Last year was the hottest on record, with a winter that was mild at times, and harsh at others. Whichever the case, it was not the right time for biking. There were days, sometimes weeks when all you could do is sit inside with a hot cup of tea and play the best online video poker games at red flush online casino But spring is here, and with it the time to bring out your trusted companion and prepare it for the long rides to come.
The checklist
When the days turn sunny after a long winter, I can hardly wait to start riding around on my bike. I feel the urge to jump on it and start to pedal like crazy. I did just this once, a few years back, without checking the state of my bike beforehand. And I ended up crashing into the first trashcan on the street. My brakes have loosened during the winter conservation (which was not ideal, to say the least), and they didn’t stop me. But I was the one to blame, of course, for not going over the spring biking checklist.
Before you leave on your first ride of the year, make sure all the components of your bike are in a great condition. Clean your bike thoroughly, and eliminate all residue or dust that might have set on it during the winter. Use an environmentally friendly cleaner and a lot of water to wash your bike thoroughly.
The first things you need to check are the wheels, the chains and the brakes. Your wheels can degrade over the winter, especially if you leave air inside them. They might crack, loose integrity and might leave you with a flat tire if you are not mindful. And the bike is supposed to carry you, not the other way around, right?
The chain of your bike will most likely need some lubricant. Winter is long, and no matter how mindfully you conserved your bike, the oil dries out, and dust settles on the cogs. Make sure to abundantly lubricate the chain and the gears, so you won’t have any issues later on.
Last, but not least, check the breaks. The goal is for them to be set in a way not to block the wheels when you pull on them, but stop you at a reasonable distance. I’ve seen blokes fly over their handles too many times, so I’m always mindful of this aspect. Besides, the breaks are the most important things, literally a matter of life and death, when you ride in the traffic. Stopping at a red light can mean the difference between life and death, or at least a few broken limbs.
When you are done cleaning and inspecting your bike, make sure to enjoy a great ride – and stay healthy.
