1St Audax

[quixoticgeek]

I'm hoping to do my first Audax in January (200km Dutch ride). I'm wondering what people take with them on an Audax? Spare tubes, multitool, tyre levers, drink, and .... ?

J

[Ajax Bay]

Back up lights, front and back.
Head torch.
Footwarmers (for a January ride)
Brevet card and pencil.
Plastic bag for receipts/ATM slips.
Debit card and Euros.

[Kim]

Bicycle.

[mattc]

Bicycle.

Not required.

trikes (and possibly unicycles?) are permitted

[LittleWheelsandBig]

Scooters and skateboards have been used and roller skates might have been, though bikes are a better choice for most folk.

[Blazer]

Route sheet holder or similar hands free navigation aid

I did my first without...

[andyoxon]

and a couple of pairs of disposable gloves, a chain quick link (KMC) or two, tyre boot in PR kit, plus everything else.

This may be useful...  So, what's your audax kit/setup?

[Bikeabilityman]

Shortbread.

[BlackSheep]

No matter how many cyclists you ask, you'll get twice as many answers.

There's a downloadable specific advice section on AUK website for first timers

http://www.aukweb.net/events/riding/

[hillbilly]

Two bits of advice:

1) As you get more experienced, you'll realise what you must carry, what you should carry, and what you don't need.   But as a first ride, err on the side of carrying it if you think it might be useful. 

2) Do this mental exercise.  Imagine you are riding in the first 4 hours of the ride.  What would you carry?  Then do that mental exercise for the next 4 hours. And then the next 4 hours.  Add them up, remove things you've double counted, and that's pretty much what you need to carry.

[D.A.L.E.]

Selfie stick.

[markcjagar]

Lager & chips

[Nuncio]

No matter how many cyclists you ask, you'll get twice as many answers.

I was wondering how that could be true. Then,

Two bits of advice:

which almost, sort of, explained it.

[Peter]

 

[Wycombewheeler]

For a 200 I just carry what I would carry on any ride.

Two tubes, pump, levers, multi tool and chain quicklink. If I remember I may also take disposable gloves. Rain jacket if forecast requires.

Others take a more comprehensive approach to spares. This comes down to a balance of probability if failure and consequences of failure. I imagine that the Netherlands is relatively densely populated with good transport links in case of terminal mechanical failure.
I have seen people with spare tyres, spokes and cables.

For a winter 200 you need to consider temperatures fluctuations, do you need more layers to put on? If you have layers to take off can you carry them?

[Banjo]

If relying on a GPS make sure your battery power is enough. If using a routesheet consider how you will see it in the dark ,Both these can be helped by attaching a headtorch to your helmet if you use one .Not using the back lighting on the GPS will extend battery life.

[earthloop]

If relying on a GPS make sure your battery power is enough.

Also, do you know how to factory reset it ? If not, google it now from the comfort of your armchair and write the answer on the back of something.

[Marmitegeoff]

I have seen people with spare tyres, spokes and cables.

You have seen the contents of my rack bag then.   

[Jamesha]

I normally take some paracetamol which I occasionally use if I get persistent aches and pains.

I also take a buff which is useful for multiple tasks including keeping ears warm, wiping up sweat, blood  etc.

Most important though is fig rolls 

[sojournermike]

Spare clothes and a pair of trainers in case you need to push the bike home to fix a puncture

[Jamesha]

Take some low denomination notes - £5, £10 or equivalent in Euro's plus some coins.

Cafe owners must dread 50 cyclists turning up all buying a drink and expecting change for a £20

And a small lock - nothing too heavy - just enough to prevent casual theft when you are queuing for a toilet