2020 Riding On Your Own: Weather, Route and Food

With your bike ready and waiting for the road (Riding on Your Own – Repair Ready), now you can start thinking about the ride. As I prepare to walk out to my garage and pick the bike for today’s ride, I run through the following mental checklist: Weather, Route and Food. Whether it’s going to be quick workout ride, a social dinner ride or an all day outing, the same check list applies.

Build a ride from roads you know.

Weather: As in what are the conditions now and over the course my ride. What gear do I need to wear now, will I remove it if conditions improve, or will I need something, like rain gear, just in case the weather changes earlier than planned.  And depending on when you start, you might want a jacket or vest to finish an afternoon or early evening ride.  And when picking the gear, don’t forget sun protection, either worn or applied, for the day ahead.

Route:  Where, how far and how long do plan to ride? This will determine what you need along in gear and food.  If you are doing a quick hour workout ride, you may not be changing or removing clothing.  But if the ride is 2-3 hours with an early start, a jacket or arm warmers may be coming off as the day warms.  Along with your gear, route and riding time will help with your final check list item - Food

Scoring a fun lunch along the way.

Food (and Drink): When you are riding up to 1 ½ hours, fluids will be your primary need.  However, as your rides increase to 2 or 3 hours or longer, you need to consider having snacks along.  It can be fresh fruit, like apples, bananas or oranges, or any of the popular energy snacks.  Many riders will have an extra energy bar stashed in their seat bag, just in case.  Your route may also determine what you carry along, since you may not have shops and store along the way or they may have erratic hours.

With your bike equipped, and after completing your weather, route & refuel checklist, you are ready to ride.   Here are some more helpful tips to consider.

• Pace yourself:  If you are used to doing your longer rides in group, pace yourself when solo.  Many riders don’t realize the boost they are getting riding  the group.  Don’t be surprised if the first few miles feel slower.
• Watch the wind:  Just like riding with a group, the wind can surprise you.  Pay attention to those outbound miles that feel “too” easy.  A 10 mph tailwind will hardly be noticed heading out but will feel like a gale when you turn around after 90 minutes.
• Take Breaks:  You will learn what work with for your body, but a regular break (i.e. every 10 miles, every hour, etc.), even for 3-5 minutes at the side of the road, is an important part of pacing yourself and judging your condition.  And is even a short break will allow you to recover for the next leg.
• Remote Start:  For fresh perspective, even riding solo, drive to a remote start location.  When you aren’t repeating the same miles at beginning and end, it can help you mentally to ride farther. Riding somewhere new is always easier.
• Courtesy to Others: Depending on the length of the current emergency, please be considerate by including a bandana or other face covering for when required, and carry a small hand sanitizer too.  

Riding alone or in small groups can be very rewarding, and open new aspect to your cycling.  And the confidence and experience you gain riding self-supported will add to your riding enjoyment on your next group ride or tour.

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