| As the old adage goes, "An ounce of
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| | before each ride, especially if it's been
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| prevention is worth a pound of cure."
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| | in your pack for a while). Make sure you
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| And if you're going on a lengthy bike
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| | know how to use all the tools properly,
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| ride, that makes a lot of sense. To keep
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| | though; they'll do you no good if you
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| yourself comfortable and safe - and avoid
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| | can't figure out what to do with them!
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| getting caught in any frustrating
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| | You can carry a guide with you, even if
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| situations - it's important to be
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| | it's just a few tips scribbled on index
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| prepared before you set out.
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| | cards, outlining bicycle repair basics
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| Since it will be such a crucial part of
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| | (such as fixing a flat) if you have
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| your ride, your backpack itself should be
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| | trouble remembering. Tip: laminate your
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| an investment. Look for one made
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| | bike repair guide in case you find
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| especially for cyclists. Such packs are
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| | yourself having to consult it in the
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| made of durable, lightweight,
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| | rain. Buy the mountain bikes online at
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| weather-proof materials. Ideally, your
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| | Being prepared for a malfunction doesn't
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| pack should have adjustable waist and
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| | just include problems with the bike - it
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| chest straps and a ventilated back. Some
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| | includes everything from inclement
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| even contain compression systems to
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| | weather to emergencies to personal
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| prevent the contents from shifting and
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| | discomforts. Pack a cell phone (ensure
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| rattling during your ride, and hydration
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| | that it's fully charged first!) or a
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| packs to hold large amounts of water and
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| | phone card. It doesn't hurt to carry a
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| allow for hands-free drinking. Such
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| | few dollars, and maybe a couple quarters
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| features are optional; nice, but not
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| | as well. A lightweight, foldable hooded
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| absolutely necessary.
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| | jacket or poncho will protect your
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| Riding takes a lot of stamina, especially
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| | clothing from an unexpected downpour.
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| in warmer weather. You will need plenty
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| | Make yourself a laminated card with your
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| of water, and you may want to throw in
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| | name, address, telephone number and
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| some sports drinks for sodium
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| | emergency contact numbers, and put it in
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| replenishment. If possible, arrange to
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| | a place where it can be easily spotted.
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| ride along a path where there will be
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| | Pack a bottle of waterproof, high-SPF
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| opportunities to refill your water supply
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| | sunscreen - travel-sized if you're short
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| if necessary. Pack one sports bar or
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| | on space - so that you can reapply as
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| piece of fruit - bananas are great for
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| | needed, and a tube of protective lip balm
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| cyclists - for every hour you plan to
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| | such as Chap-Stick. You may also want to
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| ride, plus one or two extras just in case
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| | carry a tube of sports cream to relieve
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| you're out longer than you planned (or
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| | on-the-road muscle aches and stiff
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| one of your companions isn't 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, you'll 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 you're
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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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