We asked Marc-André Lebeau, president of Bicycles Quilicot, to remind us what to check before a bike ride. Here's what he said.

The bike's visual inspection

"I often use the car analogy: if you have to do a visual inspection of your car's tires and general appearance before hitting the road, it's the same for a bike. A quick check can tell you if a tire is low on air or if the rim is rubbing against the brake." This is also a good time to check the condition of the chain and brakes, as well as the wear on the wheels. You don't need to be a mechanic to spot anomalies.

What to bring?

"The same principle applies to the equipment you should bring. Just as you'd find a spare tire and jack in a car, on a bike, you should remember to bring a pump or a CO2 cartridge , as well as one or two spare inner tubes . It's okay if you don't know how to change it; you can ask another cyclist for help! And besides, you do it as much for yourself as for others. Well-equipped, you're able to help a teammate or an unlucky cyclist you meet on the road." An excuse for great encounters!

"Finally, always bring money and your identification, of course," adds Marc-André Lebeau. "Data enthusiasts should remember to recharge their GPS cyclometer or cell phone, depending on what they use to track their performance."

Plan your outing

"The most prepared people check the weather before they leave for two reasons. First, it allows them to dress appropriately for a comfortable ride. Second, thanks to the accuracy of today's maps, you can choose your route based on cloud movement and avoid the rain. And it also allows you to check if there is any road work on your route!"

"It's also a good idea to adjust your departure time based on the temperature," adds Marc-André Lebeau. "During a heatwave, for example, it's best to ride very early in the morning to take advantage of the coolness."

Let's talk about provisions

"For an outing that lasts more than an hour, you'll need more than one water bottle, or you'll need to locate refueling points. It's also important to bring food for very long rides. For a ride over 4 hours, you need to plan a more substantial meal than just energy bars!"

Have you thought about making a list?

"There's nothing more frustrating than realizing you've forgotten your shoes or helmet once you arrive at the starting point of your bike ride! When participating in group rides or going on long trips, making a list is a must !"

Proper storage is also an essential piece of equipment for any cyclist about to set off. "To make life easier, you can use a very convenient compartmentalized transport bag, like the Cat5gear . This bag comes with a checklist inside, so you don't forget anything!"

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