Are you keen to take your new bike on road cycling trips but are not sure what you need to take with you?

Here is a quick rundown of how to prepare for road cycling trips in order to ensure you fully enjoy them.

First of all, you need to have enough water to last the whole trip. The last thing you want to do is get dehydrated, so plan properly to avoid this serious problem. Look at your route map and work out how many places there are where you can fill up your water bottles. If there are none, you will need to pack extra water. You could have to water bottles mounted in cages on your bike frame, or you could wear a water laden backpack such as a camelpak.

Secondly, get your clothing right. You need to have a waterproof plastic jacket in case it starts raining. These are cheap and easy to carry so there is no excuse for not having one. You need to be wearing a good set of cycling shorts and a proper cycling jersey. Not only will these make you more visible to traffic but they will also regulate your body temperature.

Finally, take some snacks with you in order to keep your energy levels up. Cycling uses a lot of energy and it is easy to become sapped. A power bar or a banana can help get you through the most tiresome phases of your ride.