Pack your bags, you’re going on a road trip!

If there’s one positive of living through stay-at-home orders in 2021, it’s the uptick in Canadians heading outdoors.

 There has been an increase in walkers, runners and people dragging the bike out of the shed a bit more often. According to a 2020 CAA poll, at least 30 per cent of Canadians who cycle at least occasionally are doing it more often since the pandemic began.

 That’s a good thing – think fresh air and exercise – but it also means being prepared, says Ottawa-based elite cyclist, triathlete and a CAA Plus® Member Angella Goran.

“There’s no better way to explore and get to know your neighbourhood than by bike. Riding a bike these days offers endless amounts of physical and mental well-being,” she says.

But before you head out on a short ride or a full-on weekend excursion, there are a few important things to pack. Start with your CAA Membership card – all Members are entitled to Bike Assist if you run into trouble (or a pothole).

CAA Stores also offer a vast range of bike equipment from helmets and bike bags to bells, lights and reflectors and for longer trips, you can book accommodation ahead through CAA Travel.

Checklist: under two hours

·        Before you head out, check tire pressure, gears, brakes and lights
·        One filled water bottle  
·        Cell phone, ID, health card, CAA Membership card
·        Check the weather and bring warm or wet weather layers
·        Helmet and eye protection or sunglasses
·        Cyclist’s emergency kit: tube repair glue, spare tube, CO2 cartridge, tire levers

Checklist: half-day ride

·        Before you head out, check tire pressure, gears, brakes and lights
·        Two filled water bottles, one with an electrolyte mix  
·        Cell phone, ID, health card, CAA Membership card
·        Check the weather and bring warm or wet weather layers
·        Helmet and eye protection or sunglasses
·        Cyclist’s emergency kit: tube repair glue, spare tube, CO2 cartridge, tire levers, two spare tubes, hand pump
·        A healthy snack like a protein or granola bar

Checklist: weekend away

·        Before you head out, check tire pressure, gears, brakes and lights. For EnduroRides – rides of a day or more – use a Hybrid or Cross Bike with back rails and panniers if you don’t have a support vehicle following you and carrying essentials
·        Two filled water bottles, one with an electrolyte mix  
·        Cell phone, ID, health card, bank card, CAA Membership card
·        Check the weather and bring warm or wet weather layers
·        Helmet and eye protection or sunglasses
·        Cyclist’s emergency kit: tube repair glue, three spare tubes, three CO2 cartridges, tire levers, three spare tubes, hand pump
·        Small meals like a protein or granola bar, peanut butter sandwiches, fruit
·        Book your overnight stay ahead with CAA Travel
·        Camping gear, if roughing it 
·        Small emergency first aid Kit

Want to know more about CAA Bike Assist? Click here. Check out our bike products in our CAA Stores!

Join CAA today for savings on fuel, travel, insurance and food.

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