Ok - would love to hear from experienced bikers - what they consider an essential item to have on a long ride. I'm assuming we all have the essentials - bike (lol), water, helmet, comfortable/appropriate shoes/clothes. What do you make sure to not leave home without?? Also - any tips on your favorite accessory is appreciated. Thanks! Diane
I also carry a couple of granola/energy bars. It's probably not needed because of the rest/snack stops provided on this ride, but otherwise it's a good plan.
I also learned the hard way that just because you have a spare tube doesn't mean it's not defective. Therefore I now TEST the spare tube I carry. I also take a patch kit just in case.
A much better & more experienced biker suggested I also carry a 1-inch piece of an old tire to use as an emergency patch in case your tire tears & your tube develops an "aneurism".
I second the idea of the bike computer. Watching your average speed is a powerful incentive to not get lazy & slack off.
Another must is the new little compressed air canisters instead of a pump to fill up those high pressure tires. My buddy had a flat Friday the only downer was how long it took to pump up the tire after it was fixed.
I haven't seen sunscreen or bug stuff on the list yet. Also if you're not accustomed to long hours in the saddle some people tend to chafe in the delicate regions. There's something called "chamois butter". Zincofax also gives you some protection.
oh boy - I'm a melanoma survivor - so sunscreen gets applied every day all the time and I carry it with me too. My favorite is neutrogena - spf 85... http://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Ultra-Sheer-Dry-Touch-Sunblock/dp/B001832P60/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1240855813&sr=8-2
That's only for my face/neck though because everything else is covered with clothing (saw lots of bugs on my white long sleeved shirt this weekend - it's a great shirt by the way - came with good reviews - very comfortable and was great). http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=23932&item=10-9721&slitrk=search&slisearch=true
I bought the ASSOS chamois cream and used it for the first time this weekend. Have nothing to compare it to but I thought it was cool (literally)... http://www.amazon.com/Assos-Cycling-Chamois-Synthetic-Natural/dp/B000FTO5HU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1240852248&sr=8-1
Sunscreen, definitely. Bug repellent isn't normally a requirement for me because I go faster than the bugs, or at least I guess I do - I never had a bug problem, though it sounds like a great idea for the overnight i Trois-Rivieres.
Personally, I can't stand the sunscreen creams (I have no idea why), so I use a sunscreen that's an alcohol based product - no oil or grease at all. I find it lasts 8 hours, so if I'm out for longer than that, I reapply before the 8 hours are up. I know everyone says to reapply more often than that, but I never found the need to & I have sensitive skin that burns easily.
