Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Audax => Topic started by: jhob on 03 January, 2016, 08:24:57 pm
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I finally got around to creating an audax packing list.
If anyone's interested you can view it in trello here: https://trello.com/b/blJo482D/audax-packing-list
I'm happy for this to start a discussion on things you find useful to take with you, or anything obvious that I may have missed.
Also, if you don't already have a packing list yourself, feel free to steal mine as a starting point.
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Cable ties!
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Cable ties!
Good point! I do carry some, just neglected to put them on the list! Same with gaffa tape which I have now also added.
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Instead of a multitool - consider packing the specific tools you might need - 4mm, 5mm, 8mm allen keys etc. I've found that they are easier to use than an awkward multitool and depending on what I pack - can weigh less. But the biggest upside is that if I need the tool - I can actually use it.
My toolkit (http://balancingontwowheels.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/custom-toolkit.html)
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Vaseline/lip balm
Backup front light
A couple of chain links
Chain lube
Headphones
I prefer a spare long sleeved jersey instead of an extra base layer.
Clean socks (long rides only I guess)
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That's a good point. Personally I prefer multitools because allen keys have an annoying habit of wandering off, but the important point of making sure that the tool you're carrying actually does the job you expect it to is universal. I've been thwarted in the past by multi-tools not having the sizes I thought they did, and by spanners not providing enough leverage to undo a given bolt. I can second the comment about cheesy Cyclo chain tools, and the innate superiority of the Park alternative, in the above link.
While we're here, it's probably worth adding "Rubber cement that hasn't solidified" to the checklist. Those things are sneaky bastards. Anyone smugly thinking they can avoid the issue with slime or self-adhesive patches will be doomed, for the fairy is subtle and quick to anger.
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Small headtorch. It's far easier to do night time roadside maintenance when you don't have to hold a light in one hand. If it's powerful enough, it can double as an emergency front light.
I'd second (third, n+1th, whatever) the recommendation for individual tools that fit your bike rather than multitools. OTOH, a multitool is a good way of having tools other people need; or sometimes that you need but never thought you would!
And the lip thing.
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Vaseline/lip balm
Backup front light
A couple of chain links
Chain lube
Headphones
I prefer a spare long sleeved jersey instead of an extra base layer.
Clean socks (long rides only I guess)
Chain lube I could have done with a couple of times. Once when I had forgotten to apply it pre-ride and another reaally wet ride where it got washed off. Do you know of any compact chain lubes available that would do the job in an emergency?
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Replace the helmet with an Assos cap ;) *Lights touch paper & walks aw
Eye drops for 1200s.
Do you know of any compact chain lubes available that would do the job in an emergency?
Purple extreme (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/purple-extreme-synthetic-lubricant/) carried in an old eye drops bottle works for me.
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Never packed yet. ;D
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Do you know of any compact chain lubes available that would do the job in an emergency?
Decant the lube of your choice into an empty soy sauce bottle (the little fish-shaped ones) from some supermarket sushi. Should do one or two complete applications of oil.
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Never packed yet. ;D
I was expecting a list of valid reasons for packing.
- two or more frame fractures
- the lure of gold taps
etc ...
[has only packed on a BP]
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Never packed yet. ;D
I was expecting a list of valid reasons for packing.
- two or more frameskull fractures
- the lure of gold tapsAmex
etc ...
[has only packed on a BP]
Surely nothing less than this!
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nice work John :thumbsup:
`tyre boot` cut a small section (10cm abouts) of casing from old tyre, remove bead----can be used if tyre gets slashed etc.
(or I have on MTB once used a empty gel sachet packet)
Gilet, (hi viz one ?)
Maybe instead of spare full sleeve baselayer >> s/sleeve base layer + set armwarmers, more versatile , and set knee warmers if long ride / cold as can be added over tights / legwarmers (as per marcusJB packing list ideas)
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PRK with spare inner and useful Allen keys.
Phone
Wallet
Titanium Spork
Great big FO knife.
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PRK with spare inner and useful Allen keys.
Phone
Wallet
Titanium Spork
Great big FO knife.
Misread that as RPK (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RPK) and wondered where you audaxed that you found such an item important.
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I always carry a short section of an old tyre to use as a tyre boot and until last year never needed to use it!
I also carry a spare pair of socks if the event looks like being a 'wet one' as I hate to have soaking wet feet after the rain has passed.
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One of the Irish crew put together a similar checklist (http://www.audaxireland.org/the-saddlebag/event-check-list/) a while ago, which I think has been shared here before - includes reminders for after the ride, when you're too tired to think ...
