News & Updates
Bike Tips - Prepared by a REAL Duathlete04 May 2010
How to have a safe and enjoyable ride
Prepared by one of our participants – it’s worth a read!
For some people riding on the public roads along with a large group of cyclists can be a very new and daunting experience, below are just a few tips to help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time on the bike leg.
· Biggest thing to remember is that you are vulnerable, therefore it is vital that you keep your helmets done up at all time. All too often you see people riding with their helmets on their handlebars, which to me looks far sillier than wearing a helmet on your head.
· Watch the road ahead, this will help you see what is coming before it is too late to react. A common occurrence with new riders is the tendency to only see as far as their front wheel.
· If when you are riding in a group if you spot something on the road i.e. a pothole that you need to ride around, point your finger to it so the person behind can see it and they can then take action before it is too late.
· If there is a parked vehicle and you have other cyclists behind you, signal that you are pulling out to go around the car.
· When passing another cyclist, always pass on the right hand side and let them know you are there by saying “passing right”, the last thing you want is them swerving to avoid something and not knowing you are there.
· If you are riding in a group and you are the last cyclist in the line, and you hear a car coming behind you, let the other riders know by calling out “car back”, this will then give them the chase to pull into single file or hold someone back who was going to pass and go ahead.
· Legally you are permitted to ride two abreast, however, be considerate of other road users, if you hear a car, pull into a single file to enable a safe passing manoeuvre.
· Nothing is scarier than trying to ride past a person who sways around. A good tip for learning to ride a straight line, ride beside the white line on the road, however, if you have skinny tires be careful trying this in the rain.
· Use your gears, there are no points for riding the whole event in your hardest gear. The objective is to keep you legs moving smoothly and effortlessly, if you have a computer with cadence (pedal rotation) aim to keep it at around 85. Your legs will thank you for it.
· Hydration is also very important when you are on the bike, make sure you always have water on board. If you struggle getting your water bottle in and out of the holder, invest in a camel back, this will make having a drink a lot easier.
· If you plan to do a lot of riding, investing in a pair of bike shorts is a wise move. I know they aren’t the prettiest or most flattering thing in the world but trust me your body will thank you.
· Drafting, leave this to the experts, a fun event like this is definitely not the place for it. You might be ok but the person in front may not.
· Finally always keep left and don’t cross the centre line. Even if the road is closed there is always the odd vehicle that may need to get through, so ensure you listen and take notice of the Marshalls.
Prepared by Adriana Shafe - A participant in our Duathlon
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