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BIKE TIPS: Get that machine ready!
Don't overhaul your bike the day before the ride! If anything needs
work, get it done at least a week ahead of time to be sure it's working
perfectly. Bike work isn't hard, and most people can learn simple bike
mechanics (and even the black art of wheel truing) from a good book.
But if you lack tools or confidence, make a bike shop appointment now!
Here's what to check:
Tires: Worn to the fabric? Cuts or bubbles? Treat your bike to new
ones. And make sure the pressure is perfect.
Wheels: Hold the bike up and spin the wheels. They should be perfectly
round with no wobble. There should be no dents or bulges at the braking
surface to cause the brakes to grab.
Bearings: Wheel bearings, pedal bearings, crank bearings, headset
(steering) bearings all should spin perfectly smoothly, with no
roughness and no looseness and very little drag.
Brakes: Make sure the bike stops quickly and easily. Adjust hand brakes
so the levers don't squeeze all the way to the handlebars. Be sure the
brakes don't drag when the levers are released. Make sure the brakes
operate smoothly. If you feel sticking or friction, carefully lubricate
the brake pivots and the cables.
Chain: This is the time to clean it and lubricate it.
Shifters: Be sure you can get the exact gear you want, when you want
it. On NEOC, you're going to need all of them!
Drive Train: Cranks should spin smoothly. Nothing should be loose in
the cranks or pedals. A "click" once per pedal revolution can be
a sign
of a big problem beginning soon!
Contact points and fit: Be sure you've got no problems with your
saddle, handlebar tape, gloves, shorts, or shoes. And be sure the bike
is adjusted to fit you "by the book". Little annoyances can grow
very
big in 100 miles!
Miscellaneous: Pick the bike up six inches and bounce it on the
pavement. Any rattles? Make sure everything on the bike is firmly
attached, including bags, reflectors, water bottle and cage, pump,
racks, fenders... everything.
OOPS! Where did the time go?? Whoa! It's the night before the ride!
No time for an overhaul now!
Quick, be sure you at least:
Pump your Tires - for easy rolling
Be sure your brakes don't drag. Nothing slows you worse than a dragging
brake!
Be sure your brakes actually work! You know you're going to need them.
Be sure all your gears work. Every one. Even the lowest one.
Especially the lowest one!
Before You Leave - A Checklist
Did you remember to bring your:
NEOC Riding Tips - for a pleasant, successful ride
Drink Before You're Thirsty - Sip water often, at least 1 pint per hour
Eat Before You're Hungry - Snack often. It's fuel for your muscles.
Pace Yourself - Not too fast, especially at first, or you'll burn your
legs out.
- Not too slow, or you'll wear your butt out.
- Ride your own best pace.
Spin - Don't push a high gear. Downshift, spin easy.
Get Off the Saddle - Stand often, let blood circulate everywhere.
Stretch - On the bike and off the bike. Especially, stretch
your neck
and shoulders. Keep 'em loose.
Move your hands - to take the pressure off them.
- Use as many hand positions as you can invent!
Take a Break - Stop for a couple minutes each hour.
- Prop your legs up, massage them a bit
Flag a Sag - Stop a NEOC Sag Wagon if you need help
NEOC Safety Tips
Obey All Traffic Laws - including stop signs, traffic lights,
right-turn-only lanes.
Ride on the Right - Your bike is a vehicle! Never ride facing
traffic.
Watch for Road Hazards - Gravel, glass, potholes, wet metal in the
rain.
Avoid Amish Buggy Grooves!! - If your wheel touches one, it can throw
you!!
Warn Other Riders - Call out "Hole", "Glass",
"Car Back", etc.
Don't Ride Too Close To Others - and NEVER let your wheels touch!
Ride Straight and Steady - and stay away from anyone who doesn't!
Use Hand Signals - Let folks know when you're slowing, stopping or
turning.
Give Cars Room to Pass - unless the lane's too narrow to share. Promote
good will, please!
Pause Well Off the Road when resting, fixing flats, or studying maps.
Descend Hills Slowly Enough that you're well in control.
Ride Safely and Maturely. Your life, and our reputation, depend on it!
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