Here's what you need to do before rocking up for an HBA ride.
Check your bike & helmet It sounds obvious but so many don't. Even if your kid rides their bike regularly, check it over. Check their helmet still fits well and has no visible damage. Helmet manufacturers recommend helmets are replaced every 3-5 years. It's really simple and there's a handy video right here! Don't leave this to the day before.
If a rider turns up with a bike or helmet that isn't in a safe condition, they may not be permitted to take part. It's unfair on the rest of the group to spend the first part of the session fixing someone's bike, all because they didn't check it in advance.
What to wear Aside from a helmet, no other bike specific clothing is required. Flat soled trainers that will give you good grip on the pedals are ideal. Clothing should be comfortable and unrestrictive but not super baggy. Check the weather forecast to decide what to wear. We wear gloves primarily to protect our hands in the event of a crash; any gloves that give you good movement are fine. Mittens are a definite no. There's always gloves available to borrow.
What to bring - You'll obviously need your bike, helmet and gloves. More technical riding may warrant knee/elbow pads. Clear safety glasses help keep the wind, mud and flies out of your eyes, but can steam up in damp conditions. - If you take any medications that you might need when out, then you must bring them. Riders are responsible for carrying their own medications. Your meds are no use to you at home when you're out riding. - Bring some extra layers or a jacket to wear when we stop for a break. - Depending on the timings of the session you may need your lunch. - For all rides, you'll need some snacks and water. - A complete change of clothing is a wise idea. Riders can get soaked through just from surface water, so changing into dry clothing part way through is bliss. Plus, you might want them to change before getting in the car! - And finally, a small rucksack to put it all in. We can probably leave some bits in the van to lighten the load though.
Other stuff
- Have a good breakfast or lunch before you arrive, you'll need it!
- Nobody will be forced to ride features they don't want to ride. You'll be encouraged, sometimes strongly, but never forced.
- There will always be some variance in the experience and abilities of riders in the group. This can be your chance to set a good example and boost your own confidence, or watch and be inspired by how others ride.
- Some venues don't have toilet facilities. For most, this isn't an issue as there's usually plenty natural cover for a wilder-wee.
- It's incredibly rare that we ride at race pace for a prolonged time. If we need to walk some of the uphill bits, that's fine. The pace will be dictated by the group, and it's normally pretty chilled out. What will happen on the day We'll always start with a bike and kit check to make sure everyone has everything they need and it's safe to ride. Next we'll do a quick introduction so we all know who's who to help us all relax into the group. Then we'll cover all the essentials riders will need to know for the day - such as what toilet facilities exist and what to do if they have an issue with the bike. Riders will have the opportunity to ask about anything they're unsure of. We'll then talk through the rough plan for the day. Each session is different and there's no set format, they're all based around the group, weather and environment. There won't be a specific lunch break on any ride except Big Days Out but we will have a break roughly half way to refuel. Feel free to bring your lunch though and have bits from it, we just won't be having a full lunch break. For Big Day Out sessions we will definitely be having a proper lunch break. Colder weather Some suggestions for colder or wetter weather. - Bring a full change of clothes. Getting dry clothing on half way through will bring smiles back to faces.
- Having a change of gloves is great to help keep hands happy. Cold, wet hands mean using gears and brakes is difficult. Any gloves will do, but bulky ski gloves may come at the price of dexterity and the ability to use gears/brakes effectively.
- Do bring a warm jacket to put on when we stop for a break back at the car park. You won't need to take this with you, it can stay in the van.
- If you're brining lunch, a food flask of hot soup/pasta/leftovers is an easy luxury.
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