The first nice weather of the year hits, and you drop everything to rearrange your schedule to get some much-needed miles in the sun. Theres a problem, though your lights and computer (and maybe derailleurs) are dead, your tires are flat with dried-up sealant, your clothes are missing, and your bike has been neglected all winter. Take this as your friendly reminder to prep all your gear before those surprise early-spring days. I know I could have used one. You think at this point Id be better at this, but every year it seems to be the same old story. Over the winter, I primarily ride fat bikes off-road, so I have no use for the lights, radar, and computers I normally use for gravel and road riding. The same goes for electronic drivetrains. Even if your derailleurs arent completely dead, its a good idea to charge the batteries before you head out for the first time of the year (and dont forget to use the apps to check on the coin cell batteries in the shifters!). Now, many of you may be smirking to yourself, thinking, thats one of the reasons Im keeping my mechanical drivetrains. And youre right. The prevalence of batteries throughout almost every corner of cycling gear has gotten a bit ridiculous. Years ago, I finally invested in a multi-port USB charging station, and it was one of the best things Ive done for trying to keep all the various electronic gadgets functioning. It not only allows me to charge many things at once, but acts as an area to keep all the lights, computers, radars, cameras, sunglasses, mini inflators, electronic bells/speakers, watches, heart rate monitors, and derailleur/seatpost/shock batteries in one place. Prep Those TiresWhile youre at it, if youre running tubeless, its time to refresh that tire sealant. Your tires will likely hold air perfectly well as the sealant has dried inside and plugged up any small leaks. But get another puncture while youre out riding, and the dried sealant will no longer flow to the new hole. Its a good chance to also inspect the tires do you have any foreign objects embedded in the tread? Any cuts, bulges, or fraying sidewalls? If so, do yourself a favor and swap in a new tire now. What Else?Lubing (or waxing) your chain is an obvious one. If your chain is dry, slightly rusty, or just excessively dirty, take the time to clean and lubricate it. If you have suspension, give the stanchions and seals a quick wipe with a clean rag to remove any excess dirt. Youll also want to check the air pressure in your suspension if its been a while. Those with mechanical drivetrains dont need to check their batteries, but it is a good idea to check your cables. Look for housing with compressed ends under the housing end caps, so that the inner wire strands are exposed (you can cut this flush, and open the end with a pick). Also, check that the cable is running smoothly through the housing as you shift through all the gears. Dont Forget the Clothing!No, you dont have to charge your clothes (unless you have some of those heated gloves, boots, helmets with lights, etc.), but it should be washed and readily available. The first ride of the year always seems to be a scramble to locate the ideal pair of gloves, bibs, headwear, etc. Knowing where it is ahead of time means less time trying to gather your kit, and more time enjoying the sun.Nutrition?Looks like I need to restock some wafflesDepending on how long you plan to ride and what kind of nutrition you use, you may need to think about that ahead of time, too. Usually, at this time of the year, my stash of bars, waffles, chews, powders, and gels is either greatly diminished or expired because I forgot about them at the bottom of some bag. If you plan to need them, make sure to go out and buy them ahead of time so youre ready for that ride whenever it may be. Dont forget to have some bottles clean and ready to go as well. Ready? Time to RideMy first gravel/road ride of the year inspired this dead batteries, flat tires, missing clothing, and the frustration of having to cut the ride short on a 65 day because I ran out of time. Take it from me a little time spent preparing now will mean that your first ride of the year will be remembered for how great it was to be back outside, rather than how long it took you to get ready. If youve already been riding this year, or never take any time off, then you should be good to go. But its still a good time to check your bike to make sure its in top condition for the heart of the cycling season. See you out there!The post Heres Your PSA to Charge Electronics, Refresh Tire Sealant & Get Bikes Ready Before Its Too Late appeared first on Bikerumor.