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............
Great big FO knife.
Possession of these things tends to be illegal
Consider taking a slightly bigger jar of vaseline, and ditching the chain lube. (And not the other way 'round :o )
Did you put maps on the list?
I would also consider creating a list of any allergies/conditions you may have that a paramedic may rely on should you be unconcious when if a paramedic attends. Also on the list could go any medication you're taking, and it's location.
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having little experience of the genre, some of that stuff would surely be distance/season dependent?
For a 100km, I'd not carry much more than when I went out for 70odd yesterday, and that was a lot less than some of those lists.
- spare tubes x 2
- levers
- multi tool
- CO2 and inflator
- get me home kit - patches, adhesive, spare chain links, zip ties, odd bits of wire, a tenner (doubles as tyre boot)
- waterproof
- rear light
- phone and bogroll in a drybag
- expected calorific requirements plus emergency stock, drinks
- most important Blood Glucose monitor
No lock as I wasn't planning stopping, but I do plan on getting a small one for this kind of thing.
Of course maps/route card for an actual audax rather than a pretend one like yesterday.
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Not planning stopping? How on earth can you ride an audax without stopping for cake?
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Not planning stopping? How on earth can you ride an audax without stopping for cake?
By adding CAKE to the packing list?
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Top thinking, Batkim!
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When CAKE is packed, its to save money at the stops.
Audax is a social outing, not a bl***ing race!
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A few safety pins, great for digging the 'puncture flint' out of your tyre and will also hold together a bust zip.
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When CAKE is packed, its to save money at the stops.
Audax is a social outing, not a bl***ing race!
I wasn't out racing just a brisk solo ride. But an actual Audax would of course involve a café stop.
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The packed nutrition looks a bit on the sugary side. Over time I've found that this tends to lead to an unenjoyable cycle of sugar crashes. I find energy gels and the like OK for short sprints and races but would want to pack something a bit more substantial and savoury for long rides that might take you through the night with little chance of a resupply.
Rainlegs are OK for warmer weather but for winter riding, a full waterproof trouser might be more appropriate. My OMM's proved pretty amazing yesterday.
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How about adding
Duct tape wrapped around an old credit card.
A couple of sachets of chamois cream.
Ibuprofen or paracetamol.
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Shewee. Much like rainlegs, it's something you hope not to need.
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How about adding
Duct tape wrapped around an old credit card.
A couple of sachets of chamois cream.
Ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Got all of those (I wrap duct tape around my pump).
List has been updated based on suggestions from here. I've also bought some new bits to supplement the kit (space blanket, first aid kit, eye dropper bottle for chain oil etc...)
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The packed nutrition looks a bit on the sugary side. Over time I've found that this tends to lead to an unenjoyable cycle of sugar crashes. I find energy gels and the like OK for short sprints and races but would want to pack something a bit more substantial and savoury for long rides that might take you through the night with little chance of a resupply.
Rainlegs are OK for warmer weather but for winter riding, a full waterproof trouser might be more appropriate. My OMM's proved pretty amazing yesterday.
The nutrition is on-bike nutrition and gels there to beat the bonk. I eat proper stuff at controls. Although granted if riding through the night you would probably want to stock up on some proper food.
I don't actually own a pair of rainlegs yet but will be getting some this month. I think I would boil in the bag with full waterproofs so I take the option being less, but still somewhat, damp!
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I don't actually own a pair of rainlegs yet but will be getting some this month. I think I would boil in the bag with full waterproofs so I take the option being less, but still somewhat, damp!
+1
Waterproof trousers seem mostly useful for standing around in the rain. If you're riding in them, you're going to be wet anyway.
I accept that I rarely ride audax distances in conditions cold enough to impair my breathing, and some people are blessed with an ability not to sweat.
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Is it just me?
(http://www.inderkitchen.co.uk/ekmps/shops/inderkitchen/images/leisure-aqualine-1.0-polished-finish-stainless-steel-kitchen-sink-aq9851-2137-p[ekm]240x240[ekm].jpg)
I appear to manage without most of the items on your list.
It's only a bike ride. What's the worst that can happen?1
1: Dec 28th, walked 3km downhill into Dunbar after 201km as my brakes had failed- a fact that made itself apparent during a series of 10% descents in the 'wilds' of Borders District, Scotland. A couple of fields had handily open gates to allow vegetative halts but chancing it over the A1 didn't appeal. Discovered 30/12 I had the necessary torx driver to tighten them on the multitool in the saddle :facepalm:
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How about adding
Duct tape wrapped around an old credit card.
