I currently have a back frame w/ basket on the side and wanted to take it off for the ride and replace it with a triangle frame bag from MEC
The fit is actually pretty good, but what I am concerned about is the brake cords. They run along the bottom outside of the frame. In my mind, strapping over this would cause problems braking and more friction/eventually rip through it or something.
I worry about the impact of strapping it underneath, and if I'll still face friction and it possible still ripping through the strap.
in my opinion; you may not need everything you are planning to bring along the way ...
there will be pit stops every 20, and your jersey has pockets on the back for snack and also they sell the little pouches for like $20 for behind the seat that are big enough for a camera, cell phone and cash/id.
in my opinion; you may not need everything you are planning to bring along the way ...
there will be pit stops every 20, and your jersey has pockets on the back for snack and also they sell the little pouches for like $20 for behind the seat that are big enough for a camera, cell phone and cash/id.
hope this helps :)
nadia
Just got the jersey, and see the pockets it has. Not sure I really want to carry things in it though. I'll just be sweating on it and there is the chance it could fall out!
I had a mini backpack last year, and nothing got used, but that is not too say you won't need the following essentials (forgive me if I miss anything)
1. tire tube+tools to change. small pump with CO2 cannister. These can be attached to the frame. tire tube and tools in a pouch under the seat. 2. Water bottle(s). at least one large if not two. 3. 2-3 fruit gels or cliff bars. in case you get hungry between pit stops. if you are doing 200m this is essential. 4. camera (photo ops are more on the second day). 5. couple of bandaids. There are medics riding and in vehicles. Help is always at hand. but a couple of bandaids for protecting against small cuts or blisters is a good idea. 6. rain poncho (if rain showers are in the forecast). small one that can be folded and scrunched.
Thats all you really need in my opinion. The backpack I had last year was more of a pain (in the back) and i got rid of it the second day.
For the past 2 years I have always carried far too much with me. This year my goal is to carry less!!! I will use a under the seat bag and my ipod speaker....and that is it!
I was wondering the same thing. I pruchased a bag for my bike at a shop in Barrie, it clips on and off when needed. It's great has a section for ID, your cell phone,camera,medication..ect.. and as I have a special diet to follow, I have enough room to pack a little something extra..and it's not to bulky or in the way of the break cables.. I think you are better safe than sorry.. I also have the bag under my seat for the tool for the bike ect...
For the past 2 years I have always carried far too much with me. This year my goal is to carry less!!! I will use a under the seat bag and my ipod speaker....and that is it!
and that is it. My cell phone will fit inside my handlebar speaker.
Hey... just 1 tube? I was thinking of bringing two, and relying on other riders to actually have tools/help replace :)
Can u tell me more about the hydration tabs? With my bag I only have space for one water bottle, and worry about it being enough between stations, especially after the first one...
Having now received my package I have this question: I like many riders I know carry a small bag right under our sadle. The instructions from the ride is that you are to hang the licence plate type card from the underside of your sadle. Can't see how I do both and I would rather have my spare tube, tools and CO2 cartridges. This especially since I will have the name plate hanging from the top tube.
Anyone who has done this before I would love to know if I need both id cards?
I didn't find my seat one tucked in the envelope until a few days later. I'd called and they called me back just as I found it and were relieved, "Becuase it'd be a real problem if you didn't have that.
Ergo, I'm assuming it's mandatory.
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My licence plate name tag just attaches to the front of my seat bag - using zip ties.
I have to say that the back name plate has been useful - you do not really see the one on the front tube. Last year my knee brace was tucked under my seat (ok, perhaps I should have been wearing it!!) and was about to fall out, which of course I did not know, until the rider behind me could call my name out, using the name plate. It also helps when you need to pass someone in a tight area or to shout out encouragement to someone who is struggling.
I also think that they use it when you are leaving the bike lots on Saturday morning and Sunday morning - they match the name on your bike with the one of your wrist....just gives then an extra place to look when your front tube is blocked.
Hey... just 1 tube? I was thinking of bringing two, and relying on other riders to actually have tools/help replace :)
Can u tell me more about the hydration tabs? With my bag I only have space for one water bottle, and worry about it being enough between stations, especially after the first one...
Usually carry one tube on Day one and have a second one in my overnight bag in case I need it on Sunday....you can always purchase one if you need to from the bike team. I would suggest go with less weight!
I carry Nuun Hydration tabs - they are sugar free which I need. I can not drink the gaterade that is provided at the stops. I carry two water bottles - one for water and one for Nuun....I just fill both up at each stop and then pop in a hydration tab. Hope that helps!
They are tabs that I can add to water for electrolyte replacement - the ride provides Gatorade at each stop but I can not drink that so I bring my own.
I did find that at times I would finish both bottles between stops (I am not a super fast rider) but there was also times that I would dump what was left in my bottles to refill with cold fresh water at a stop.
What they do is have large plastic tubs that they put 18L water bottles in with a pump top. They then fill around the bottle with ice to try to chill the water. There is usually ice that can be put into your bottles as well.
The literature says that there are rest stops every 20 to 30 kms.
Most bikes have a spot to carry two bottles (though you may need to buy a second bottle cage). The general advice is that you should drink a bottle an hour. A speed of 15 to 20 kms per hour is a very reasonable speed so two bottles should get your through 30 kms.
-- Edited by adiamond on Friday 4th of June 2010 03:34:18 PM
