The Tour de Queens is a leisurely paced, 20-mile bike tour along a relatively flat route. If you haven't ridden in a while you may wish to get out and try a few laps around Flushing Meadows Park to prepare, but this is a great ride for beginners and every day cyclists.

Whether or not you have been riding lately, everyone can use a refresher of Biking Rules.

Treat your bike to a full tune-up before Ride Day. Nothing is worse than starting the ride only to discover that something is wrong with your bike. Visit one of the many T.A.-supporting bike shops. (Join T.A. and use your membership card to get a discount!) A bike shop can also help you make sure that your bike fits—small seat adjustments can do wonders.

Make sure that your tires are fully inflated. Don't go by "feel," get a gauge and check the tire for the recommended p.s.i. Tires should be firm, not squishy.

Your Bike / ABC Quick Check
Treat your bike to a full tune-up before the NYC Century Bike Tour. Nothing is worse than starting the ride and discovering that something wrong with your bike. Visit one of the many NYC-area bike shops that support T.A. advocacy. If you join T.A. when you register for the NYC Century Bike Tour, your membership card will get you a discount at any shop on our list! A bike shop can also help you make sure that your bike fits -- small adjustments from seats to brake can do wonders for your riding style. While you’re at the shop, make sure that your tires are fully inflated. Don't go by "feel." Get a gauge and check the tire for the recommended PSI. Refer to the ABC Quick Check for a short once-over of your bike.

1. A is for air

• Inflate tires to pressure level listed on the sidewall of the tire
• Use a pressure gauge to insure proper air pressure (PSI)
• Check for damage to tire tread and sidewall -- replace if damaged

2. B is for brakes

• Inspect pads for wear -- replace if there is less than ¼" of pad left
• Check pad adjustment -- make sure they do not rub tire or dive into spokes
• Check brake level travel -- at least 1" between bar and lever when applied

3. C is for cranks, chain and cassette

• Make sure that your crank bolts are tight -- lube the threads only, nothing else
• Check your chain for wear -- 12 links should measure no more than 12 1/8 inches
• If your chain skips on your cassette, you might need a new one or an adjustment

4. Quick is for quick releases

• Hubs need to be tight in the frame - your quick release should engage at 90°
• Your hub quick release should point back to insure that nothing catches on it
• Inspect brake quick releases to ensure that they have been re-engaged

5. Check is for check it over

• Take a quick ride to check if derailleurs and brakes are working properly
• Inspect the bike for loose or broken parts -- tighten, replace or fix them
• Pay extra attention to your bike during the first few miles of the ride.

Refer to the ABC Quick Check for a short once-over of your bike.