| As the old adage goes, An ounce of
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| | before each ride, especially if its been
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| prevention is worth a pound of cure. And
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| | in your pack for a while). Make sure you
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| if youre going on a lengthy bike ride,
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| | know how to use all the tools properly,
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| that makes a lot of sense. To keep
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| | though; theyll do you no good if you cant
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| yourself comfortable and safe and avoid
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| | figure out what to do with them! You can
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| getting caught in any frustrating
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| | carry a guide with you, even if its just
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| situations its important to be prepared
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| | a few tips scribbled on index cards,
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| before you set out.
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| | outlining bicycle repair basics (such as
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| Since it will be such a crucial part of
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| | fixing a flat) if you have trouble
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| your ride, your backpack itself should be
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| | remembering. Tip: laminate your bike
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| an investment. Look for one made
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| | repair guide in case you find yourself
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| especially for cyclists. Such packs are
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| | having to consult it in the rain. Buy the
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| made of durable, lightweight,
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| | mountain bikes online at Being prepared
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| weather-proof materials. Ideally, your
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| | for a malfunction doesnt just include
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| pack should have adjustable waist and
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| | problems with the bike it includes
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| chest straps and a ventilated back. Some
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| | everything from inclement weather to
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| even contain compression systems to
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| | emergencies to personal discomforts.
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| prevent the contents from shifting and
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| | Pack a cell phone (ensure that its fully
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| rattling during your ride, and hydration
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| | charged first!) or a phone card. It
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| packs to hold large amounts of water and
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| | doesnt hurt to carry a few dollars, and
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| allow for hands-free drinking. Such
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| | maybe a couple quarters as well. A
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| features are optional; nice, but not
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| | lightweight, foldable hooded jacket or
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| absolutely necessary.
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| | poncho will protect your clothing from an
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| Riding takes a lot of stamina, especially
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| | unexpected downpour. Make yourself a
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| in warmer weather. You will need plenty
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| | laminated card with your name, address,
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| of water, and you may want to throw in
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| | telephone number and emergency contact
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| some sports drinks for sodium
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| | numbers, and put it in a place where it
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| replenishment. If possible, arrange to
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| | can be easily spotted. Pack a bottle of
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| ride along a path where there will be
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| | waterproof, high-SPF sunscreen
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| opportunities to refill your water supply
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| | travel-sized if youre short on space so
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| if necessary. Pack one sports bar or
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| | that you can reapply as needed, and a
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| piece of fruit bananas are great for
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| | tube of protective lip balm such as
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| cyclists for every hour you plan to
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| | Chap-Stick. You may also want to carry a
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| ride, plus one or two extras just in case
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| | tube of sports cream to relieve
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| youre out longer than you planned (or one
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| | on-the-road muscle aches and stiff
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| of your companions isnt so well
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| | joints, some Band-Aids and antibiotic
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| prepared).
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| | cream for cuts and scrapes, and a
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| In case of bike malfunction, youll want
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| | travel-sized pack of tissues or baby
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| to carry some tools. To save space,
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| | wipes.
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| consider carrying a multi-tool. These
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| | Whatever the contents of your biking
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| handy all-in-one tools contain everything
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| | pack, unload it and check everything out
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| you need to fix common problems on the
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| | periodically for expiration dates,
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| road: Allen wrenches, Phillips and
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| | breakage, leakage, or other general
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| flat-blade screwdriver heads, spoke
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| | problems. Bumping around in a backpack,
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| wrenches and chain tools. Throw in a
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| | or being stored for long periods of time,
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| patch kit, tire lever, a small bottle of
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| | can eventually wreak havoc on your
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| chain lube, and a spare tube and youre
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| | supplies. Make sure everything is in
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| covered (inspect the spare for damage
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| | good working order!
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