Cycling Tips

Always Wear a Helmet: Prioritize safety by wearing a helmet at all times while cycling.

• Hydration is Key: Maintain proper hydration levels during multi-day cycling tours.

Dehydration can lead to reduced power, decreased efficiency, and potential health issues. Drink fluids before, during (at least 1 bottle per hour), and after rides.

• Pre-Ride Preparation: Ensure you start your day with hydration, such as water or juice with breakfast, and have sufficient water before your ride.

• Comfort and Protection: Even on less challenging routes, opt for padded cycling shorts to prevent chafing. Carry cycling cream, Vaseline, or Sudocream for addressing potential problem areas.

• Nutrition and Hydration During Rides: Carry food and multiple water bottles to maintain regular eating and drinking intervals throughout your cycling journey.

• Tire Maintenance: Keep tires properly inflated according to the indicated limit on the tire's side. Under-inflated tires demand more effort and are prone to blowouts.

• Group Riding: When cycling in groups, ride in single file for safety and efficiency.

• Braking Technique: Avoid abrupt and hard braking to prevent injuries. Smoothly apply brakes to prevent locking and falling over the handlebars.

• Safety Around Parked Cars: Provide ample space (about one meter or three feet) when passing parked cars to avoid potential door-related accidents.

• Sun Protection: Use sunscreen to protect yourself from sunburn during rides.

• Sensory Awareness: Refrain from using headphones to stay attentive to your surroundings.

• Hand Signalling: Signal your intentions to turn by using hand signals, ensuring clarity for other riders and motorists.

• Visibility and Clothing: Wear brightly coloured or fluorescent clothing for increased visibility. Dark or dull colours may make it harder for motorists to see you.

• Safety First: If uncertain about a route's difficulty or dangerous conditions, it's safer to dismount and walk the bike.

Recommendations:

• Maintain Awareness: Continually assess your surroundings, checking both ahead and behind you. If unsure about conditions, take a break to evaluate.

• Hydration and Sun Protection: Given the high temperatures in Makkah and Madina, stay well-hydrated, use sunscreen, and seek shade on extremely hot days.

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