Bike Prep Tips for the Anthem Moonlight Ride

The Anthem Moonlight Ride is set for August 22 at 8:00pm, and as you get ready to ride (and plan your costume and tacky light designs) be sure to check out these great tips on bike maintenance and group riding etiquette from local experts!

First, we got some advice about how to make sure your bike is in good condition and ready to go from Bill Agee of Agee’s Bicycles, one of the event partners. He offered advice about some basic safety checks anyone can do at home. These are especially important for anyone who may be pulling their bike out of the shed for the first time all summer.

Tires and Air Pressure – You need to make sure that your tires are in good condition, holding air, and that the air pressure is at the right level. Make sure your tires have no cracks in them, and if you have not used your bike in a while, pump up the tires and wait a few hours before checking the air pressure again to make sure there is not a slow leak.

Brakes – Don’t get on the bike yet, but hold the brake levers down and try to roll the bike back and forth. The brake levers should not touch the handlebar, and the tire should not move when you try to roll the bike back and forth. If the tire slips, or the brake levers go too far, your bike might need its brakes serviced. While doing this, go ahead and make sure the handlebars are tightly attached.

Wheels – Pick your bike up and spin the wheels to make sure they are aligned properly.  The wheels should spin straight, without wobbling or hitting against the brakes.

Seat – Make sure that the seat is set at a proper height. All seats have a maximum height that they can go, so check your bike and make sure that the seat is not set too high and that it is secure and does not move around when you hop on. If your child has grown since last time they rode, make sure that their bike still fits them as well. A proper fit means that both feet can touch the ground with their toes while sitting on the seat.

Once you have checked the above items, go ahead and get your helmet, then hop on and take a quick spin. Before getting too far into your ride, check and make sure the gears are shifting smoothly and that everything on the bike feels the way that it should. If it all looks good, you are ready to get out for a nice ride on your bike!

If anything doesn’t feel right, or you just want to make sure your bike is completely ready to go, Agee’s is offering free safety checks at their Midlothian and Broad Street locations for Anthem Moonlight Ride participants until Wednesday, August 19th. If you take your bike in for a safety check and it needs a repair, Agee’s is offering a 10 percent discount on the repairs for all participants.

Now that your bike is ready to go, it’s important to know the proper etiquette of riding in a group. There will be over 3,000 people participating in the Anthem Moonlight Ride, including many children and families, and chances are you’ll find yourself in big groups from time to time. To learn about some proper group riding behavior, we talked to one of our resident bike experts, Brantley Tyndall of Bike Walk RVA. Below are his tips for group riding etiquette that will make the Anthem Moonlight Ride enjoyable and safe for everyone.

• Ride with a comfortable amount of space between you and other riders. This typically means preventing your front wheel from getting too close to others’ back wheels and your handlebars from getting too close to others.

• Never make sudden turns or jam your brakes suddenly. Other riders need to be able to predict what you’re doing and where you’re going. Similarly, make every effort to avoid wobbling. There will be people behind you!

• Know where you are on the course, and pay attention to directional and informational signage. Don’t just follow the rider in front of you. They might take a wrong turn!

• Announce when you’re turning, slowing, and stopping. You don’t have to yell, but telling people in your vicinity where you’re going is a great way to stay safe and predictable.

• Be respectful and responsible when passing people. This isn’t a bike race, and you don’t get any points for finishing a few places ahead of someone else, but you do get points for letting everyone else enjoy themselves. Remember that some of the other riders will be children who might not be as comfortable on a bike as you expect and may wobble if they are startled on the ride.

• Light your bike up properly, with front and rear lights, so other riders can see you. Not only is this a rule for the Anthem Moonlight Ride, it is good bicycle safety practice to always be visible!

• Feel the wind in your hair, enjoy the smell of the breeze, and relish in riding on a comfortable, totally closed course!

More information on the Anthem Moonlight Ride can be found at www.sportsbackers.org. Online registration is open through August 19, and walk-up registration is available on August 21 and August 22.