Quick Tip: Prepare Tonight for Tomorrow’s Ride

The day sure has a way of getting away from you, doesn’t it? By the time you can finally ride, you might only have an hour before dinner or sunset. But then you spend 20 minutes getting ready—and discover your cycling shorts are in the laundry and your bike computer needs charging. There goes that ride….

A little preparation the night before can give you a much better chance of getting out the door the next day.

Set out a clean jersey, shorts, socks, gloves, and any extra layers you expect to need. Put your shoes, helmet, and glasses where you can find them. Finding dirty shorts tonight gives you time to wash them.

Check the charge on your bike computer and lights. Put your ride food with your gear, and have clean bottles ready to fill.

If possible, choose your route before bed, too. Have a shorter option in mind in case tomorrow gets busy.

You cannot always stop the day from filling up. But when a window for riding opens, you can be ready to use it.

Readers, do you set your stuff out in advance, or just get ready right as you’re ready to ride?