyday cyclist, I know how hard it is to see a cyclist without reflectors on the street from a safe distance. I wouldn't stop on the reflectors option though. If you really want to be seen you'll need a good flashlight to the front and a red flasher to the back. Go for the LED ones, as they are incredibly economic and strong. And remember, don't point your flashlight straight forward, it'll blinds everyone on the opposite direction.
EXTRAS: This, although important, are not mandatory. I'd include here items such as gloves, protection glasses and cycling pants. It's always nice to keep your hands dry and firm to the handlebar by using gloves; you'll not like small rocks and things getting into your eyes going 70km/h downhill, so glasses will help; and keeping your butt nice and comfortable will save your future sons (if you are a man), so those pants could come in handy.
NUTRITION
- HYDRATION: Always, I mean ALWAYS, carry at least fresh water. This is among the most important fluids our body needs (after beer according to some), and while cycling it's even more important. Going for a longer tour, carry more and always refill when you have a chance.
- Ahhhh but it's cold and I don't feel thirsty. Doesn't matter. If you are feeling thirsty, it's because you've already passed the point. Drink water, small sips all day long, even when not cycling.
If you have some spare money and prefer something more complete, you can opt for isotonic drinks. They'll provide the minerals you've lost sweating.
SNACKS: It's always good to have some quick snacks to eat along the way, it will give you some extra energy to keep on going. Power bars, bananinhas (brazilian snack), different types of nuts or a gigantic beef rib (No, no. Spare this for after the tour). Jokes aside, bring things with real nutritional value and that are easy to carry and eat... unless you are traveling, but that is another case that you can check on THIS post.
MECHANICS
TOOLS: This are all those small tools that we all love to buy but are too lazy to cary. It's when good ol' Murphy's Law strucks you, problem happen and... where are the tools? At home.
I don't advise carrying a full set unless you are going to travel long distances or to wild places, but the basic ones always comes in handy to have on the every day cycling. I can't tell you which ones to have, for that, check your bike for the most common bolts. In my case I have 2 different Allen wrenches, Phillips and a Swiss knife that fix all the bike alone if I ask him. I've seen some maniac cyclists with some interesting compact multi-tools, it's an option.
Chain tool; if you break a chain away from home and you don't have this little bastard, I'm sorry, but you'll have to walk. So take one, even if you never use it.
TIRE REPAIR KIT: For those who use tubes, a repair kit is easy and uber useful, not to say mandatory. It contains the patch, glue, levers and a piece of sandpaper. I've had to fix my tyre two times on the road and I'll say, this small kit saved my live, plus it's cheap.
But hey! You genius, now that you've fixed your tyre, how will you inflate it again? So include in your kit a pump! A small one attached to your bike will to the trick just perfectly.
SPARE TUBE: It's cheap, buy one! Attach it somewhere in your bike using rubber bands, you'll remember about its existence when you puncture a tyre.
EXTRAS: For those planning big trips I'd add some other things sush as extra disrailleur cables, chain oil, grease, some extra bolts, brake pads (if you use discs), extra chain, kilometers of silver tape (you can build a bike with this, no joke). Of course, you'll need to plan where you are going... traveling near cities is one thing, Patagonia is a complete new beast, so study your needs.
As you can see you don't need much to ride a bicycle to your favourite places, actually you might not need any of the above, but they for sure will make your life much easier case something happens.
I hope that this post and many of the travel stories inspire you to use your bike more often. Cycle safely and never forget to have fun!
Do you carry any of these? Do you carry something else to add to the list? Feel free to comment down bellow, I love hearing from you.
I hope you've enjoyed this tips. If you liked it, consider giving your upvote for a hot coffee.
~Love ya all,
Disclaimer: The author of this post is a convict broken backpacker, who has travelled more than 10.000 km hitchhiking. Following him may cause severe problems of wanderlust and inquietud. You've been warned.
I'm Arthur. I blog about Adventure Stories, Brazil, Travel, Camping & Life Experiences.
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