Ranger Rides FAQs

Ranger Bike Rides FAQs

Just some of the places we have cycled through

Why do it?

What you will need?

Is your bike up to it?

Do I Need to be Sponsored?

Contact for More Information

Why do it?

Get fit?
Lose weight?
Raise money for charity?
Meet new people?
Gain more confidence riding a bike?
Just to prove you can?

Whatever your reasons are, remind yourself of them when your legs ache, you feel sore, it's raining and you just can't be bothered.

Write down your reasons on a big piece of paper, and pin it to the wall in the kitchen, in the office, somewhere you'll see it every day at work and home.

When it gets too much, look at the list, remind yourself of why you want to do it and remember that all riders have been through the same thing. We've all felt tired and sore and felt like giving up, but we persevered and we know the benefits are unbelievable.

Cycling with a friend or in a group makes the miles disappear all the easier. So why not bring a buddy and catch up with all the gossip while turning the pedals.

We can't give you the determination, but we've got the enthusiasm, knowledge and understanding and will support you all the way. (Top)

What you will need?

Before you start

If you have an old bike that needs some attention then it may be best to take it to your local bike shop for a check.

If you're unsure about your fitness, get your doctor to confirm you can do any of the challenge.

What you need on a ride

A bike in good working order with mudguards
Basic tool kit, puncture repair kit, possibly a spare inner tube
Adequate clothing to keep warm and dry. Bright clothing will make you more visible to other road users
Water or energy drink and snack bar
If you are out on the bike for several hours, food or enough money to buy food.
Pannier, saddlebag, or other bag bike to carry the above. Cycling with a rucksack may be tiring on the shoulders after a short distance.

For more information or advice see people to contact (Top)

Is your bike up to it?

All riders are expected to turn up on rides with a well maintained and fully functioning bike. Sustrans Ride Leaders are not able to fix your bicycle at the start and if it is deemed un-roadworthy you will not be able to ride with us.

So before you start out:
Make sure your tyres are hard. If you can push your thumb into it then you need to inflate it
Check that your seat height is correct - you leg should be very slightly bent when the pedal is at the bottom. Riding with the seat too low can cause aching knees!
Test your brakes and make sure they work - i.e. They stop you!
Check your gears are functioning properly and that you can change up and down smoothly
Make sure your chain is oiled
Make sure you have a pump that fits your inner tube valve and a spare inner tube of the correct size with you
We want to make sure everyone's day goes smoothly so please don't let it be your bike that's lets the group down!
Please ask us if you have any queries

What bike is best?

Bikes come in all shapes and sizes and a huge price range. It can become very confusing when buying a bike.

Here are a few basic tips which may help make your existing bike easier to ride without having to spend a fortune.
Smooth road type tyres make cycling much easier on roads and tarmac path. Knobbly tyres are designed for off road mountain biking and not for extended road use.
A rear pannier rack fitted will mean you can carry all your baggage (waterproofs, food, spare tyres etc) on the back of the bike rather than in a rucksack on your back.
Make sure your saddle is comfortable. You will spend a increasing amounts of time sitting on it so it needs to be right. Everybody's bottoms are different and there are hundreds of different saddles out there to choose from so you should be able to find one which suits you. Gel filled saddles are not always the best choice if you are on the bike for any length of time. Sometimes something a bit harder offers more support for a days riding. (Top)

Do I Need to be Sponsored?

No!