Welcome Back to Riding Season: Your Bike (and Body) Survival Guide

Ah, October in Arizona. That magical time when you can finally step outside without immediately regretting every life decision that brought you to the desert. The temps are dropping, the sun is less angry, and you're suddenly remembering that you own a bicycle. You know, that thing that's been collecting dust in your garage since April when you swore "just one more ride" before the heat arrived.

Well, friends, it's time to reunite with your two-wheeled companion. But before you clip in and discover muscles you forgot existed, let's talk about getting both you AND your bike ready for Arizona's glorious riding season.

Your Bike: A Summer Survivor Story

Let's be honest—your bike has been through some things. It's been sitting in a 140-degree garage, slowly baking like a sad casserole. Here's what to check before you try to become a cyclist again:

Photo courtesy of AZCentral.com

Tires: They're probably flatter than your motivation was in July. Pump them up and check for cracks. Arizona heat does weird things to rubber. If your tires look like they've aged 10 years in 5 months, they probably have.

Chain and Drivetrain: Is your chain making sounds that can only be described as "angry skeleton tap dancing"? Time for some lube. Clean off all that dust (because Arizona has two seasons: hot and dust storm), give it a proper cleaning, and lube it up. Your chain shouldn't sound like it's auditioning for a horror movie.

Brakes: Pretty important, these. Squeeze them. Do they work? Do they sound like a dying pterodactyl? Check your pads and make sure your cables haven't decided to rust themselves into oblivion.

Shifting: Give your gears a test run. If your bike is shifting like it's trying to solve a Rubik's cube, those cables might need adjusting or replacing.

Your Body: The Real Maintenance Challenge

Now for the harder truth. While your bike was hibernating, you were... well, let's say "adapting to the climate" with indoor activities. Like perfecting your couch-to-fridge sprint times.

Photo courtesy of bikeaz.org

The First Ride Reality Check: That first pedal stroke back is going to feel amazing! The second through five hundredth pedal strokes are going to remind you that Netflix and air conditioning do not constitute cross-training. You're going to discover that your lungs have apparently spent the summer learning to breathe only in 72-degree, filtered air.

The Chamois Shock: Your sit bones have forgotten what a saddle feels like. They've been enjoying plush couches and office chairs. They're going to protest. Loudly. Start with shorter rides unless you want to spend three days walking like a penguin with regrets.

Hills? What Hills?: That gentle incline you barely noticed last spring? It's now Mount Everest. Your legs will send angry messages to your brain asking what exactly you think you're doing. Tell them it's character building.

The Gear Situation: You might need to do a closet check too. Did your cycling kit shrink over the summer? No, no it didn't. But that's okay! You'll earn it back. Just maybe avoid the super-tight white bibs on ride one.

Pro Tips for Easing Back Into Riding Season

Start slow. We know that guy on Strava crushed a century on his first ride back. That guy is lying, or he's not human, or he never actually stopped riding. You're not competing with him.

Hydrate like your life depends on it, because in Arizona, it kind of does. Yes, even in October.

Join a group ride! Misery loves company, and there's something comforting about suffering together. Plus, you can all laugh about how "in shape" you thought you were.

Most importantly, remember why you love riding in the first place. Arizona has some of the best cycling in the country once the devil's thermostat turns down. Cool mornings, stunning desert scenery, and roads that actually make sense—it's all waiting for you.

Photo courtesy of hermosatours.net

Come See Us!

If your bike needs more than a pump and a prayer, or if you're not sure where to start, swing by the shop. We'll get your ride tuned up and back in action. We can't do much about your fitness level, but we can make sure your bike isn't the thing holding you back.

And hey, we've all been there. Every October is a fresh start. See you on the road—we'll be the ones pedaling slowly up the hills and high-fiving each other for simply surviving.

Happy riding season, Arizona! We've earned this.

Stop by the shop for a free safety check and let's get you rolling. Your bike (and your ego) will thank you.