4 tips for a long bike ride in the spring
According to the climatic classification, spring started on March 1. This season ends on May 31. Characteristics for this time of year are trees that are getting much greener and plants that are starting to flower. Temperatures are also slowly starting to rise and the chance of frost is getting smaller. During the spring, cycling enthusiasts start to itch again to make long and far journeys.
A good time to prepare your (electric) bicycle for spring. Read our 4 most important tips for long and distant cycling trips in the spring in this article.
Contents
Tip #1: Check your bike on time
Parts that can wear out quickly are the chain including sprockets, tires, brakes and cables. If you take your bike out of the shed after the winter break, it is advisable to check at least these most important parts. Are you unable to maintain your bike yourself? Bicycle shops are often very busy in the spring. Do you want a specialist to carry out a maintenance service? Then make an appointment in time.
Tip #2: Adjust your saddle
To keep cycling fun, it is important that you sit properly during a bike ride, and certainly with a long bike ride. Do you want to increase your speed a bit? Then you are generally deeper in your saddle. Are you taking it a little easier this spring? You may be able to adjust your saddle down and raise your handlebars more.
Even if your weight has increased or you have lost weight, purchasing another saddle is worth considering. You will not experience much difference from a kilo more or less. From a kilo or 10 you will suffer more from saddle pain.
Tip #3: Provide good lighting
On a bicycle you are obliged to be clearly visible to the road users around you. The chance of being involved in an accident with good lighting is 20% smaller. Is it dark or foggy? Then you must have a front and rear light. The front lamp must have a yellow or white colour. Red is the right color for a rear light. Do not use a flickering light. This can be dangerous for other road users prone to epileptic seizures.
Tip #4: Don’t forget about yourself
If your bike is in order, you can sit comfortably and you have good lighting, it is now time to enjoy the nice spring ride and hopefully the nice weather. Make sure you bring enough drinking water and food. Or stop at a catering tent on the way! Don’t forget sunscreen too!
