How To Prepare for a Long Bike Ride

 1) Caffeine gel

This can help give you that little push you may be needing on a long distance ride, giving a kick boost to lift focus, reactions and performance.

2) Be prepared

Take a pump, inner tube, multi-tool, waterproof and a self-adhesive puncture pack. It’s a great idea to take a fully charged mobile with you too, just in case you run into some trouble and need to make an emergency call.

3) The bike

Second hand bikes are great and can save you a lot of cash.  Good deals are easy to come by if you spend a bit of time browsing the web. However if you can afford to splash out and get yourself a brand new (and probably more reliable) bike then Ribble Cycle’s Genesis bikes, Rose bikes and Canyon bicycles are by far the highest spec value bikes available.

4) Clothes

Wear tight clothes to stop you becoming a flag and making everything more effort than it’s worth! Being as streamline as possible is key. Padded shorts will also make a difference to comfort.

5) Speed

Go at your own pace and don’t use up all your reserves on the first couple of hills as you won’t recover for the rest of the cycle. Be careful at the start so you’re not in trouble before the end.