Part 2: Gear Up for the Ride
Once your bike is tuned and ready to roll, the next step is getting your gear together. To keep it simple, U.S. Cycling Tech Dave Dean suggests thinking of gear in three categories: safety, fuel, and technical tools.
Safety.
Always check the weather first and dress accordingly. Don’t even think about riding without your:
- Eye protection
- Helmet
- Reflective gear
Fuel.
Plan ahead – don’t wait till you’re thirsty to drink and eat the right high-calorie foods hours before the ride. You should take with you:
- Water
- Energy bars/gels
Technical Tools.
Carry these items in the back of your jersey or store in a detachable pouch under your seat:
- Extra tire tube
- Tire levers
- Tire pump or CO2 cartridges
- Cash, ID, and cell phone
Having these items is great, but knowing how to use them is priceless. Dave has met many cyclists that can’t change a flat. Be prepared before it happens to you… and it will happen.
Next up: Part 3: Recovery