preride

Preride refers to the set of preparations and checks performed before a ride or ride-related activity. The term is used across different fields, including cycling, motorcycling, mountain biking, and other wheeled sports, as well as in some equestrian contexts. It encompasses both safety checks and planning tasks conducted to ensure the ride proceeds smoothly and with reduced risk.

Typical preride activities include a safety gear verification (helmet, pads, gloves, eyewear), and a mechanical inspection of the equipment (brakes, tires or tires pressure, drivetrain, chain lubrication, quick-release skewers, bolts, lights, and battery status for electric bikes or scooters). Riders often assess the riding environment by checking weather, visibility, surface conditions, route difficulty, traffic, and potential hazards. Planning tasks may involve route scouting, timing estimates, fuel or hydration needs, nutrition, warm-up exercises, and an emergency plan. For many riders, preride routines are formalized through checklists or standard operating procedures to promote consistency and safety.

In practice, preride is both a mental and physical preparation: it sets expectations for the ride, helps detect issues before they become problems, and reduces interruptions during the ride itself. While the specifics vary by discipline, the core goal remains the same—maximize safety, reliability, and readiness before taking on a ride.