A couple of sachets of chamois cream.
Ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Got all of those (I wrap duct tape around my pump).
List has been updated based on suggestions from here. I've also bought some new bits to supplement the kit (space blanket, first aid kit, eye dropper bottle for chain oil etc...)
Duct tape gest wrapped around an old Nuun tube containing all the little bits and bobs to stop them jumping around in pocket/saddlebag/rack bag
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Foil blanket
Whistle
Postcards + stamps
Spare phone battery
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I appear to manage without most of the items on your list.
I appear to manage without most of the items I carry. They've occasionally been useful for sorting less prepared people out, or fixing the shower at my destination.
It's only a bike ride. What's the worst that can happen?1
Splatty DETH, but the only way to mitigate that is to stay at home. Beyond that it becomes an exercise in trading off weight of stuff vs how much it'll ruin your day not to have it. As a) a lardarse with b) a 19kg bike and c) limited walking ability there's quite a lot of potentially useful stuff that would be pointless weight weenieism to leave at home. My non-bike-specific toolkit lives in a stuffsack (bike specific stuff like tubes and security keys stay with the relevant bike), so I don't generally think about it. It's just there.
Those light enough to notice every gram or who have motorised assistance a phonecall away can quite reasonably take a different approach.
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I never pack on an audax ;D
(except on special occasions when it's pissing down with a vile headwind)
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These often come in handy ;D
- Nitrile gloves
- Hand sanitiser
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Cleat bolt
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Head torch
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i wouldn't consider clothes as a part of packing list. same with gps'es;pump/prk - they are always with me. the rest of stuff is dependent on the length of the ride, season of the year etc.
yes to the individual allen keys/tools for each bike.
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These often come in handy ;D
- Nitrile gloves
- Hand sanitiser
Baby wipes also work well, and dual functionality ;)
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Admittedly tailored to PBP and is bike-specific in places, but nevertheless another comparable list: http://www.16inchwheels.uk/2015/09/07/paris-brest-paris-kit-list/.
I have an individual toolkit for each of my audax bikes (three of them) so I can keep bike-specific tools together, but to be honest they're almost identical for each. My fixie kit includes a 15mm wheel-nut spanner and I don't bother with the chain tool. However, each has a pouch of bike-specific spares and there are significant differences there.
On Allen keys: I favour one specific multitool, the Park mini-9. This has only those tools that I use and only one (Torx) that I don't. I use this tool even when I'm fettling the bike at home, so it's like second nature. I keep this tool to hand for quick adjustments/tightenings, the other tools in the little neoprene pouches shown on the page above.
I'm with Kim: although it seems like a lot of stuff, it doesn't weigh enough to make any difference to my speed, and definitely makes a difference when needed. It may be kichen-sinkish, but I can fix or bodge most things and get to the end, touch wood; and those pouches really are quite small.
I generally carry a pair of knickers or longs for additional warmth if I'm not already wearing them, plus a spare pare of socks. Plus weatherproofs.
I used Rain Legs on my first audax way back in 2012 and they were okay. However, they itched in the wrong places, got caught under the nose of the saddle and the waterproof backing cracked around the knees after about six hours. They're definitely a Good Thing if you commute in jeans, though. These days I just wear an extra layer of leggings and warm the water up like a wetsuit — my eldest has commandeered the Legs for his daily ride to school ::-)
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Blimey I'd need to attach the Tesco trolley for all this stuff! But one essential I've had to use is small pair tweezers for small thorns / glass embedded in tyre.
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+1 on rainlegs catching on the saddle. I always sweat under them, too.
I keep my checklist on Excel, categorised by type of item and where I'll stow it, bar bar, saddlebag or toolkit. Once I've amassed the stuff by type I sort on stowage and pack each bag.
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A couple of our more esteemed members have mentioned cheese as a go to food. Steve is a bit busy at the moment, but what are your thoughts fboab ?
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Tweezers? Why not, could be useful. I'd also recommend a gentleman take moustache curlers.
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+1 on rainlegs catching on the saddle. I always sweat under them, too.
I must admit they're generally when you aren't using a saddle, apart from the knee flaps acting as aerobrakes above 30mph.
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Cleat bolt
Cleat bolts, if you're cycleman.
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I think rainlegs should be compulsory wear for those taking the part of the Dude Cowboy in the Forum Song.
