The Packing List

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.

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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: )

Cycling checklist-1.doc

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