TCBC: Bike Ride Grab Bag

Bicycling 101 #5:
Bike Ride Grab Bag

People often ask me what “extra stuff” I carry along on a TCBC ride. Much of this is found on the TCBC website at www.mtn.org/tcbc/ride-consider.html. What you carry is a personal thing, and you can certainly carry more or less. The following works for me, and it will at least give you a starting point. I carry these in a seat bag, and while all this takes space, it is pretty essential when I need it. Carrying this is the price I pay to be prepared.

Water – Two large water bottles.

Protective glasses – This really isn’t extra, but does need to be stressed for all rides, including night rides.

Clothing – A light BRIGHT colored wind shell for cold or rain. My motto is “If they can’t see you, they can’t avoid you!” Hypothermia can happen on a warm summer day if it rains.

Food – Quick-energy food like dried fruit, bagels, energy bars, and bananas. Fig Newtons have great bang for the buck.

Tools – Tire levers (Quick Stick is my favorite), a frame pump, a spare tube, a patch kit, a multi-tool that includes allen wrenches and screwdrivers. An adjustable wrench is helpful if you don’t have quick-release hubs.

Mirror – Again, this isn’t an extra, but it is soooo important. Motto #2 is “If I can’t see them, I can’t get out of their way!”

Bell – Oops! Another standard item for me. Invaluable when riding on a busy road or trail.

Sunscreen – For the sun. However, sunscreen also does a pretty good job of removing chain grease on your hands and legs.

Cell phone – You may not like them, but it’s tough to argue their value in an emergency.

Wallet and checkbook – They just don’t weigh enough to leave them at home.

Medication – Aspirin can be a lifesaver, as can other essential meds.

Terry cloth rag – Having a rag to clean your hands is worth a million bucks, maybe more.

Money – I always bring a few bills that can be easily changed.

Light – While my taillight is permanently mounted to my bike, I almost always carry a light battery-powered headlight if I’m riding anywhere close to sundown.

By Tony Anthonisen

Copyright © 2003 Tony Anthonisen. All rights reserved.

(article posted 8-25-03)

Return to Bicycle Tips page

Bicycling 101 #5: Bike Ride Grab Bag

Bicycling 101 #5:
Bike Ride Grab Bag