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BIKE TO-BRING LIST
Nothing sucks more than arriving at your destination and realizing you have no helmet, shoes or bug spray. Being properly prepared for a ride makes ALL the difference. Sure, you can be that loser that constantly mooches off everyone... But why be that guy?

I'm sure you have your own little list of what you bring on a ride. As for me, I desperately need a list. I used to have it on a piece of paper... Always lost, always spending the first 20 minutes of any packing endeavor looking for the dumb list in question... Until now.

By posting this little article here I now have a list I can access from anywhere. That's the real reason why you're reading this here. So I can find it no matter where I am. As long as I have Internet, electricity and a computer. Cut and paste it at will, replace my Red Bull with tall grass herbal tea if you wish... I just thought some of you might find it useful.

Before I start, here are the top 10 things we've found to be essential on these rides (besides a bike and a helmet):

[1] Camelback. get one with at least a 2 liter reservoir and enough storage to fill with stuff like what is about to be listed below. We would never ride without one, period. Plus there's the extra padding against your spine... brilliant.

[2] Bike Gloves. Sure, if your hands are made of 3/4 inch thick leather like Dean Rideout's you can delete this option... but if you're like 90% of us, landing on a sharp rock without protection can make the 3 hour ride back uncomfortable to no end.

[3] Bike Shorts w/chamois. Listen, if you're not riding with good quality bike shorts you probably don't have internet either... Anyone who's tried bike shorts would never think of riding chamois-less again.

[4] Food. Anything that will keep you going will work (I once brought leftover KFC on a ride... not so good) Enervit power-bars and gels are simply the best on the market (that's why it's the only foodstuff we sell)... A sports drink (Enervit, Cytomax, Gatorade) is an excellent option to supplement your water. We usually bring beef (or turkey) Jerky, peanut-butter wraps, easy-to-digest sandwiches and dried fruit... Bring as much as you can carry, just in case... Did I mention that some of us stuff a can of Red Bull in our camelback next to our bladder?

[5] Sunglasses / eyewear: You need to make sure a little twig or a flicked-up rock doesn't end your day on a tragic note. Amber lenses are the best... Not too dark because we're popping into dark spots all the time.

[6] Small first-aid kit: The item we've used the most over the years is polysporin and 1 inch wide first-aid tape. What we also have found to be a lifesaver is this great product from Brave Soldier: The Crash Pack (click on the image to be directed to the Brave Soldier website. A crash Pack contains Antiseptic Ointment; 4x3 non-adhering wound dressing (2); 3x3 general use surgical sponges (2); 6” stretch net burn gauze (2); 4x2 bandages (2); 1X3 bandages (2); Butterfly cut closures (2); Betadine antiseptic pads (2); Antiseptic towelettes (2); Advil Pain Relief Tablets (2); Road Rash Treatment guide; and all are conveniently tucked away in a waterproof 6”x8” Mylar bag The only thing missing is the ubiquitous 1 inch wide first-aid tape.

[7] Cell phone: Yes, I know, I can hear the collective low grade moan: A cell phone? On a ride? HERESY! If you have one, throw it in the Camelback and simply turn the thing off unless you're lost or you need help... But it CAN save your life. Like the idea or not, it HAS helped us out of a few jams in the past.

[8] Shoes and pedals: Yes, guys like Chris can ride better than most of us and he does it without clipless pedals and shoes... But trust us, -In many instances- you are much better off being one-with-the-bike (clipped in), its less tiring and it's more efficient. While you're at it, get decent bike socks, will you? Cotton socks hurt your feet, stay wet forever and do nothing to earn you style points.

[9] Another layer for your upper body. Whatever you chose it to be, get something that is packable, light, water resistant and, if possible, windproof-ish... and leave it in your camelback. Always.

[10] Bug spray. No need for the 2 gallon Costco supersaver size, just get a small can or spray bottle and throw it in your Camelback (notice the incessant reference to the Camelback?). I know of at least 2 people who seriously mangled their bike and their bodies trying to swat a bug while riding, (Leanne once put her leg through a wheel, wrecking both wheel and front fork trying to scratch bug-related itch) I see dozens of people weekly get disturbed and frazzled over insects while on a ride. Simple: Get the blue can of Sportsmen's Deep woods OFF and relax... You're bigger than them.

And that's our top 10 list... narrowly missing out were personal favorites like a Halo, a Bike Jersey (as opposed to the ever wet cotton T-Shirt), The always important multi-tool, pump + spare tube combo, zip ties and duct tape...

GEAR LIST FOR EPIC RIDES:
_______________
On you
Helmet
Halo
Bike Shoes
Bike Socks
Gloves
Jersey
Proper bike shorts
Eyewear (sunglasses)
______________
In your Camelback
Food
Water
Sport Drink
Energy Bar
Energy Gel
Zip-ties
DucTape
First Aid Kit
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Pump
Tubes
Tire levers
Multi-Tool (with chain breaker)
Bike lube
Vest and/or light Rain gear
______________
Bike
Pedals
Water Bottle
Bottle cage
Bike Lights
______________
Optional
Radios/Cell phone
Camera with Battery & Memory card
______________
Post-Ride
Recovery drink
Towel
Clean shorts/underwear
Footwear/socks
Shirt
Food
Plastic Bag

Oh... and my Red Bull