Riding Essentials

The original messages are quoted from PCC's facebook group discussion board.

The following list contains items that you should have in your bag this coming presidential, or any other jamboree.

1) Spare Tube – There is nothing worse than being on the side of the trail with a flat tire and no spare tube. It is unfair for other fellow riders to spare you their spares.

2) Tire Levers – Changing out a flat is much easier with the aid of some good tire levers.

3) Mini-Pump – While other riders will have, it is better to carry your own.

4) Magic Link - A MagicLink is a single connecting link that connect one end to the other. This item could possibly be one of the most important things to carry while riding. If you break a chain on the trail, this is going to be your best friend. It allows you to remove the bad link with your multi-tool and then reconnect the chain without having to press in the pins.

5) Nutrition – Powerbars and gels. Oral salts are a good substitute for electrolytes. Mix this in water. Cramps develop from either too little salt or too much salt in the body.

6) Multi-Tool - This “do-it-all” tool has almost everything you need for a trail side repair in a convenient and small package. Get one with a chain tool built in.

7) First Aid Kit – This one is pretty self explanatory. It is not if…it’s when you or someone you are riding with wrecks, it is good to have a small first aid kit available to clean everything up.
In your first aid kit, try to have the following in there.
a. Opsite spray. Disinfects and seals without any actual contact.
b. Spray on Iodine. Again, no physical contact. Great stuff.
b. Salonplus spray or Yoko Yoko. These two are fantastic to keep cramps at bay. With both, the more you ride, i.e. use the muscles, the warmer they get. Super !!

8) Toilet Paper – This multi-use item can be a life saver during a trail side restroom break, but it can also be used to wipe off anything.

9) Lubricant - This is something which will save you $$$ when you ride in muddy conditions and do river crossings.

10) Sunblock - you are going to need it even though there's a fair bit of canopy.

11) Waterproof bag - Worth to bring along just in case it rains.

12) Mobile phone - emergency contact numbers are on the back of your passport/race plate.

13) Sense of Humour - Do bring copious amounts of this. It tends to make the ride more enjoyable.