MTB Equipment

Riders in Stream

Are You Prepared?

Some people take very little on a ride, just themselves, the bike and riding clothes. preferring minimalism and simplicity, in harmony with the bike, unencumbered by the paraphernalia of modern life. I've met loads of them by the side of the trail, asking me if it's safe to drink the stream water, crying because they've had a puncture 20 miles from the car, requesting directions to the nearest shop to buy food, begging for help in fixing a broken chain. I've lost count of the inner tubes and power links I've given way. I, however, prefer to be as self sufficient as possible. I have a large backpack and fill it with 'stuff' because I much prefer riding than walking and I hate begging. Here is the full and complete contents of my backpack:

Food (lots of):

Cereal bars are good, as are the 'cakey bakeyness' things. Chocolate gives a sudden rush of sugar, then runs out, so avoid relying on chocolate bars. I carry glucose tablets for emergencies and energy gels with caffeine, this helps pick you up and allows you to concentrate better when you are starting to lose it. I sometimes take fruit with me for a change and often take a sandwich on really long rides.

Water:

Even in winter we need to drink, you may not be sweating loads and loads but you are still losing water. Research shows us that we need to take in 1 Litre of liquids per hour of exercise for proper hydration, but it can be a tad difficult taking 6L of water with you on an epic day out. I use a 3L bladder for 5-6 hour rides and have only needed more on one occasion. Some people use mixes of glucose and electrolytes. Use what tastes good and does the job, as long as you use something!

Equipment:

• Mobile phone (just in case)
• Torch (again just in case)
• Map of the area and a compass (makes you look cool, helps you find your way),
• Bothy Bag/ large plastic sheet for shelter (helps keep you warm until the emergency services finds you),
• Emergency flare (to help emergency services find you),
• GPS device, (gives a more accurate, easy to read, position, especially if you are a bit panicky trying to tell emergency services where you are)
• Notepad and pencil (in waterproof bag)
• Whistle (again for emergencies), ….

'Did you know...

Not a lot of people know that'

You'll need a good Rucksack/Backpack (to carry all the stuff in): I like a 20+ litre capacity pack,something that sits well for hours on end.

Spares and Repairs:

• Several 'power links' (make sure they fit your chain and you know how to use them),
• Folding tyre/tyre 'boot' (thin tough plastic sheet to repair split in tyre casing),
• Inner tubes (at least 2),
• Tyre pump(make sure it fits inner tubes),
• Brake and gear cables,
• Brake pads (4 for each bike),
• Puncture repair kit (patches, glue etc),
• Tyre levers,
• Multi-tool, (with/or the following)
• small pliers,
• small knife,
• chain tool,
• spoke key,
• phillips head screwdriver
• flat head screwdriver,
• Several different sized zip ties,
• Glueless patches (can be much quicker on a dangerously cold ride),
• Shock/fork pump (for air forks/shocks with leaking seals),
• Small rag (well I've got one in my pack!),
• Small bottle of chain lube,
• Gaffa tape (wrapped around pump),
• Mech hanger,
• A few assorted washers,
• A set of cleat bolts,
• Chain ring bolts. (an omission rectified by Harris Henry, thanks mate!)

Clothes:

• Waterproof jacket: (when it looks like it might just possibly rain... sometime)
• Eye protection, (keeps dirt/dust/insects/rain etc. out of eyes)
• Helmet: (keeps heads in one piece)
• Gloves: (keeps hands in one piece)

Dress for the weather of the place you are riding, check forecast in advance. If you are a bit cold starting out, you will soon warm up. If you are cosy starting out, then you will soon be too warm. Take several thin layers.  Arm and leg warmers (thin tubes of lycra you can put on easily), are very useful to keep you warm on cool days without over dressing.

First Aid Kit:

• Conforming bandage,
• Triangular bandage,
• Small scissors,
• Small cartons of sterile water,
• Micropore type tape,
• Steristrips (to help close larger non urgent wounds),
• Large dressing, (to cover large wounds)
• Space blanket (or two)
• Rubber gloves, (no need for sterile gloves 'cos on a muddy trail nothing will be sterile for long)
• Bite/sting lotion,
• Sun cream ( in the summer),
• Lip balm (for the winter),
• Several different sized plasters,
• Antiseptic cream,
• Antacid tablets,
• Paracetamol,
• Blister plasters

You also need to be able to use first aid effectively, so pop along to the nearest course, it could save a life.

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