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