| As the old adage goes, "An ounce of prevention is | | | | it's been in your pack for a while). Make sure you |
| worth a pound of cure." And if you're going on a | | | | know how to use all the tools properly, though; they'll |
| lengthy bike ride, that makes a lot of sense. To keep | | | | do you no good if you can't figure out what to do |
| yourself comfortable and safe - and avoid getting | | | | with them! You can carry a guide with you, even if |
| caught in any frustrating situations - it's important to | | | | it's just a few tips scribbled on index cards, outlining |
| be prepared before you set out. | | | | bicycle repair basics (such as fixing a flat) if you have |
| Since it will be such a crucial part of your ride, your | | | | trouble remembering. Tip: laminate your bike repair |
| backpack itself should be an investment. Look for | | | | guide in case you find yourself having to consult it in |
| one made especially for cyclists. Such packs are | | | | the rain. Buy the mountain bikes online at Being |
| made of durable, lightweight, weather-proof materials. | | | | prepared for a malfunction doesn't just include |
| Ideally, your pack should have adjustable waist and | | | | problems with the bike - it includes everything from |
| chest straps and a ventilated back. Some even | | | | inclement weather to emergencies to personal |
| contain compression systems to prevent the | | | | discomforts. Pack a cell phone (ensure that it's fully |
| contents from shifting and rattling during your ride, | | | | charged first!) or a phone card. It doesn't hurt to |
| and hydration packs to hold large amounts of water | | | | carry a few dollars, and maybe a couple quarters as |
| and allow for hands-free drinking. Such features are | | | | well. A lightweight, foldable hooded jacket or poncho |
| optional; nice, but not absolutely necessary. | | | | will protect your clothing from an unexpected |
| Riding takes a lot of stamina, especially in warmer | | | | downpour. Make yourself a laminated card with your |
| weather. You will need plenty of water, and you may | | | | name, address, telephone number and emergency |
| want to throw in some sports drinks for sodium | | | | contact numbers, and put it in a place where it can |
| replenishment. If possible, arrange to ride along a path | | | | be easily spotted. Pack a bottle of waterproof, |
| where there will be opportunities to refill your water | | | | high-SPF sunscreen - travel-sized if you're short on |
| supply if necessary. Pack one sports bar or piece of | | | | space - so that you can reapply as needed, and a |
| fruit - bananas are great for cyclists - for every hour | | | | tube of protective lip balm such as Chap-Stick. You |
| you plan to ride, plus one or two extras just in case | | | | may also want to carry a tube of sports cream to |
| you're out longer than you planned (or one of your | | | | relieve on-the-road muscle aches and stiff joints, |
| companions isn't so well prepared). | | | | some Band-Aids and antibiotic cream for cuts and |
| In case of bike malfunction, you'll want to carry | | | | scrapes, and a travel-sized pack of tissues or baby |
| some tools. To save space, consider carrying a | | | | wipes. |
| multi-tool. These handy all-in-one tools contain | | | | Whatever the contents of your biking pack, unload it |
| everything you need to fix common problems on the | | | | and check everything out periodically for expiration |
| road: Allen wrenches, Phillips and flat-blade | | | | dates, breakage, leakage, or other general problems. |
| screwdriver heads, spoke wrenches and chain tools. | | | | Bumping around in a backpack, or being stored for |
| Throw in a patch kit, tire lever, a small bottle of chain | | | | long periods of time, can eventually wreak havoc on |
| lube, and a spare tube and you're covered (inspect | | | | your supplies. Make sure everything is in good |
| the spare for damage before each ride, especially if | | | | working order! |