During our Sunday ride with my good friend Christos, we have realized that we didn't have any spare tubes along with us. We have decided to take our chances, with out cancel the training session. Unfortunately, that wasn't our moment. He had a puncture and I went 3 km ahead until I remember that he didn't have spare or tools with him, except a pump. And when turn the bike around and started cycling to his direction, thinking of the we should do, without a spare tube.
Also attempt and pick routes which resemble the Century ride in terms of number and severity of hills, terrain, weather conditions, number of stops etc. It would be no good training on the flats in cool weather if major day runs over the mountains in the peak of the summer sun!
Lessons were learned quickly. The others were smarter and likely more experienced than my eyes. Most ate their food while riding and for this reason didn't loose much a period of time. Me, a rookie, adjusted though time and started eat and ride simply because day left on. We went to hell (almost) that day, crossing muddy creeks deep enough to wash my bike and metabolism. I thought it would be a onetime thing but it became routine to eradicate my derailleur and chain every time I crossed a stream. On-course bike maintenance would be a key component in the mud-themed contest. I would end up spending close to 2 hours washing in creek crossings on day one. Throw in a few hike-a-bikes and we had been off Bike Repair Manual a great begin building!
Use each brakes together in rainy weather or if perhaps the front brake is not strong enough to lift the rear wheel. Should the front brake is not strong enough, repair the brake.
Some usually takes used their creativity skills and attemptedto make a functioning home-made stand. However i have rarely seen a home-made stand that really functioned given that should. Provided you can spring for a few bucks you can get a good quality, stable and easy to navigate bike repair stand that will benefit you within ways.
Another the main thing to carry is an easy bicycle repair packet. If you are going to distant places, you can transport more luggage, but I always prefer traveling light.
Cruising through rural countryside towns, citizens were out on their balconies together with in the road. To my surprise I found myself alone absolutely no other riders around. I have a history of getting lost at our local races in Whistler, therefore i knew We to ensure. I had the feeling I missed a turn it truly stopped and asked if any bikers had been though. My Spanish and the Spanish didn't quite make a match. Inturn I received a big smile. I carried on at a slower pace until another rider wedged and confirmed I was going a right help.
The little extra care you take now might be the difference in finishing a ride or walking the bike home. Look forward to future articles on Bike Maintenance, hopefully we will soon have some videos up Bike Repair Guide.