Cycling has fascinated me from a very young age. At seven years old, I was already leaving the house on two wheels in search of freedom. I would have fun splashing through the largest, muddiest puddles I could find and skidding over the gravel in Marcel-Simard park in Saint-Hubert, whipping up big clouds of dust in my wake.

Later in life, while studying architecture, cycling became my only mode of transportation. Tired of taking the bus in the summer heat, I bought my first road bike—an old 1986 Supercycle—at a garage sale on my street. I’d started to become a novice mechanic, and I decided to “simplify” my bike myself by getting rid of its gears. My first trip over the Jacques-Cartier bridge was epic, to say the least. But in the months that followed, I would cross the bridge daily with a smile on my face and an incredible view of Montreal.

I’ve had my wildest adventures and met my best friends thanks to, if not on, two wheels. Ten years ago, these friends and I founded The Rise collective, which has just launched a new web series called the Partymaster Tour.

Today, cycling isn’t just a way to get around, have fun with friends, or enjoy one’s freedom, it lets us live a more independent and environmentally friendly lifestyle. And in the time of a global pandemic, cycling is undoubtedly the best way to keep in shape while keeping our distance, and take in a bit of fresh air too.

Because I can’t offer bike repair workshops outside the BESIDE offices this spring, I’m sharing my own mini guide on how to do your own spring tune-up along with some tips on how to make cycling a part of your life for good.

Beer and Bike Grease: the Art of a DIY Tune-Up

These are the main steps to a spring tune-up and the basic tools you’ll need. To mix business with pleasure, I highly recommend adding a little afternoon beer onto your to-do list as well.

If you’ve left your bike outside all winter and your chain is now stiff as a rod, I suggest you take care of Step 1 and then head straight to your neighbourhood bike shop. Many have just reopened their doors under the government’s authorization.

— Tools —

• A floor pump with pressure gauge
• Chain lube (or olive oil if you’re in a pinch)
• An all-purpose lubricant (like JIG-A-LOO)
• Allen keys
• A set of wrenches (8, 10, 13, 15, and 17 mm)
• An old rag
• Avoid using a vice grip at all costs!

— Instructions —

Fenders in a Pandemic: Cycling as a Way of Life

Biking is not just a leisure activity, it’s also a way of getting around every day. But if you want to enjoy it, it’s worth investing in a bit of gear… And then you’ll also have no more excuses for leaving your bike at home! Here are my three must-haves for city cycling.