skip navigation

Pre-Ride Checklist

HYA WILL NOT BE PROVIDING ANY EQUIPMENT FOR THE BIKING PROGRAM. YOU MUST PROVIDE ALL NECESSARY EQUIPMENT INLCUDING BIKE AND HELMET.

PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU GO ANY FURTHER. RIDING A BIKE CAN BE DANGEROUS.

Bike and child preparation is the foundation of a smooth ride.  You can mitigate the inherent danger that comes with riding a bike by following our guidelines. If one child is not properly prepared it may impact the entirety of all the kids on the ride. HYA Biking takes a very serious approach to mission readiness, with safety being the key driver.  We have created a pre-ride checklist for you to to go over before each ride.  Your child will need to come prepared with all items listed below. If you are unable to provide the necessary equipment listed below then please email biking@hyasports.org and we will see if we can help.

WE BIKE IN WINTER TEMPERATURES: DRESS FOR WINTER ACTIVITIES, WHEN NECESSARY.

  • Make sure you've completed the HYA Biking/USA Cycling Insurance Waiver. [One time only covers season]
    • Part of online registration process.
  • Bike. Properly functioning (email biking@hyasports.org if you have ANY concerns about the safety of your child's bike) 
  • Temperatures will be COLD: A hat under the helmet, winter gloves, winter jacket and a neck Gaiter/Buff may be necessary .
  • Properly fit helmet
  • Water bottle
  • Shoe laces tied properly and tucked in the shoe or under the laces so they are not flapping around
  • Ensure right pant leg will not get wrapped around chainrings
  • Ensure jackets/shirts are not so long that they drag on the rear tire
  • Tire pressure: 20psi for the smaller kids, 25-28psi for the larger kids.  Different bikes change this but regardless of the bike do NOT overinflate tires as this almost always leads to crashes. Tires need to be somewhat soft so they can adapt to the road but not so soft that they bottom out and puncture. Take a tennis ball, squeeze it gently. Feel the rebound. Tires should feel a bit like this. They should not feel hard like a basketball.
  • Proper saddle height - Saddle should be as HIGH as possible, with your child still able to touch down comfortably when they stop. 
  • Properly functioning brakes, all wheels on tight, all bolts are tight, no loose ends
  • Eat a good meal/snack before the ride.

NIGHT RIDES:

  • 1000+ Lumens Bike Light (Required)
  • Hand/Toe Warmers (Optional)

If you have ANY questions or concerns about the mechanical condition of your child's bike please email biking@hyasports.org.

We will ensure we check it over prior to riding.



Hampton Youth Association - P.O. Box 81, Hampton, NH 03843

Registered 501(c)(3) non-profit