First time rider here! I just had a question about the "what to pack" list. On the first page it says anything with an asterisk is required including tire pump, spare inner tubes, tire lever and patch kit.
These things are absoloutley required? And where are we supposed to keep them? I assume we pack them with our gear and retrieve it at the campground but I was under the impression that there would be a maintenence tent set up at the campground.
I just wanted to know what "required" means and how necessary these things are to have?
hey Pugsnotdrugs, the items you listed should be carried with you in a seat bag, saddle bag or back pack and should be brought with you on the route. The reason is because if you get a flat while on the route you will want to change the tube so that you can get going again. There are bike repair vans that travel the route but depending on where you are it could be a long wait for them to get to you, there are also shops set up at each rest stop but they are traditionally very busy.
I've had a flat the last two years riding and was able to change the tube and get going again before any repair vechicle coming by, then once you get the next stop you can buy a new tube to replace the one you just used. Last year i had a flat right before lunch and so went to the bike shop that was set up at lunch to buy and new one and they just gave it to me for free!
Technically you don't need it if you want to wait but I would definately pack them, a seat bag might run you about $15-20.
good luck on your first ride, you will really enjoy it. This will be my 5th!
And dont worry if you dont know how to change a flat or use a pump (like me :) )....just having the equipment can be enough. Every time we have had to stop due to a repair there is a constant stream of other riders checking if you need help....someone always seems willing to lend a hand if you need, just nice if you have your own supplies!
Definitely bring the tools because there are plenty of riders like me who are willing to stop and help, but I'm not willing and able to hand out a $10 tube to every person who gets a flat. And I'm not going to take the chance of damaging or losing my tools every time I stop to help someone out.
There are support teams on the ride to help you, but they are volunteers, and the tubes and other supplies that they have with them are not yours for free. Sometimes there are freebies to be had but even so you should put down your money just like you would on any other day.
What about food / fruit for the rest stops? Do we need to pack energy gells or bars to eat at the rest stops?
There is food at all the rest stops. And water. Sometimes gatorage in jugs.
If you want gels, have specific food needs, etc, pack them. The food at the rest stations is generally apples/oranges/bananas, plain bagels, cream cheese and/or honey spread, and then some type of bar (Clif, granola, etc).
I found the smallest one I could (bell) at Canadian tire for $5. has a little hard rubber tab you flick to ring it. bell is about the diameter of a loonie. Can be heard well enough for sure with out being too annoying like the bells you push the level and they spin inside. Would not want kids to think the Ice Creme man is coming
Packing your clothing in a plastic bag inside your gym bag could also be a good idea in case the weather gets wet on saturday. at camp, they will unpack all the bags from the trucks onto the ground to be collected, and if your bag gets wet, your contents could also get a little wet too.
Packing your clothing in a plastic bag inside your gym bag could also be a good idea in case the weather gets wet on saturday. at camp, they will unpack all the bags from the trucks onto the ground to be collected, and if your bag gets wet, your contents could also get a little wet too.
That is a great tip! I was wondering if that was what they were going to do! Now that I know I will be sure to put everything in a plastic bag!
Your choices of seats at camp are...some folding dining chairs, the ground, your bag or the porta potty seat!
While I think a fol;diong camp chair would be great...also think of how you would attach it to your bag and of the Crew person on the other end who needs to deal with it on the gear truck.
SSMRides wrote:While I think a fol;diong camp chair would be great...also think of how you would attach it to your bag and of the Crew person on the other end who needs to deal with it on the gear truck.
That's what I figured, I just think I need to give my butt a break at camp and sit on something comfier than the ground!
SSMRides wrote:While I think a fol;diong camp chair would be great...also think of how you would attach it to your bag and of the Crew person on the other end who needs to deal with it on the gear truck.
That's what I figured, I just think I need to give my butt a break at camp and sit on something comfier than the ground!
There are plenty of chairs, and you'll have your tent to lie down in, and there are lots of things to do aside from just sitting on your duff. Spend the time wandering around and meeting some of the incredible people taking part in this great event. The walking around will probably be better for you if you think your arse is going to be sore.
And if your arse is sore, you should look at getting your bike fit properly. A proper fit makes all the difference in the world!
