 Mountain Bike Adventurer's Checklist
The following mountain biker's checklist will help to plan your next mountain biking adventure. Not all items listed will be needed on every trip. Pack only what you need and leave the rest at home. Remember, you've got to carry what you pack. Mountain Biking Bicycle Gear - Mountain Bike - obviously!
- Two water bottles and carriers
- Small tool bag mounted under seat
- Security lock (if you plan to leave your bike for a mid-ride latte, blended juice, or snack)
- Pump
Tools - Compact screwdrivers to fit bike
- Allen wrenches to fit bike parts ( typically 3, 4, 5, and 6 mm)
- Tire irons
- Spoke wrench
- Freewheel tool (be sure it fits your freewheel)
- Six-inch crescent wrench
- Spare tire
- Spare tube
- Tube patch kit
- Chain rivet tool
- Spare chain link
First Aid - Antibiotics
- Antiseptics
- Tylenol
- Benadryl
- Tincture of Benzoin
- Sterile gauze pads
- Nonadherent dressing
- One-inch adhesive tape
- Steristrips
- Ace wrap
- Moleskin
- Second Skin
- Tweezers
- Bandage scissors
- Irrigation syringe
- Talcum powder for saddle sores and for flat tires -- dusting the tube before placing it
- Pencil and emergency report form
- Emergency Phone Numbers and money for a phone call
Clothing - Bike helmet -- if you have a brain, protect it!
- Cycling shorts -- I prefer the baggie outers with pockets to the tight Lycra geek look
- Cycling socks
- T-shirt (cotton / synthetic blend such as those made by Sierra Designs or Patagonia or synthetic such as Tekware by The North Face)
- OR, instead of a T-shirt, opt for a high-tech cycling jersey with the pockets behind for snacks and other misc. odds and ends...you'll look cool so you had better cycle cool!)
- Fleece, Polartec or wool sweater
- Cycling gloves
- Rain jacket - lightweight for windbreaker and just-in-case sprinkles
- Cycling shoes (be sure you can walk / hike comfortably in these too, because you will at some point!)
Miscellaneous - Wrap-style sunglasses
- Compass ( a mini one that mounts on the handlebars works just fine)
- Heart-rate monitor and altimeter mounted on the handlebars, too
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Bandana
- High energy snacks
- Camera and film
- Small hydration pack with room for packing snacks
Contributed By: Michael Hodgson
Michael Hodgson is a an award-winning journalist and author of numerous books including Camping for Dummies, Compass and Map Navigator, and Facing the Extreme. He is a volunteer instructor for the American Red Cross, Nevada County Sheriff's Search & Rescue team and was a former mountain guide. Michael is well-known for his sense of humor and eagerness to try anything once in the pursuit of a really good story. His friends remain amazed that he can still walk. He has partnered with his journalist-wife, Therese Iknoian, on four web sites: his own www.AdventureNetwork.com, plus www.GearTrends.com, www.TotalFitnessNetwork.com, and www.SNEWSnet.com | |
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