Good planning is essential to a safe and successful ride. Here's what you should be doing to plan for your ride:

• Get Your Bike Ready: Bike shops are busier than ever, so be sure to plan ahead for tune ups.

• Plan for Safety and Comfort: Helmets are required (of course) but you should also plan on biking gloves and bike pants if you don't already have them. Also, while there will be refreshments along the route, don't forget a water bottle. It's July so plan for heat.

• Get Out and Ride: If you aren't a regular rider, be sure to put some miles in before the event.

• Download Ride with GPS APP: The routes are marked but you can download the free app and access your route in case you get off course.