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A couple rides bicycles at sunset.

Pack your bags, you’re going on a road trip!

If there’s one positive of living through stay-at-home orders in 2021, it’s the uptick in Canadians heading outdoors.

 There has been an increase in walkers, runners and people dragging the bike out of the shed a bit more often. According to a 2020 CAA poll, at least 30 per cent of Canadians who cycle at least occasionally are doing it more often since the pandemic began.

 That’s a good thing – think fresh air and exercise – but it also means being prepared, says Ottawa-based elite cyclist, triathlete and a CAA Plus® Member Angella Goran.

“There’s no better way to explore and get to know your neighbourhood than by bike. Riding a bike these days offers endless amounts of physical and mental well-being,” she says.

Angella Goran

But before you head out on a short ride or a full-on weekend excursion, there are a few important things to pack. Start with your CAA Membership card – all Members are entitled to Bike Assist if you run into trouble (or a pothole).

CAA Stores also offer a vast range of bike equipment from helmets and bike bags to bells, lights and reflectors and for longer trips, you can book accommodation ahead through CAA Travel.

Checklist: under two hours

·        Before you head out, check tire pressure, gears, brakes and lights
·        One filled water bottle  
·        Cell phone, ID, health card, CAA Membership card
·        Check the weather and bring warm or wet weather layers
·        Helmet and eye protection or sunglasses
·        Facemask
·        Cyclist’s emergency kit: tube repair glue, spare tube, CO2 cartridge, tire levers


Checklist: half-day ride

·        Before you head out, check tire pressure, gears, brakes and lights
·        Two filled water bottles, one with an electrolyte mix  
·        Cell phone, ID, health card, CAA Membership card
·        Check the weather and bring warm or wet weather layers
·        Helmet and eye protection or sunglasses
·        Cyclist’s emergency kit: tube repair glue, spare tube, CO2 cartridge, tire levers, two spare tubes, hand pump
·        Facemask
·        A healthy snack like a protein or granola bar


Checklist: weekend away

·        Before you head out, check tire pressure, gears, brakes and lights. For EnduroRides – rides of a day or more – use a Hybrid or Cross Bike with back rails and panniers if you don’t have a support vehicle following you and carrying essentials
·        Two filled water bottles, one with an electrolyte mix  
·        Cell phone, ID, health card, bank card, CAA Membership card
·        Check the weather and bring warm or wet weather layers
·        Helmet and eye protection or sunglasses
·        Cyclist’s emergency kit: tube repair glue, three spare tubes, three CO2 cartridges, tire levers, three spare tubes, hand pump
·        Facemask
·        Small meals like a protein or granola bar, peanut butter sandwiches, fruit
·        Book your overnight stay ahead with CAA Travel
·        Camping gear, if roughing it 
·        Small emergency first aid Kit


Want to know more about CAA Bike Assist? Click here. Check out our bike products in our CAA Stores!

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