Essentials Riding Guide.

Summer Ride Essentials for Everyone. Every Day.

By Black Sheep Cycling

April 7^th, 2021

With road bikes in shops more scarce than sightings of Elvis Presley these days, it’s probably fair to say that the one positive effect Covid-19 has had on the world population is the desire to get outside and pedal. But unlike professional cycling, the goal isn’t speed. Or donning a yellow jersey (unless, of course, it’s from your favourite brand). But pure pleasure.

With that in mind, we’ve distilled years of pointless wisdom into eight need-to-know nuggets for riding in everybody's favourite season. SUMMER.

1. Plan Your Ride.

We all love a good adventure. Going with the flow. Not thinking too much about where we’re going. Choosing directions because it ‘feels’ right. We’d like to believe that ‘not all who wander are lost’. But sometimes we are in fact very lost. And consequently very thirsty. Even if we take the road less travelled, we should all have a general plan for refilling water on hot days.

2. Breathability is the key to comfort.

In summertime, less is always more. And because riding naked isn’t an option, we have Essentials Jerseys that actually wick away moisture keeping us cool and comfortable. And also not arrested for riding our bikes in the nude. Everyone wins.

3. SPF is the MVP of Summer Riding.

We all secretly (or not so secretly) love our cycling tan lines. They’re badges of honour in a way. However, we love our skin even more. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to harmful rays as the contrast of the black roads makes us a magnet for UVA and UVB rays. Avoid the inevitable leathery skin by using sunscreen before every ride. In every season. Especially summer. Thankfully, our Team and Tour Jerseys come pre-loaded with UPF 30+ sun protection.

4. Get sweaty. Then get salty.

As we sweat, we’re also losing electrolytes. This is unfortunate, except it does give you a ripe excuse to eat pretzels and extra salty snacks to replace the salt you’ve lost. Electrolyte drink mix works too, it just isn’t as delicious. Our favourite electrolyte replacement? An ice-cold-salt-rimmed margarita. Preferably.

5. Don’t skip the shades.

The summer sun is unforgiving. Especially in Australia. But occasionally in the UK too. Well, maybe. Not only does the sun have us riding in search of the shadiest routes and the next water stop, but it also casts deep shadows. Sunglasses protect our eyes from the sun's rays and also rogue bugs that kamikazee into our eyeballs. We pick polarised lenses to allow for greater visibility between long shadows on long summer days.

6. Refuel and Recover.

Before you geek out over your ride stats, or head to the pub with your mates, make sure you eat some food. Ideally, you will want to eat a mix of carbohydrates and protein as closely to finishing your ride as you can. This will help you avoid feeling like you’ve been hit by a lorry. Also, you’ve earned it.

7. Don’t be the stinky friend.

There’s nothing more foul than a smelly cycling helmet that hasn’t been cleaned since… you can’t even remember? Do your mates a favour and take your helmet and your shoes in the shower with you. All you need is a bit of soap and a sponge. They’ll come out looking brand new and not smelling like a crime scene. Thank us later. Your mates definitely will.

8. Dive in.

If you get too hot, a flip into the refreshing lake/ocean/strangers pool is a welcome relief from the merciless summer sun. It’s always worth the moist chamois ride home. Well, mostly always.