What to pack for an epic ride.

Continuing with the Good Mountain Bikes R us articles on mountain biking safety riders should consider what to pack for a days mountain biking. As a rule of thumb try to “expect the unexpected” and pack accordingly, experience shows that being prepared for anything on the trail pays of because nothing is worse than having a breakdown in the middle of an epic ride. After some research and discussion with experienced riders Good Mountain Bikes R Us have revised their list of  items to handle almost any emergency.  Here are our tips.

The Pack

The first thing you need when preparing for a days ride is a backpack or a hydration pack that has room for carrying what you need. When selecting a pack go for a cycling-specific hydration pack.  No matter what the brand is they are all good at carrying water and stuff.  What is important is to find one that is large enougth to carry what you need and that it’s comfortable.  I use the Camelbak Octane 18X because it has a 3 liter bladder and a secure and comfortable strapping system as a bonus it has expandable zippers to double the storage capacity.

First Aid

The first thing to pack is a comprehensive first aid kit.  I purchased the Adventure Medical Kits (0.7 kit) and its good for treating most major abrasions and spains you may get and added a hot/cold pad for swelling, some steri-strips and non stick skin patches.  Apart from the worst case scenario the first aid kit and works great.  I also carry a leatherman that has a sharp knife with serrated edge to make splints should something more serious occur.

Emergency Maintenance

To handle any breakdowns I recommend a good quality multi-tool that includes a chain rivet tool, allen keys and pliers.  A topeak compact bike pump” target=”_blank”>good quality compact pump for tires is a must.  For those with a full suspension bike remember to pack the shock pump.  I also carry some minor spares like power links, a derailleur cable, and a spare derailleur hanger.  Tire irons and mountain bike drink bottle holders” target=”_blank”>bottles holders on the frame of the bike, depending on the riding I am doing. Fresh fruit is great as the fruictose give instant energy but on long rides make sure its consumed first as fruit tends to bruise easily especially on rocky trails. A variety of mountain bike drink bottle holders” target=”_blank”>bottles holders on the frame of the bike, depending on the riding I am doing. Fresh fruit is great as the fruictose give instant energy but on long rides make sure its consumed first as fruit tends to bruise easily especially on rocky trails. A variety of men water and wind proof jackets” target=”_blank”>water and wind resistant jacket and spare pair of gloves and socks that will keep you warm if the weather turns sour.  A men water and wind proof jackets” target=”_blank”>water and wind resistant jacket and spare pair of gloves and socks that will keep you warm if the weather turns sour.  A thermal blanket sleeping bag” target=”_blank”>thermal blanket/sleeping bag to your list of items as take up next to no room and are a blessing at high altitudes.  Enjoy using the thermal blanket sleeping bag” target=”_blank”>thermal blanket/sleeping bag to your list of items as take up next to no room and are a blessing at high altitudes.  Enjoy using the Technorati Tags: abrasions, allen keys, camelbak, derailleur hanger, emergency maintenance, first aid kit, full suspension, good mountain bikes, hydration pack, medical kits, mountain bikes, mountain biking safety, multi tool, packing list, sharp knife, skin patches, steri strips, storage capacity, strapping system