WHAT TO BRING
First off, allow me to fess up, this is more about me
having a list to refer to every Saturday night than an
actual article... but nonetheless, it might be useful
for some of you, like me who can't find their wallets
in the morning, never mind the #!%?! keys.
[1] To begin, there's the Camelback that I forgot to
clean since the last Wednesday Night Ride... No problem
just a thorough rince in hot water and then the Camelback
cleaning tablets I'm conveniently 'testing' ... 2 cups
hot water, 3 tablets... 2 hours. Then the rince and then
I fill it with water... and (for a 3 liter MULE) 8 scoops
of Enervit G Sport isotonic drink mix... Not too sweet,
helps me lots... doesn't turn into expensive toxic Jell-O
overnight in the fridge either...
[2] Riding shorts (I wear those to the trail, in the
truck... Lycra is embarrassing enough without having to
put them on at the parking lot: I put my jeans over them
for the drive out).
[3] Jerseys (yes, plural... I always bring 2... just
in case)
[4] Bike socks (again... 2 pairs) and then the pair to
slip on at the end of the ride.
[5] Underwear (no, I'm not driving back to the city in
a wet chammy).
[6] T-shirt (and neither am I driving home in a smelly
jersey).
[7] In the Camelback:
[7a] FOOD: Beef Jerky, peanut butter tortilla wraps,
3 Enervit power sport bars, a few Enervit gels and a Red
Bull... Oh and the Enervit Cheerpack... Just in case.
(Yes, I'm an Enervit junky... I've tried everything...
this stuff is the very best, period.)
[7b] TOOLS: I'd like to say a shock pump but Gavin always
has one... I'd like to say a tire pump but again, Gavin
always has one... same goes for tubes, tire levers and
chain breaker. (Thanks, Gav) But I do carry a Park Tool
allen-key set (the very best on earth) and my trusty Leatherman.
[7c] CLOTHING: When there's a chance of rain I carry
a Sugoi rain Jacket... I bring Sugoi Gord's arm-warmers
and I should always bring a second set of gloves (but
I always forget).
[7d] FIRST AID: The most used is heavy-duty first-aid
tape (a big roll)... then it's gauze and Polysporin...
Steri-strips would be nice and so would some morphine..
Tylenol and Advil are not quick enough to do any good
and expired Tylenol 3's are simply dumb. Better a stick
to bite down on and a small roll of duct tape.
[7e] Dog treats.
[7f] Digital camera with spare batteries. (much to the
chagrin of Lauri)
[8] Sunglasses.
[9] Helmets (you never know what idiot is going to get
to the trail and forget his helmet).
[10] Halo... never ride without one.
[11] The laundry basket to carry all this crap in.
[12] Bike shoes (almost forgot those)... I have this
brand new pair of Sidi Dragon MTB shoes that can't say
enough about... Great shoes. I also bring along my old
shoes. (just in case).
[13] Cell phone (to call for reservations on the drive
back).
[14] Towel.
[15] Deodorant (must you ask?).
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Listen, if you ride any trail, flat as it may be or steep as you can find... If you're over 19 years old and you want to keep on riding into your sixties and beyond... if you're still riding that hardtail WAKE UP! Give your head a shake. Do yourself, your body and your ass a favor, get with the times. INJECT SOME FUN in your moribund life, get a full suspension bike and join the ranks of those who do more than just ride, join the ranks of those who are having the time of their lives on their bikes, join the ranks of the living. LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO RIDE A HARDTAIL. (We should make a T-shirt!) Check out our full-suspension page 
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