🚴 The Ultimate 947 Cycle Ride Joburg Preparation Checklist: Gear, Training & Injury Prevention

The 947 Ride Joburg is one of the most iconic cycling races in South Africa - and with thousands of riders taking on the streets of Johannesburg, being well-prepared can make the difference between an enjoyable ride and a painful one.

Whether you’re racing for a personal best or just aiming to finish strong, here’s your comprehensive 947 Cycle Ride Joburg Preparation Checklist to get you to the start line confident, comfortable, and injury-free.

✅ 1. Bike Preparation - Set Your Machine Up for Success

Your bike is your engine partner on race day. A mechanical issue can ruin months of training, so ensure everything is race-ready:

• Book a full service at least 2 weeks before race day.

• Check brakes, gears, and chain for smooth function.

• Inspect your tyres – no cracks or worn tread. Carry two spare tubes or tyre plugs.

• Adjust your saddle height ,cleat positionand handlebar position for comfort and efficiency.

• Do a short shake-out ride after servicing to confirm everything feels right.

👉 Pro Tip: Small adjustments to saddle height and cleat position can relieve pressure on knees and hips.

✅ 2. 947 Cycle Ride Joburg Preparation Checklist

Race day is not the time to experiment with new gear. Pack proven essentials that will keep you comfortable and safe:

• Helmet (SABS approved, race-compliant)

• Cycling kit (bibs + jersey that you’ve trained in)

• Sunglasses and gloves

• Sunscreen + lip balm (the Joburg sun can be brutal)

• 2 x water bottles or a hydration system

• Race nutrition: gels, bars, electrolyte tablets

👉 Pro Tip: Practice your nutrition strategy during training so you know how your body reacts.

✅ 3. Body Preparation - Train Smart, Recover Smarter

Your legs power you through 947 Ride Joburg, but smart preparation keeps you strong:

• Taper training in the final week – focus on short, sharp sessions instead of long rides.

• Stay hydrated and increase carb intake 48 hours before the race.

• Get at least 7–8 hours of sleep each night leading up to the event.

• Do a light warm-up on race morning (spins, dynamic stretches).

✅ 4. Injury Prevention - Protect Your Knees, Hips & Feet

Long hours in the saddle put stress on your lower body. The most common cycling injuries include ITB syndrome, knee pain, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles irritation.

Prevent them by:

• Stretching your hips, hamstrings, and calves daily.

• Foam rolling your quads and ITB to release tightness.

• Wearing custom cycling insoles to stabilize your feet and improve power transfer.

👉 Footworxco Insight: Misaligned feet can cause your knees and hips to track incorrectly, leading to overuse injuries. Our mobile custom insole fitting service comes to you – helping you ride stronger and safer.

✅ 5. Race Day Kit Bag - Pack Like a Pro

Here’s what should be in your bag before you head to the start:

• Race number & timing chip

• Sunscreen (reapply halfway)

• 2 x spare tubes / CO₂ bomb / mini pump

• Energy gels & electrolyte tablets

• Small towel & wet wipes

• Post-race snack (protein bar or recovery shake)

🚴 Final Thoughts - Ride Joburg Stronger

The 947 Ride Joburg is as much about preparation as it is about performance. With the right bike setup, race essentials, training taper, and injury prevention plan, you’ll not only cross the finish line – you’ll enjoy the ride.

And remember: while your bike fit is crucial, your foot alignment is just as important. Custom Footworxco insoles give you stability, comfort, and injury protection for those long hours on the road.

👉 Ready to ride stronger?📅 Book your mobile custom insole fitting today with Footworxco and take your cycling to the next level.