Being a dad is no easy task. Ferrying the little ‘uns to and from football practice, trips to see Granny, being a climbing frame for the little monkeys – it’s a tiring business. Fortunately there’s one day a year when your favourite little people get a chance to show their appreciation, so we’ve got a little tip for you: ‘accidentally’ leave this page open on your browser to drop a few hints. We’ve got what you really need right here.
Keep it clean
The calendar might say it’s mid-June, but with the recent weather it has felt distinctly like January to us. Rain and mud has been flying everywhere this week, stuff that can really wear down the parts of your beloved bike. Keeping things in good order need not be a time-consuming task however, so long as you have the right degreasers and bike cleaning products.
Nothing beats tinkering about with your bike; an hour or two in the shed with music on the radio can be a happy little place. A workstand and the right tools for the job make the whole experience even more enjoyable. One of our favourite tools is the BBB chaingrip, a nifty little piece of kit that keeps the chain away from the frame while we’re cleaning and working on our bikes. Once you’ve used one, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
If time is tight, don’t worry. We’ve got a full range of workshop services available and we’ll have your bike in tip-top shape for the impending summer weather in no time.
Make the most of it
Us dads know that time is a precious commodity. A few hours of ‘me time’ is pretty rare and when it comes around we don’t want to waste it. When you jump onto your bike for that Sunday morning blast around the lanes be sure you’ve got everything you need for a good ride, not one that comes to a grinding halt at the first sign of a mechanical. We all know the shame of that phone call home, begging for a roadside rescue. With a good quality multi-tool, pump and spare inner tube you can fix most issues in a jiffy and get back to doing what you set out to do.
The sun will shine!
We’ve been in this cycling game long enough to know that warmer weather will arrive at some point, though this year has put that theory to the test more than most. But no, it will be sunny and warm in no time, and when it does, make sure you’re kitted out in the coolest gear. Nothing beats a summer ride in new kit.
A word to the wise though – pack a gilet or lightweight jacket on your ride. Another thing we’ve learned about the British weather over the years is it can be a little, erm, changeable…
Dream time
Now, if you do plan on following our advice and leaving this page open on the laptop, there’s no better place to scroll to than right here. It might be a little optimistic to hope for one of these alongside your Father’s Day cuppa, but there’s no harm in dreaming is there?
Don’t worry if the kids don’t get the hint, by the way. At the Bicycle Chain we’re here all year for your bike-based needs. Give us a ring or pop down to say hi anytime. Remember, a bike isn’t just for Father’s Day!
