The Gravel Grinder can be tackled on any bike, road bikes may have to change tyres for the event depending on your riding skill.
- Make sure you have appropriate tyres for the event. Mountain bikes and Cyclocross bikes will be spec'd with tyres that are fine, but roadies may need to look at fitting some 700 x 25-28mm rubber to tackle the gravel.
- Check the pressure in your tyres. For gravel, run a little lower than normal for extra traction. 90-95psi.
- Checking to make sure there is sufficient life in both your tyres and brake pads.
- Check that your bar tape is wrapped well. While it won't stop you from riding it will be a distraction that could irritate 50kms in when your starting to tire.
- Tune the gears and lube the chain also checking for wear on the drive train and replace if necessary.
- Make sure your cables are running smoothly through the cable outers and are not 'spongy'.
- Wheels are trued and tensioned.
- All bearings removed, checked, regreased/replaced and re-installed. There is nothing worse than riding with a creaking bottom bracket and those around you will attest to that!!
- Last but not least give the bike a clean! A clean bike looks and feels like a new one and that magically makes your legs feel fresher too!