Preparing for your ride

On your bike

It’s a good idea to have your bike serviced before your ride. If you can, ask for advice on the set-up – whether your saddle is at the right height and angle, and if your positioning is correct.

Make sure you’ve got the right bike

Different rides will require different bikes – if you’re taking part in a road race, a full suspension mountain bike won't be suitable, and if your ride is off-road you won’t be able to take part on a road bike. If you don’t have the right type of bike for the ride you want to do you should be able to hire one – follow the link on the right for a list of bike hire shops in London.

Preparing for the ride

If you don’t cycle regularly, it’s a good idea to start in the weeks leading up to the ride: it’ll make the event easier and more enjoyable for you. Cycling to work is a great way to mix cycling in with your daily routine. Have a look at our Cycling Info section for information on cycling to work and encouraging your employer to make your workplace cycle-friendly, so it’s even easier for you. Once you’ve started, you may find you don’t want to stop!

You may also want to book a cycle training lesson before the ride – even if you won’t be doing too much riding on-road, it’s a great way to feel more confident with your bike. Many people are entitled to free or subsidised cycle training from the council of the borough they live or work in – visit the relevant council’s website or see our section on Cycle Training for more information.

LCC social rides

If you’re taking part in a charity ride chances are you’ll be riding in a group. Group rides are great fun, but are quite different from riding individually, so it’s a good idea to get some practice in before the event. A great way to do this is to join an LCC ride or two – see our Rides and events section (follow the link on the right) for what’s going on near you.

Practical things

It's important to be well-equipped for your ride, so make sure you know what you need and how to take it with you.

Things to take

What to take depends on how long the ride you’re doing is, but essentials include:

• Tool kit – at least enough to mend a puncture

• Drinks and snacks

• Lights

• Map

• Lock

• Money

• Waterproof jacket (unless you’re absolutely sure it won’t be raining)

Have a look at our pages on Leisure Cycling for more ideas on preparation and what to take.

Carrying things

Carrying possessions in a bag on your back can become hot and uncomfortable on a long ride. A better option is to fix a rack and panniers to your bicycle.

If you don’t have too much to take with you, it’s worth considering an SQR (Seatpost Quick Release) bag. These bags have a built in frame that mounts to a block positioned on the seatpost. On SQR bags, there is a quick release on this block which means that the bag can be removed from the seatpost in seconds. Saddlebags are usually slightly smaller and fix to the underside of the saddle, and handlebar bags will usually clip onto a bracket mounted in the centre of the bars.

Get insured

LCC offers free third party insurance to all its members, so you’re covered if you’re involved in a collision and someone makes a claim against you. Members also have access to a deal on theft insurance which includes personal injury insurance. See our page on members’ benefits for more information.