2020: Riding on Your Own – Repair Ready

Riding on your own, or Self Supported riding, has taken a whole new meaning at this time.  With the likely hood (as this article is written) that most of 2020’s large scale bicycle events and organized rides will be canceled or rescheduled, your riding this year is going to be either solo, with family and close friends, or on smaller unsupported group rides.

You can have some amazing rides, even with
just your shadow for company.

Having started my riding as a teen in rural Michigan, learning to ride self-supported was just a fact of life.  I can remember leaving home on multi-hour rides with a few dollars in change, a single water bottle, and my simple tool kit of tire levers, pump and a patch kit.  I explored hundreds of miles of local roads by bike before I had a driver’s license, even crossing a state line on a ride to my grandparent’s in Toledo, Ohio.

If your riding experience has primarily been with groups and tours, or short rides close to home, it may be intimidating to think about extended rides on your own.  But you already have the base; a bike and the enjoyment of cycling.  To start adding to that, you need to know your bike (and you!) are Repair Ready, and the 3 items to check off before you ride – Weather, Route and Food.  You may also want to scan my endurance riding blog series, #10weeksto100, for some additional tips and tricks.

Your first step in self-supported riding is to have your bike Repair Ready.  First and foremost, this means you can fix the most common bike repair, a flat tire.  This requires a spare tube and/or patch kit, tire levers, and inflation (bike mounted pump and/or CO2 inflator).  Additionally, you should have a multi-tool, that allows you to adjust your bike’s seat, straighten a twisted handlebar (knocked askew when your bike falls over during a stop), or tighten any one of the half dozen or more fittings on your bike that might work lose through vibration. There are a couple of video links from Park Tool and Bicycling magazine at the end of this article showing how and the tools you need.

It's the most common bike repair.

These basics, and a saddle bag, are typically available for under $75, and are a very good investment for any level of cycling.  Even before you learn to use the tools, carrying a spare tube for your bike will make it that much easier for another rider to help you.

And on the subject of bike essentials, don’t forget water bottles and daytime running lights.  You will typically need at least 16 oz of fluid per hour of riding (and more in warmer conditions).  If your bike has 2 cages, mount both, you won’t regret this as you extend your riding.   My favorites are the large (26 oz.) insulated style, however smaller bike frame may not accommodate large bottles.   Another option is a hydration pack, which; they are typically insulated with insulated, and some riders prefer them since they allow (almost) hands-free to drinking while riding.

I also highly recommend Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), front and rear,  for road riding.  When properly designed and positioned, the latest DRLs may have you visible 2/3 of mile or more.  At a typical combination driving/riding speeds, an overtaking car will be alerted to your presence for 30 seconds or longer, and this extra does change the way most drivers will behave around you.

Once your bike is ready for the open road, it’s time to start thinking about heading out for the ride.  Look for the next blog, Riding On Your Own: Weather, Route and Food for more tips on self-supporting your next ride.

Self-Supported riding resources:
Park Tool - How to Fix a Flat Tire on a Bicycle  https://youtu.be/58STtUM-Wow
Bicycling Magazine – How to Change a Flat Bike Tire - https://www.bicycling.com/repair/a20013517/bike-repair-how-to-fix-a-flat-tire/

My series for endurance riding starts here - #10weeksto100 - Preparing for Your First Long Ride or Century.  Don't be intimidating by the 100 miles, since this series is designed for building your confidence for any ride over a couple of hours.  

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