1. Read the information

Make sure you read all the info about the event. In addition to getting an idea about the course, you want to know what time you need to be where, how to get there, where you can park in case you’re driving there, and whether there’s anything specific you need to bring (it could be an ID to pick up your racer’s packet, a required medical certificate or some mandatory equipment, things like that). Some event organizers provide complete riders’ guides, others put the info on their website or share it via email and newsletters to participants. So once you’ve signed up for an event, make sure you get all the info you need and that important race-related emails don’t get lost in your spam folder.

3.Eat well and get some sleep

Now that your equipment is good to go, it’s time to take care of yourself and get your body #raceready! Eating well and getting enough sleep is always important, but it’s even more important before a big event. You worked hard for this race and have been looking forward to it, so obviously you want to be at your best to enjoy it. Make sure you get enough sleep during the week leading up to the event and avoid excessive drinking. If you know you are sensitive to certain foods, just avoid them. Now is not the time to challenge your gluten-intolerance or see if you can still eat five chili peppers in under a minute. Stick to food that you and your stomach like. Finally, think about what time you’ll have to get up on race day and make sure you go to bed early enough to get all the sleep you need to crush it the next day.

4.Focus on what you can control

And come prepared! There are several things that will be out of your control on race day, such as the weather, who will show up, and yeah, simply luck (or lack thereof!). But you can control how you will deal with challenging situations by preparing for them. If your race is one hour or shorter, you might not want to bother too much about carrying a repair kit, because a mechanical will pretty much put you out of the race anyways. But if your race is longer, and especially if your goal is to cross that finish line no matter what, then I’d recommend you learn how to fix a flat and repair a broken chain using a Powerlink. And even if you aren’t comfortable with those procedures, bring a tube, CO2 cartridge and nozzle, a tubeless plug, a Powerlink as well as a multi-tool that includes a chain-tool. If you can’t fix your bike yourself, it’s very likely that someone will be kind enough to stop and help you out, but you need to have your own repair kit.

5.Have fun, make friends and celebrate

Yes, people call it a race and there’s a timer and participants get ranked at the end of it. But forget about all that, because more than anything, these events are great opportunities to celebrate our love of cycling with hundreds, sometimes thousands of people, all the while making new friends along the way. Say hi to the person next to you on the start line. They’ll probably tell you that they are as nervous as you are. Smile to the spectators and volunteers standing on the side of the course. They are cheering you on. Finally, be proud of yourself for showing up. You are crushing it!

Now, just go get it. We are rooting for you!

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