How to Prepare for RideLondon 2023: A Comprehensive Guide

RideLondon 2023 is just around the corner, and it's time to start your final preparations to make sure you have a great day at this fantastic cycling event.

To ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable ride, it's crucial to plan in advance. In this blog, we will provide you with some essential tips and recommendations to help you get ready for the big day.

From servicing your bike to studying the route and fuelling properly, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in!

Service Your Bike in Advance

Approximately 7-10 days before the event day, make sure to get your bike serviced. This will allow you to test ride it a few times before the event and ensure everything is in working order.

By servicing your bike well in advance, you'll have enough time to address any urgent repairs or replacements, ensuring a problem-free ride. If its too late to book a service then don’t panic, make sure its clean and follow our 17 point check below.

Plan Your Nutrition Strategy

Devise a nutrition-fuelling plan for the event day. Decide on your pre-ride meal strategy the night before and the morning of the ride. Test different products and flavours during your training rides to ensure they agree with your digestion.

Check the RideLondon site or online race forums to learn about the available products at the feed stations which you will find at miles 25, 53, 73 and 87.

Plan your feed station strategy and determine where and how often you'll stop for fuelling. Keep in mind the number of riders and potential waiting times at each feed station. It may be wise to skip overcrowded stations and opt for less congested ones.

Looking for more nutrition guidance for what to eat before, during and after, then check out our comprehensive guide to fuelling correctly here.

Study the Race Route

I'm sure you have already had a sneak peek at the route but make sure you spend some time analysing the route so you know where the key climbs are and how long they are so you can plan, familiarising yourself with key climbs, feed station locations, and narrow sections.

We recommend creating a route guide indicating distances and where each of the climbs are and laminating it. Attach the guide to your top tube for easy reference during the ride. Having a clear understanding of the route will help you mentally prepare, make informed decisions, and adjust your effort level accordingly.

Perform the Njinga 17-Point Bike & Helmet Check

In the week before the event, conduct a thorough bike and helmet check using the Njinga 17-point check.

Pay close attention to the condition of your tyres, including any cuts, tread issues, or sidewall damage. Check the tightness of your bottle cages and bike computer holder, inspect your brake pads for wear, and ensure your helmet is free of cracks or other issues.

Completing this check in advance will give you time to address any potential problems by visiting your local bike shop. By eliminating as many issues as possible beforehand, you can ensure a smooth and trouble-free ride.

Prepare Your Event Day Clothes

The night before, lay out your event day clothes to save time and minimise stress in the morning. Having everything ready and organised will help you start the day on the right foot.

Attach Event Labels

To avoid any last-minute rush, attach the event labels to your bike and/or jersey the night before the event. This small step will ensure you are ready for the event.

Charge Your Equipment

If you have a Di2 or power meter, make sure to fully charge it the night before the event. Also, be cautious not to accidentally drain the battery by leaving the brake lever against the wall.

Remember to fully charge your bike computer and adjust the brightness settings to conserve battery life if needed.

Clean and Choose the Right Cycling Glasses

Clean your cycling glasses and select the appropriate lenses based on the weather conditions expected on the day. Opt for dark lenses on sunny days and lighter lenses on overcast days. Alternatively, consider photochromic lenses that automatically adjust to changing light conditions.

Clear visibility is essential, especially when riding in fast-paced pelotons. Make sure you can see everything clearly for a safe and enjoyable ride.

Group Riding Skills

Given the large number of participants in RideLondon, it's crucial to ride confidently and safely in a group. Stay on the left side of the road unless overtaking and allow faster riders to pass without obstruction. Learn and apply proper group riding etiquette to enhance your safety and that of those around you.

There are sections of the course in the Essex countryside where wind can be a major factor, so make sure you do everything to stay with a group. Temporary pain to stay in the group can lead to long-term gain later in these sections.

If you lose a group riding into the wind then don’t push too hard and blow up but rather ride steady and wait for a group to come past and pedal hard to get onto their train and be pulled along

Maintain Regular Fuelling

To sustain your energy levels throughout the ride, it's vital to eat and drink regularly. Stick to your nutrition plan and consume carbohydrate-based foods such as energy bars, sandwiches, and bananas.

Don’t forget that with early start times and inevitable waiting around in pens, when you actually start may be over 2 hours since you had breakfast. Have something to eat in the start pen and keep hydrating so that you hit the road fuelled.

Conclusion

Remember, it’s not a race. Enjoy the Essex countryside, take in what's around you and enjoy your time on the bike.

Best of luck with your RideLondon 2023 adventure!

HOW TO PREPARE FOR RIDELONDON 2023: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

7-10 Days Before The Ride