I have a big ride coming up Saturday: The Terrible Two, one of the toughest double centuries in California and probably the entire country. What makes it tough is the combination of hard climbs — 16,000 feet in all, including long stretches at 8 percent and steeper, much steeper — and hot summer solstice weather — the past couple of days it has topped 100 degrees on much of the course, though there’s supposed to be a cooldown Saturday morning.
Going on a ride like this isn’t a matter of jumping on the bike and heading out the door. You want to make sure you’ve got everything you need for a long, tough day on the road. It takes hours to get everything ready, and the process seems endless. Kate has urged me to put together a checklist of everything I need. For years, I’ve said, “Great idea, honey!” and done nothing about it.
Until now. I put together a gear checklist yesterday. Looking at it, I see why everything takes so long. In fact, it amazes me that anyone manages to carry all this stuff with them on their bikes. But we do. The list, for your edification and enjoyment, is after the jump.
Technorati Tags: cycling, terrible two
Cycling checklist
ID/Money/Phone
Driver’s license
ATM and/or credit card
$20 cash (minimum for daylong ride)
Medical insurance card
Cellphone (w/charger*)
Camera*
Clothes
Shorts
Jersey
Gloves
Glasses/spare lenses
Socks
Wool undershirt
Tights
Arm warmers
Leg/knee warmers
Reflective ankle bands
Reflective vest
Vest
Jacket/rain jacket
Shoe covers
Hat (winter)
Bandana (summer)
Tools/gear
Frame pump
2 spare tubes
Tube repair kit
Tire irons
Multitool
Lights (w/ spares*)
Extra batteries*
Chain tool/links
Chain lube
Extra cleat screws and washers
Zip ties
Extra baggies
Spare cables and tool*
Food/water
2 water bottles
Camelbak*
Food bars
ClifShots
Gel
2 bottles Ensure (or similar)
Extra drink powder
First aid
Ibuprofen
Band-Aids
Wipes
Albuterol
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Chamois Butt’r or similar
Contact lens supplies*
Post-ride bag
Full change of clothes
Recovery drink and food
Towel
Soap and shampoo
Glasses
(And here’s a copy of the list in Word: )
That looks like a grueling ride, Dan. Good Luck.
Good luck. We’ll be thinking about you out there.
Dan: Take care of yourself, and Godspeed.
Man, Dan, I hope you’re having a great ride.