CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio — With VeloSano Bike to Cure just around the corner, I decided it might be a good idea to avoid personal injury and have my ride safety checked. I talked with Jacob English, the owner of Mountain Road Cycles in Chagrin Falls about what goes into making sure a bike is ready for the road, and let me tell you, that place smells amazingly rubber-y.
English told me they've been involved with VeloSano from the start.
"We became involved the first year. Yeah. It's just a wonderful program. Such a great cause."
I've had the pleasure of riding with Team WKYC for the last few years, but this is my first 50-mile ride. For somebody who hasn't exercise since grade school, it's no surprise I am a bit intimidated, so I wanted to come in and get my bike tuned up.
"Absolutely. We want to do safety checks. We want to do tuneups. We want to make sure that you're able to enjoy your ride," English said. "The simplest thing is air up your tires. Tires do lose a little PSI. That should be checked every few weeks at least. The other things you can do is simple safety checks, making sure your brakes work, making sure your handlebars are tight and lubrication, lubricate the chain."
Store Manager Nicole Loudin gave my bike a once over, and with a few adjustments and some new tires, now I should be good to go. And thanks to the fine folks at Mountain Road Cycles, I'm feeling great about Saturday's ride.
And just a reminder, it's not too late for you to join us in supporting this important cause. You can still donate, or even come cheer us on this weekend. Find out more here.