The importance of the Pre Ride Checklist was presented again to me while returning to my Jeep after a Sunday morning ride last week. Coasting through the Betzwood parking lot I noticed 4 ladies inspecting the rear wheel of one of their bikes. I asked them if they needed some help and told them that I was a bicycle mechanic. One of them said " My god I'm so glad to here that"! They apparently had driven 45 minuets to get there and than another 45 minuets trying to fix a flat tire on one bike and the front brake on another. After addressing both of their issues in under 2 minuets and a brief chat with them they were on their way. I hope they enjoyed their ride as much as I enjoyed helping them make it happen! The moral you say ? ............. Pre-ride Checklist.
Before each ride, perform a safety check of your bicycle. This only needs to take a minute or two, but will help prevent avoidable accidents.
- Check the tires for proper inflation (marked on the side of the tire). Check the tire treads for excessive wear or other damage, such as embedded glass or other objects.
- Check the brakes. Spin the wheels to check for rubbing and then apply the brakes to ensure they stop the bike smoothly and evenly. Check the brake pads for excessive wear.
- Check the cables and housing to make sure there is no fraying or splitting.
- Check the wheel quick release levers to ensure they are secure.
- Check for any loose parts or other mechanical problems.
- Do a slow-speed ride and inspect bicycle, brakes, and shifting before you leave your driveway.
Following these guidelines will go a long way to enjoying your bike rides and will often help you prevent unexpected incidents or a long walk home.
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