A good solo bike ride

Our world is driven by data and innovation. I won’t be surprised if, during your ride, you’re using:

• • • a bike computer to track your effort and navigate
    • a mobile phone – I wouldn’t use one for navigation, though – in case of emergency or as a wallet
    • lights to be seen, for your own safety
    • a watch to track effort & navigate, in case you don’t have a bike computer or as a backup

All of those use batteries. So, before getting on your ride, make sure they’re all charged. 

If you use Trainingpeaks for your workouts or a GPS app for your itinerary (I like Komoot), make sure your bike computer is synced. Your workout/route appears on it before going out. 

I won’t say it enough, be prepared. During my ride, I usually take a sip of electrolyte every 10 minutes and eat energy gels or bars every 30 to 45 minutes. Test different options and brands and see what suits you best. But make sure you will have enough, and maybe plan a bit more if your journey takes longer than planned.

Lastly, when you go out on a ride, don’t forget the cycling etiquette.

Say hello. This is cycling etiquette rule number one! When you overtake a cyclist or pass on the other side of the road give them a quick hi, nod or lift of the hand. If etiquette is polite behaviour then this is where it starts. The only exception to this is if you’re smashing out a tough training session and have got barely the energy to breathe let alone talk. Then, and only then, is it acceptable not to acknowledge a fellow rider.

Stop and help. If you see a rider stuck at the side of the road offer to stop and help. Even if you’re not a mechanic you may have tools or kit that will help them out. More often than not they will wave you past pretending to make a phone call when they are actually taking a rest!

Take enough stuff to be self sufficient. It’s very annoying when you stop at the side of the road to help someone only to find out they haven’t even taken a tube out with them. Whilst I will always begrudgingly hand mine over to help a fellow rider you should never rely on the good nature of others to help you out. Take out what you need. There will be the odd occasion when it’s not enough but don’t head out with nothing!

Be conscious of where you take a break. Some places welcome cyclists, others don’t. I’m not sure I’d want someone turning up on the table beside me at Sunday dinner fresh out of the gym but us cyclists will happily wander into somewhere after four sweaty hours of riding. Try and research places that are used to catering for cyclists and if you do end up in a local pub try and stick away from those who are out to enjoy their meal. Whilst you’re all paying customers, just be considerate.

Think about how you approach others. You will inevitably come across other riders when out on the road and eventually you’ll be the one doing the catching up. If you join up with a rider or group of riders ask them if they mind you cycling with them. They may say no as they are training for something specific (or just miserable!). When you do, remember you are on their turf so do as they do and take your turns on the front.