How to Prepare for Your First Bicycle Ride of the Year

Are you ready to get back in the saddle now that summer has arrived? Bicycling season is likely to be the busiest ever, as more people discover the joys of pedalling on two wheels. Over 56 million Americans biked outdoors in 2024, with on-road being the most popular mode of cycling.

If it’s been months since your last ride, you and your bike may need some tuning up to make the most of the season. Learn how to get and stay bike-ready after a long hiatus.

Check Your Gear

Assemble all the necessary equipment for your first ride to ensure it’s ready for another season. Inspect your bike and make the necessary repairs or have it tuned up by a professional. Lubricate and tighten the chain and gears. Replace the brake pads if they are less than half an inch thick and check the lines for damage. Get on the bike to see if it still fits and adjust the seat and handlebars as needed.

Try on your helmet and riding ensemble to ensure they fit correctly. The chin strap should keep the helmet securely attached to your head and keep it from sliding when you lean over. Replace your shorts or top if they have holes or weak spots due to friction.

Pair your helmet with the Cardo Packtalk Outdoor, the ultimate accessory for hands-free communication. You can coordinate with your companion and play your favorite tunes without taking your eyes off the road. The headset mounts securely to your existing equipment and is completely waterproof, designed to withstand the harshest terrain.

Pair Up

Using wireless bicycle communication makes it easier than ever to sync up with a companion. If you don’t feel confident in your biking skills, you can use them to get feedback and tips from a more experienced rider without distracting yourself from the task at hand, instead of using hand signals, which can delay response times. Listening to their instructions will give you peace of mind that you’re not in it alone.

Build Strength

Biking is a low-impact sport that works nearly every major muscle group, burning anywhere from 290 to 1,176 calories per hour, depending on your weight, trail incline and speed. You need to be able to keep your balance by maintaining good posture and engaging your core.

If you don’t exercise your legs, abs and back regularly, spend a few weeks getting in shape to prepare for your first ride. Try squats, deadlifts and lunges without weights, as well as crunches, sit-ups, leg raises and yoga, to ensure you have the required strength to stay upright.

Ease Into It

Slow and steady wins the race. Start the year off by biking along a mostly flat, paved trail with wide turns and plenty of room to spread out. Avoid high-traffic areas or biking too close to the road until you gain experience. Limit your distance on your first outing to avoid burning out halfway through the trip. Pack plenty of water, eat a lean meal beforehand, and avoid biking during the hottest hours of the day in warm weather.

Know Your Risks

Biking is a safe and enjoyable activity for all ages, but it does come with a risk of falling or getting into an accident. Crashes contributed to $5.4 billion in medical costs in 2020. Accidents are also the top five leading cause of injury for children ages 5-14 years, while adults aged 60-64 years are most at risk of incurring a fatal injury. Wearing a helmet and using good judgment are your best defences against serious injury. Stay vigilant and only ride in areas that are safe and suited to your skill level.

Prepare for Traffic

As biking increases in popularity, especially with younger generations, don’t be surprised to see more people on the path than usual. Some trails can become congested, resulting in more frequent stops. You may need to pass more people who are learning how to ride. Reduce your speed and give others the right of way when in doubt.

Bring the Essentials

You never know when you might need to refuel and rehydrate on a hot day. Use a backpack or storage case to bring sunscreen, snacks, extra water, first aid supplies and any other essentials you might need to get home, such as medication, bug spray or sunglasses. It’s always better to be prepared than to leave the house empty-handed.

Start the Season Off on the Right Foot

Your first time back can be as challenging or as simple as you make it. Preparing your bike and body will help you have a smooth trip so you can focus on building your skills. Plan your trip with the proper supplies to minimize potential hazards and complications that can limit the fun.