Tag: preparing for brevet

Cycling

Preparing for your first brevet

vidyasagar

Things to do few months ahead

  1. Physical
    1. Ride frequently for short distances daily
    1. Endurance rides on weekends
    1. Cross-training like running/swimming/ exercise atleast once in a week
    1. Most importantly rest day is also important to avoid burn out feeling and for recovery.
  2. Mental/ psychological/planning
    1. Discuss about your preparation with your peers from other groups. The belief that you can should be strongly imbibed inside your head.
    1. You must be aware of the rules and regulations. There may be slight difference between local / international rules

Things to do few weeks ahead

  1. Registering for the event and paying the fees
  2. Get a comfortable jersey and cycling pant
  3. Cycle maintenance – check whether any parts to be replaced
  4. Plan for reaching the venue – are you going to cycle to the venue on event day or transport your cycle a day ahead

Things to do a day ahead

  1. Drink plenty of water and hydrate yourself
  2. Inspect your cycle for the following
    1. Tube pressure
    1. Brakes
    1. Gear functioning
    1. Chain cleanliness
    1. Chain lubrication
    1. Tightness of all nuts and screws
  3. Prepare all things required to carry on the day of the ride
    1. Spare tubes and tyres
    1. Front and rear lights
    1. Spare batteries
    1. Puncture kit
    1. Toolkit
  4. Slow riders must carry sandwiches / bananas etc to save time.
  5. For night rides, you should carry sufficient water and food as shops will be closed at late nights.
  6. Sufficient quantity of electrolytes, energy bars/gels shall be packed
  7. Study the route map thoroughly. Know how many check points are there and what is to be done in an unmanned checkpoint. Carry your ATM card for this purpose.

Other things to know

  1. Which cycle should I use – Road bike / Hybrid bike / MTB – Take whatever you are comfortable with.
  2. How fast should I ride – Brevets are designed with an average speed of 15 kmph. Anything faster than this is ok if you don’t waste time for too much resting during the ride.
  3. No support will be provided by the organisers. You must know to fix a puncture on your own. Co-riders can help if they wish to.

I have successfully completed my first 200 km brevet this saturday. Feeling excited.