Short Journey Workshop – Getting Ride Ready 1/2

Outcomes

• An understanding of what might be essential equipment.

• An understanding of preparing for the ride and/or preparing for the destination.

• Basics for having everything ready to go with bike and gear.

Information

Bike ready?

Once your bike is serviced and road worthy it is important that it is easily accessible for when you want to make that short journey. It is also good to have any accessories handy and ready to go depending on the purpose of your journey.

Introduction

Welcome & Introductions with participants

• An introduction of why you are there and who is going to be leading the activities.

• A bit of feedback from participants on what they are expecting.

• Familiarisation with the facilities – toilets, refreshments, health and safety etc.

Continued on page 2

Materials needed

• Cycling UK – maintenance before you set off

• Cycling UK – maintenance essential tools

Cycling UK – simple bike maintenance guides

The session

Here is a quick demonstration of an M check to make sure your bike is safe before you set off. It only takes a few minutes but good practice each time before you set off.

Cycling UK – M check demonstration video Lights?

If you are travelling by bike between sunset and sunrise you are required to have proper lighting. There are also basic requirements for reflectors on your bike. Check this link for more about lighting regulations and positioning of your bike lights and reflectors

Cycling UK – lighting regulations

When purchasing bike lights have a think about what type of light will work best for you ie. rechargeable? batteries?

Locks?

Lock your bike up – Keep your bike safe by locking it in a secure location at home. How to stop your bike from being stolen has advice on keeping your bike safe at home.

Repair kit?

If it is a short journey you probably won’t be needing an extensive tool kit. In the worst case scenario you can always walk your bike home or ring someone to pick you up. So first essential piece of kit is a charged phone!

If it is something like a puncture which you can repair yourself you will need a puncture repair kit that includes two tyre levers. However your first thought should be to replace the inner tube to get riding again as soon as possible. The punctured inner tube can be removed and fixed at home later. There are lots of online guides to repairing a puncture.

Basic tools?

A saddlebag with tools, spares and cash. A few choice tools and a spare inner tube will help you cope with common mid-ride problems. A multi-tool with a range of bits should let you adjust most mechanical components; a chain tool will help you put a broken chain back together; and of course you’ll need some tyre levers, puncture repair kit/spare inner tube and mini-pump. We think it’s handy to have some emergency cash and a card too.

These sessions can be more self directed and involve looking up resources and viewing video links

Indoors/outdoors

No limit – dependant on access to apps