FUN RIDERS’ GUIDE NO. 6 Be prepared for comfort and enjoyment

Press, 13 February 1986, Page 17

FUN RIDERS’ GUIDE NO. 6 Be prepared for comfort and enjoyment

In the final in a series of articles preceding the Press Fun Ride, we will look at what to take on the day, and how to follow the correct course.

It is important to wear and carry the correct clothing. Shorts are best for cycling, as they allow free movement and are much cooler.

If, however, you choose to wear long trousers make sure that they are made of a flexible material (not jeans), and that there are no seams which will irritate the skin.

Solid footwear is recommended because it transmits the energy from the foot to the pedal more efficiently than jandals or flimsy sandals. Carry a warm jersey, preferably wool, for even the nicest day can quickly change to rain and wind. A wool jersey is best because even when wet, it stays warm and water resistant. A coat or jacket, preferably one which is showerproof, should also be carried.

It is best to carry your own tools and a puncture outfit for there may be

some delay if you need to borrow one. A spare tube is handy if you have a blow-out, and can be a quicker way to mend an ordinary puncture. A plastic bottle of water or some other drink is useful, as it is not always convenient to stop and water is not always available.

Although there are shops along the way, it is always best to be pre-

pared for the worst. A small amount of emergency food or glucose sweets should also be carried in case there is some delay in reaching the shops.

All this gear should be carried in a bag on the cycle, not by you. There is quite a bit of weight in the few items listed, and these, in a pack on your back can make the ride most unpleasant, even

painful. There are few things worse than cycling with a pack on your back, especially when you start to sweat and your shirt gets wet. This applies particularly on the longer ride where there are hills, so try to let the bike carry the load, so that you can enjoy the ride. Ensure that your cycle pump is working well, and it is securely fitted to the cycle before you leave. The entire route will be signposted for the rides. These will be blue posters with an arrow showing the direction to turn for each ride.

Keep to your chosen route, and follow the ar-, rows and your map as you go, and you won’t get lost. Finally, remember that the Fun Ride is not a race, and it is far better to be behind others and comfortable, than in front and in pain. The organisers wish to thank all concerned, and hope to see hundreds of people out on the day for an enjoyable cycle ride. By Craig Adair in Association with Bryce Sims of “The Press.”