The Final Countdown to the Bikes Fight Cancer Charity Ride!
The three months since I wrote up some tips to help you prepare for the Bikes Fight Cancer Charity Ride have flown by, and you’re only a few days out from the big ride on Saturday, June 17th.
Work your way through the punch list below to help set you up for a successful and fun event this weekend!
Bike: Give your bike a pre-event check-over, inspecting tires for nicks and slices, and making sure your frame, wheels, and handlebar are wiped down and clean. Be especially sure to clean and lubricate your chain: a clean bike is a fast bike!
Clothing and gear for the ride: I recommend having your riding clothes picked out, organized, and packed on Thursday evening. Be sure to pack rain gear so you’re prepared in the event of some showers. Think about what you’ll want to change into after the ride, and pack a towel and some baby wipes to wipe off that road grime!
Food: Organize and pack your ride food in your gear bag, and have water bottles and any sports drink mixes ready to go. Remember that this is NOT the time to be trying new food or drinks! If you have food or drinks that need to be refrigerated until Saturday morning, here’s a pro tip: put your keys next to those items in the fridge, and you’re much less likely to leave without them!
Schedule: Working backwards from the start time of your ride (8 or 9AM), create a schedule for yourself so time doesn’t get away from you. Allow time to finish packing your bike, gear, and food, and use this schedule to help you prioritize getting good sleep the two nights before the event. On Saturday morning, be sure to give yourself at least one hour between your arrival and the start of your ride.
Hopefully these tips will help you fine-tune your final preparations for your 25- or 50-mile adventure this Saturday. Whether you’ve been riding for years or have just started, soak up the incredible scenery and camaraderie as you pedal through some of the Pioneer Valley’s finest roads.
And, please come by the Bell Lap Coaching tent on Saturday! Enter a raffle to win a Saris smart trainer, test your fitness on our Concept2 Bike Erg, and share with us how your ride went. Come by and say hi!