Ride Preparation

Ride preparation is one of the single most important and easy things you can do to help ensure a fun ride.

Ride preparation includes everything from performing maintenance on your bike to making sure you have enough water, food, gear, maps, etc to make it back from your ride safely. Try to plan your ride in advance, so everything goes smoothly on the day of the ride. Points of interest: gear, ride buddies, carpooling, meet/ride times, maps, weather, etc.

A great start is with the Pre/Post Ride Checklist.

Plan ahead and get organized. Research where you are going and prepare accordingly.
~ Print maps of the route you are taking albeit road or trail
~ Make sure to bring your all your cycling essentials and store them all in one place, like a large gym bag. I keep my shoes, helmet, CamelBak, gloves, and mutlti-tools all in one large bag so I can just grab and go.
~ Plan for the extreme points of the weather that is possible as some long rides can have unforeseen events that might leave you in the elements longer than intended. So when possible, carry an extra layer of clothes, extra food & water, etc.

Eat and drink for a before a ride or event. There is nothing worst than getting 5 or 10 miles down a trail and bonking. Eating properly sometimes needs to be done even days in advance (though this is usually for racing purposes).

While riding with people of like abilities can be relaxing, when you ride with people who are of different skill level than yourself you are pushed to excel and this is key to growing your skills.

More experienced riders have knowhow and will teach you by watching them or instruction which in turn you can share with others later. This can be tremendously helpful to those less experienced and you will gain confidence as you share the skills you have learned.

Have patience: Do not try to ride above and beyond your skill level, you will always see someone better, and only saddle time will get you there. Sometimes walking a new trail first can give you more of an idea of what to expect then just riding it.