How to prepare bike for 150 mile ride?

Dumb question I know, but I bought my bike used a few months ago and its been more or less great for me! Sometimes starting is a little cranky, the left turn signals don't work, and the rear brake squeaks, but besides that its awesome. What should I do maintenance wise and check-up wise to my bike before embarking on a few day, long ride? I'm just nervous taking the plunge from 30 mile around town jogs to the big trips. Thanks a lot!

 

Assuming you haven't already, first thing I'd do is pull the rear wheel and replace the rear shoes. No maybe, kinda, perhaps if it looks like it needs it... just replace them.

 

Air up tires, top off oil, brake, battery with distilled water.
Bring some tools. Bikes break down if you don't have tools.
Fuses, tape, wire, cell phone.

 

Thanks a lot guys! Didn't know if there was something weird I was missing. I like the exercise bike line TIMEtoRIDE. Thanks a lot!

James

 

Make sure to use the hand signal when you left turn so you don't get pulled over.

 

I regularly do 100 miles in a day just joy riding and have done 200 in a day. Only thing I do is a normal preride inspection that we all should do every ride.

Ck your breaks, tires and air. Check your suspension. Check all the lights. Look for any leaks etc. Before an all day ride I usually also check for loose fasteners etc.I say usually because I try to do that once a month anyway. I have been surprised a time or two and I am careful about torquing properly. Better to be surprised in the garage than on the road

 

Make sure you know how far you can go on reserve... haha!

 

Rather scary, my bike was missing the LEFT LOWER REAR shock absorber bolt.
I can't imagine what would have happened if the bottom of one shock fell off while I was riding.
I also don't know how a bolt might have simply fallen off.
But I do know that we all take a risk in order to have the honor of riding on two wheels. Some risks we have control of and others we don't.
Never take a day you live for granted.