It’s true, it doesn’t feel like summer is coming at all, but it’s best to be ready when the popular season finally arrives. On warm, sunny days, the most enjoyable form of transportation is cycling, so we’ve compiled a list of hot tips from the incredibly professional staff here at Local Ride to help you prepare yourself and your bike for all that summer riding you’ll be doing.
1. Load up on sunscreen and lip balm with SPF in order to stave off harmful UV rays when you’re cruising in the heat of the day. We recommend Aloe Up products, which are natural, biodegradeable and contain a large percentage of organic Aloe Vera. For centuries, people have used Aloe Vera Gel to soothe and heal dry, chapped skin after exposure to water, wind and sun.
2. Find yourself some nice shades. Glare from the sun can harm your eyes, plus a sweet pair of sunglasses can go a long way in increasing your cool factor when you’re cruising the streets and trails of Maple Ridge. Tifosi Optics blend function and fashion in a reasonably priced package.
3. Hydrate! Make sure you keep yourself healthy by drinking lots of fluids this summer. We have lots of ways for you to stay hydrated, from Laken aluminum bottles (BPA free, sustainable, 100% recyclable) to Camelbak hydration packs. Plus, we have a large selection of energy drinks (Accelerade, GU Brew), electrolyte replacement options (elete electrolyte add-in and tablets, NUUN fizzing tablets – yum!), and bottle cages.
4. When it’s dry, choose a lightweight chain oil, such as Tri-Flow. “It doesn’t gunk up your drivetrain, and it allows the chain to spin freer,” says Mike the Mechanic.
5. Keep things simple with a Giant Simple cruiser bike. These minimalist bikes are the coolest way to get around town this summer. With comfy and great looking men’s and women’s models to choose from in a variety of colours, you can’t go wrong.
6. Make sure your bike is running properly before you head out for your ride. There’s nothing worse than looking forward to the first bike ride of the season only to find you have a flat tire or your gears aren’t shifting right. Bring it in to Local Ride for a tune-up and you’ll be rolling smoothly and unfettered this summer. Pit stops start at $35.
7. Find a riding group or buddy! ‘The more the merrier’ applies to cycling for sure, so make sure you find a group of like-minded bikers to roll with and nail down some epic ride dates for those routes you’ve always wanted to tackle. Any ladies interested in our women’s road rides are invited to inquire at the store for info.
Sit Pretty with Selle Italia Saddles
Selle Italia has been manufacturing saddles in Italy for over 100 years. The company has changed the saddle from a mere component of the bicycle into an integral part of the rider’s well-being. This innovative bicycle saddle manufacturer has a huge range of products to meet every rider’s needs, be it road, triathlon, or mountain biking, touring, commuting or just cruising. Each saddle is extensively engineered and designed, but it doesn’t have to come at a price. Get on a Selle Italia saddle at Local Ride starting at $34.95.
