But what is the type of bike racing accessories that are required to keep a race going, or indeed a cycle going with maximum performance and as little down time as necessary?

Well, first of all defining bike racing accessories is pretty subjective; if you are a professional rider and member of a team, taking part in races across the world such as the Tour of Flanders and the Paris-Roubaix, or one of the more well known pro cycling tours such as the Tour de France, Giro d’ Italia or the Vuelta of Spain, a team car, spare bikes, team masseuse and racing cycling clothing and shoes would be expected.

However, for those of us on a limited budget, the bike racing accessories budget unfortunately doesn’t stretch to anywhere near the resources and bike racing accessories budget carried by today’s professional teams.

However, there are bicycle resources and accessories that you and I need to get the most from our cycling and road racing experience.

First of all, the road racing bikes are the thing, without one of those, no racing will take place; however one cannot ride and race in ordinary cycling clothing. Road racing bicycle resources number one priority is Lycra; yes, I know Lycra doesn’t always flatter (me included in that category) however to get the most aerodynamic profile, one needs tight fitting clothes.

One could ride naked, but it may be a little painful on the butt, and it may result in some blisters in acutely tender places.

Bicycle resources and accessories for road racing also include shoes that are aerodynamic in design, are rigid to maximize power to pedal to drive train, and are clip on to the pedals to stop avoid any chance of feet slipping off pedals, resulting in the crunch on the crossbar (we’ve all been there boys, huh?).

Finally, I cannot emphasize enough; buy a cyclist’s crash hat. As I say to my many friends that cycle, if you do have an accident, it is easy to mend a broken arm or wrist; not so easy to mend a broken head. And while accidents are, thankfully, very rare they do happen.

Be like a boy scout and “be prepared”

Now get out there, flex the legs, fill the lungs and get the heart, body and soul racing.