SAFER PADELLING

The following basic checks are your guide to safer cycling:
• Before riding, kindly check
o Is tyre pressures correct?
o Do Brakes work effectively?

• Weekly
o Condition of tyres.
o Condition of brake shoes.
o Chain lubrication.
o Tightness of all nuts & bolts.

• Monthly
o Are pedal cranks tight?
o Are gears running smoothly?
o No play in bottom bracket axle or wheel cones.
o Is headset tight – no play?
o Cable lubrication.

Riding Technique
If you are a new rider, the tendency may be to select a gear, which has you pedaling slowly. However, as a faster pedal rate maintains momentum with least effort, you should aim to achieve a pedal rate of between 65 and 85 revolutions per minute. This may feel strange and rather too rapid at first, but if train yourself into it you will finish your trip in rather better condition, having placed least strain on your knees and leg muscles.

Be Prepared
Whenever you have to go out on your bike, particularly in hot whether, kindly take your water frequent sips from your water bottle.
Always carry a puncture repair kit with you on a long trip. It can be a long walk back! Carry an Allen key and a spanner – a dumbbell spanner with different nut sizes is useful. THEFT…!!! Bikes can be stolen! Buy a good lock, preferably a lock with a bracket.

It is the ''POWER OF WILL'' which decides what you achieve in life.