10 essentials for a big day out on a bike

 Ok so you are all set on your bike and ready to head out for a big day. You have the pockets in your jersey and maybe a top tube bag so what you should take with you? Here are some things to consider -

Phone

Fully charged of course. It’s your camera/ map / payment card / source of repair advice and a phone. If you are heading out a long way, take a battery. I always have one in my race check in bag to recharge at the end of a sportive but have seen many riders take a battery with them. Don’t forget a charging lead as well otherwise it’s pretty pointless.

Actual cash money

Take some notes with you as well as your phone. The more remote you get the more cash is king. You might need to buy water, pay for food, tip someone or even pay for a lift on the back of passing truck if you get really stuck. Just a few notes will really help.

Bike tool

I have a small multi tool with a chain breaker on it which I have carried ever since I had a chain snap, and nobody had a chain breaker. I had to scoot for miles. Buy the best you can, know how to use it and look after it. Crank brothers, Cube & Park Tool are all worth looking at.

ID Card

I have a small ID card with emergency contact details and blood group on it. I also add the hotel I’m at when on trips. I keep it in a plastic sleeve which I also slide cash into along with a multi tool making one small sweat proof package.

Pain killers

I cut up strips of 4 Ibuprofen & 4 Paracetamol just to have some to hand. Useful for when you knees/ hips start complaining, if you don’t feel well/ start to ache or have a fall.

Reading glasses

When riding with a large group of middle-aged cyclists all peering at arm’s length at a menu, one of our number pulled out a pair of readers much to the envy of everyone. If you need them, take a cheap pair. You can buy foldable ones that come in tiny carry cases. It can also pay to take a sunglasses cloth/bag just to clean your lenses.

Sunscreen

If you are out in the summertime, you will sweat off your sunscreen so take a small squirter just to look after your neck and arms. Replenish at coffee / lunch as required.

Food

You’ll know this but always aim to come home with at least one bit of food in reserve. Take Gels / Bars / salty snacks. I like Hi-5 bars & Gels and CLIF bars, but everyone has different tastes and preferences.

Hydro tablets

Carry hydrate tablets with you. As you re-fill your bottles you can add more hydrate. I use a small tube with a lid that was a sample pack and have cut down Berocca style tubes. I used to take tablets wrapped in cling film but they always spoil. Taking a tube of 10 should mean you can help your group and keep yourself hydrated. This applies to sportives as well – they may not have the brand / flavour that works for you. If you sweat a lot, consider taking Hydration salts as well. Carry a small pack of salt tablets. It can make a huge difference. Salt Sticks do small packs of Fastchews which are great. I pack them into sealable plastic bags or small plastic pots.

Café lock

I carry a small lock by ABUS that can secure 3 bikes. It’s not kryptonite security but would delay an opportunist. It just makes a coffee stop where the bikes are out of sight more relaxing.

There you go, 10 handy items that should all fit in your jersey pockets. I’m sure most of this is obvious and everyone is different, but it might have given you an idea and hopefully this helps you have a great ride.