What to take

Travel light on a ride: less is more – there is great freedom to be enjoyed in leaving cares and things behind. But there are a few essentials:

Always take:

• Water
• Money
• Inner tubes (2 are recommended)
• Tools to remove your wheel and tyre (ride leader will help)
• Pump (consider a pocket size for enroute)
• Lights (as necessary)
• Lock (carried on your bike frame; again, as necessary)
• Mobile phone

Consider taking:

• Puncture repair kit
• Small rucksack or small frame bags for days out rather than rack & panniers
• Helmet
• Gloves, or fingerless mitts for warmer days
• Waterproof but breathable, or showerproof, outer layer
• Padded shorts for comfort
• Wear several light layers, so you can take one off as you warm up
• Eye protection (sun glasses)
• Sun screen (seasonal of course)
• Snacks (flapjacks, bananas)
• Map (not essential on led rides)
• Camera
• Antiseptic wipes (2-3 individually wrapped)

Check your bike:

• A = air (tyres inflated to recommended pressure, see sidewall)
• B = brakes (both front & rear will stop you)
• C = control (handle bars tight, chain adjusted and lubricated)