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)