I haven’t ridden a century (100 mile bicycle ride) in quite a few years, but tomorrow morning I’ll try to complete Bike Around the Buttes on my recently-upgraded Takara Tribute. Since I haven’t done a ride like this in years (decades?), I thought I would make a pre-ride checklist. Then, after the ride (when I’ve figured out all the things I forgot), I’ll add comments to this post so that I’ll be better prepared next time. And perhaps some other intrepid rider will get some benefit out of this as well.
- Bike (duh!)
- Computer
- HRM
- Gatorade bottles, 2
- “Morning Rush” coffee cup
- Bento box: fig- and apple newtons
- Camelbak (w/ stuff I don’t want to leave unattended at rest stops)
- Bladder!
- Wallet, cash
- Cell phone
- Truck keys
- Swiss army knife
- Ipod, remote, ear buds
- Camera?
- Rack pack
- Spare tube
- Pump
- Patch kit
- Tire levers
- Hex wrenches
- Phillips screwdriver
- PB&J sandwiches, 2 (quartered)
- Food bars, 4
- Gatorade mix, 4 (scant ¼c for 24 oz bottle)
- Bananas, 2
- Extra zip-lock bags, 4
- Chamois Butt’r
- Lip balm
- Rain jacket (weather looks questionable tomorrow)
- Rain gloves (”)
- Ear/head warmer (”)
- Riding shorts, shirt
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
- Mirror
- Cleats
- Cleat covers
- Socks
- Sandals (for easier walking pre- and post-ride)
- Helmet
- Bandana/sweat band
- Floor pump
- Coffee
- Directions to ride location
Don’t forget to charge the cell phone and Ipod the night before! Also, wash out the Camelbak bladder and water bottles.
Of course I forgot a few things, but not much!
I ought to be sure to clean my sunglasses the night before a ride.
Don’t forget your protective helm.