So we / I have done and compiled lots and lots of tips and tricks on what to look for and how to care for your bicycle as far as using it as a means of transportation goes.

So here's some tips and tricks on if you want to take it for a longer ride, say above about 20km or so for absolute beginners at a very low fitness level in a flat terrain. Take it with a grain of salt obviously, there's loads of differences between fitness, terrain, the type of bike and such, just use it as a general guidance. Maybe your longer bike ride is 10km but half of that is up a mountain.

You don't need a special bicycle for this generally, a bicycle that carries you 5km will carry you 20km or more, it'll just take longer.

I'll do a separate post on how to find good routes some time, this is just about you and your bicycle.

• Make sure your saddle is comfortable before you go far. Cyclist shorts with padding on the ass can make or break it, there's a reason we wear them. Just make sure before you go 30km out to where you need to return to that it won't kill your ass or make your genitals numb. Plan a route you can shortcut home or such to get a feel for it before you embark on long journeys.

• Bring enough water. How much this is depends on local climate, but don't underestimate it. The wind can be deceptive to wick sweat away so you won't even quite notice how much water you're losing. Most bikes can be fit or come with bottle holders (or bidons) and they work great.

• Bring a snack of carbohydrates. Again, not doing it as a beginner won't harm you, but it'll make the difference between the ride back being an absolute slog or still fun if you run out of energy prematurely.

• If you're going out of civilisation, bring at least very basic first aid supplies. You don't need to go all field medic, but having some bandages because a branch scratched your arm or such can make or break a ride.

• Either know how to fix a broken tube / tyre and have the necessary supplies on hand or have some other plan for if it happens. Whether this means walking your bike back or calling someone to pick you up doesn't matter, just make sure to not strand yourself somewhere.

• If there's even a chance of rain or running into dusk/darkness, bring lights. Small battery powered lights work on any bicycle and neither weigh nor cost much.

• Dress in layers and don't overdress. Cycling is a sport, it'll warm you up. If you want to be comfy the whole way and start THICC, think of a way to store the layers you shed.

• A backpack is okay to carry all the aforementioned things, but do try to avoid one in hot weather as it gets sweaty and rather try to stash the equipment on your bike. Small bags that fit to some part of your bicycle can be had very cheap.

• This is more advanced but bring bicycle specific multitool. Tightening the loose screw that has your seatpost dropping can make or break a ride if it happens.

Always remember to have fun and not stress it too much. This list here is basically what i pack on 100km rides over different terrains and I've not needed half of it, I just err on the side of caution when advocating for cycling as I don't want none of you lovely people out there dehydrated, hungry and hating every minute of the ride.

Also: if you see some poor schmuck on the side of the path who seems in need of something ask if you can help and if you can, do so. It's good cycling etiquette and at least where I've been, people pay it forward.