Preparing Your Body
Preparing Your Bike
What to Bring
Your Body
Eat and drink well in the days before the NYC Century Bike Tour.
Get out and ride! Or run, swim or skate -- anything to get in shape.
See T.A.'s Biking Rules events for a list of other NYC-area rides.
Consider investing in a pair of padded bike shorts. Not into lycra? Look for new styles that aren't form-fitting.
Even the toughest behinds get tired after many hours in the saddle.
Stretch, stretch, stretch! At every rest stop and every chance you get, your body will thank you in the morning.
Your Bike / ABC Quick Check
Treat your bike to a full tune-up before the NYC Century Bike Tour. Nothing is worse than starting the ride and discovering something wrong with your bike. Visit one of the many NYC-area bike shops that support T.A.'s advocacy. If you join T.A. when you register for the NYC Century Bike Tour, your membership card will get you a discount at any shop on our list! A bike shop can also help you make sure that your bike fits -- small adjustments from seats to brakes can do wonders for your riding style. While you’re at the shop, make sure that your tires are fully inflated. Don't go by "feel." Get a gauge and check the tire for the recommended PSI. Refer to the ABC Quick Check for a short once-over of your bike.
1. A is for air
Inflate tires to pressure level listed on the sidewall of the tire
Use a pressure gauge to insure proper air pressure (PSI)
Check for damage to tire tread and sidewall -- replace if damaged
2. B is for brakes
Inspect pads for wear -- replace if there is less than ¼" of pad left
Check pad adjustment -- make sure they do not rub tire or dive into spokes
Check brake level travel -- at least 1" between bar and lever when applied
3. C is for cranks, chain and cassette
Make sure that your crank bolts are tight -- lube the threads only, nothing else
Check your chain for wear -- 12 links should measure no more than 12 1/8 inches
If your chain skips on your cassette, you might need a new one or an adjustment
4. Quick is for quick releases
Hubs need to be tight in the frame - your quick release should engage at 90°
Your hub quick release should point back to insure that nothing catches on it
Inspect brake quick releases to ensure that they have been re-engaged
5. Check is for check it over
Take a quick ride to check if derailleurs and brakes are working properly
Inspect the bike for loose or broken parts -- tighten, replace or fix them
Pay extra attention to your bike during the first few miles of the ride.
What to Bring Check List
Helmet: required by NY law for children under 14, strongly encouraged for everyone
Water bottles filled with water
Appropriate clothing: be prepared for rain and/or intense sun
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Extra tire tube (check for the size on your tire)
Pump, tire levers and patch kit (and an adjustable wrench if your wheels are not quick-release)
NYC bike and subway maps
Money: although we provide snacks and water, you may want to buy a full lunch or stop at any of the NY Eats participating eateries. (It's a good idea to bring a fully charged cell phone and a MetroCard too)
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