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