Tires

It may seem like a lot of work, but it's time to take the studded winter tires off. Your legs will thank you for it as you ride quickly and smoothly over the road or through the trail.

Also, if you are riding regularly make sure to top up your tire pressure every few days and keep your chain well greased.

Bike

As you get ready to hop on your bike, give it a once over. Is there debris caught in the wheel spokes, derailleurs or pedals? Make sure to clear those out, they might not be an issue at the start of a ride, but they may get dislodged while cycling and then pose problems.

Whether you have committed to bike to work or are meeting up with a group of friends for those long summer rides through Edmonton’s many River Valley trails make sure to give your muscles a good stretch beforehand to minimize any stiffness and pain as your body adjusts to this new level of fitness.

Here’s a checklist of a few other things to think about before you hit the road or trail.

Clothing

Edmonton’s weather can be unpredictable even in summer. The day can start out nice but by noon the wind has picked up and the rain clouds are gathering. Dress in layers so you can adjust to the changing weather and have a lightweight wind/rain proof jacket as your outermost layer. The layer closest to your body should be made of material that wicks away sweat. There are lots of different products on the market, experiment to find the one that works best for you and the type of cycling you do.

If you get caught in a summer shower you can always take the bus or LRT. Bicycles are allowed on LRTs during off peak hours and many City buses have bike racks.

And those pesky bugs – you’re going too fast for them to land on you, but you might consider some kind of eyewear to avoid getting them in your eyes. As a bonus, sunglasses provide protection from the glare of the sun.

Lighting

Even though the days are long, it is still a legal requirement to fit bike lights to the front and rear of your bicycle.

• A white headlamp, a red tail lamp and a red rear reflector are mandatory equipment in Edmonton when cycling
• For safety, add reflectors such as vests, straps, tape or plastic pieces to your bicycle or clothing
• A flashing LED light can be mounted to the back of your bike to help people see you
• Extra LED lights mounted to your helmet or handlebars increases visibility too

Little Extras

• Slather it on - As you whiz down the street or the trail, you may not notice the sun on your skin, but it’s working its magic and the worst burns are those that you don’t feel happening. Avoid getting burnt with a generous amount of sunscreen. Your skin will thank you for it!
• Stay Hydrated - The summer heat added to the heat produced by your body can quickly dehydrate you. Remember, if you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Take a drink of water before your ride and then bring along plenty to sip every 15 minutes.
• Take a Load off - If you normally ride with a backpack, you may consider switching to panniers, a rear rack or those very trendy front baskets. You will sweat less and arrive at your destination looking crisp.

Technique

It’s summer, so there are many more cyclists on the road - of all shapes, sizes and abilities. It’s important to keep a sharp look-out and share your route whether it’s with motor vehicles on the road, pedestrians on multi-use trails or with other cyclists.

To avoid overheating or arriving at your journey’s end sweaty, leave a little earlier, take your time on the ride and enjoy the view along the way.