Ride

Two minutes, cold, before the engine starts. In this order because each step tells you whether the next one matters.

• TyresPressure by gauge, then look at the tread and the sidewall for cuts and embedded stones.
• ChainSlack at the tightest point of rotation, not wherever it happens to be standing.
• BrakesLever and pedal travel, then fluid level if the reservoir has a window.
• LightsHead, brake, indicators. Brake light on both the lever and the pedal.
• FluidsOil level on level ground, plus any leak that is new since yesterday.
• FastenersAxle nuts, sprocket bolts, anything you or anyone else touched recently.

Judged the night before, then again at the door. A route that is fine in the dry may be a different route entirely.

• Rain windowWhen it is expected to start, not just whether it will rain.
• SurfaceMurram sections turn to clay quickly and stay that way after the rain stops.
• River crossingsSeasonal crossings rise fast and fall slowly. Ask locally rather than guessing.
• HeatMidday on the equator is a fatigue problem before it is a comfort problem.
• LightWork backwards from sunset and add an hour of margin, not ten minutes.
• AltitudeA cold, wet descent after a hot climb catches riders dressed for the start.

Prepared before the ride, because none of it is possible to arrange afterwards.

• Route sharedOne person who knows where you are going and roughly when to expect you.
• Check in timeAn agreed time, and an agreed action if you miss it.
• Local numbersStored offline in the phone and written on paper in the bike.
• MedicalBlood group, allergies and conditions, somewhere someone will find them.
• PowerA way to charge the phone that does not depend on the bike running.
• Offline mapDownloaded for the whole route before you leave signal, including the return.