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Blimey I'd need to attach the Tesco trolley for all this stuff! But one essential I've had to use is small pair tweezers for small thorns / glass embedded in tyre.
Amateur: safety pins are lighter/smaller and more versatile. And they come with an inbuilt attachment mechanism.
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Nobody mentioned the NBT2 yet?
http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s72p595
Horrendous price, but saved my LEL when cassette lockring came loose, and saved another rider's BCM600 when major wheel surgery needed at King's YH
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Blimey I'd need to attach the Tesco trolley for all this stuff! But one essential I've had to use is small pair tweezers for small thorns / glass embedded in tyre.
Oh how I wish I had some on Sunday's flinty p*ncturefest ....
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Nobody mentioned the NBT2 yet?
http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s72p595
Horrendous price, but saved my LEL when cassette lockring came loose, and saved another rider's BCM600 when major wheel surgery needed at King's YH
I have a lockring tool and a small adjustable spanner, at least in the full overnight ride / touring kit. NBT2 is neat, but won't help with the brake rotor on your SON Delux.
The adjustable spanner has probably been my most used roadside tool. Usually because nobody else on the ride has one.
(In comparison, my pump is probably my least used roadside tool. But I wouldn't leave it at home to save weight.)
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I always carry one of these http://www.3654bikes.co.uk/kinesis-racelight-4s-rear-mech-hanger.html (http://www.3654bikes.co.uk/kinesis-racelight-4s-rear-mech-hanger.html) used twice in 12 years. Both times after a fall and saved the day. Weighs 5g and fitted with a 5mm hex wrench.
BB
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If anyone's interested you can view it in trello here: https://trello.com/b/blJo482D/audax-packing-list
I'm probably a bit dumb, but all I can see on your website is a nice picture of a cyclist riding on a mountain road, but no list of any sort. Maybe my computer needs some sort of update.
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The OP list seems like a lot of stuff, with many duplicates (and I tend to carry too much).
Generally, on top of essentials like Wallet, Phone and "normal" cycle clothing....
1 - 2 tubes & puncture repair kit (which includes a multitool a couple of "Magic" chain links and some Duck tape wrapped around a pencil.
(No need for a tyre boot if you have Duck Tape imo).
2 - Pump
3 - Waterproof jacket (possibly a very flimsy one if the BBC promise no rain for next few weeks)
4 - Spare AAs for my Garmin Etrex (& Garmin Etrex)
5 - Some bonk rations (usually some buttered Malt loaf).
6 - High 5 Zero tabs.
The weather forecast plays a big role in deciding on clothing naturally.
A Buff, a thin Gilet, arm warmers and leg/knee warmers give maximum flexibility for the volume of an Orange.
I'll carry an extra base layer for an overnight ride.
The chances of me considering RainLegs for an Audax (or any reason) are zero.
I've ridden 600km Audaxes in the most atrocious conditions and never once wished I had more layers on my legs (Everywhere else yes, but not my legs).
That's it really. Unless it's a remote & long Audax, (BCM600 overnight) where you could be quite a way from help, you are never that far from food/drink.
I'll generally swig some Milkshake at a Garage and buy a sandwich, depending on the time of day. I tend to think as far as the next control but it's quite rare to depend on reaching the next control to get some food/drink.
If I have the equivalent of a sandwich in the Carradice then I'm OK. Sometimes just knowing you have that sandwich is enough to get you to the next control.
The worst mechanical I've had recently was a rear gear cable snapping on my ride back from PBP. That left me with a choice of 2 chainrings (a luxury since I generally ride Single-Speed).
The OP list has:
- Energy Gels
- Energy powder
- Bananas
- Jelly Babies
I assume they don't carry all of these as they are the same thing...Bonk Rations.
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Nobody mentioned the NBT2 yet?
http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s72p595
Horrendous price, but saved my LEL when cassette lockring came loose, and saved another rider's BCM600 when major wheel surgery needed at King's YH
Main problem with the NBT2 is that it removes my excuse for not carrying any spare spokes! Looks like a good idea for remote touring, but I wouldn't bother for an audax.
I have 36 spokes in the rear wheel and 32 in the front though with strong rims, so can keep going if I lose a few spokes and I carry a proper spoke key.
I also carry a Crank Brothers multi-tool that includes a good chain link tool; and a small penknife that folds out to make small pliers and has scissors and a bottle opener for after the ride. I have a handy little open ended spanner that is 10mm at one end and 8mm at the other and a small screwdriver that is useful for adjusting gears and digging glass out of tyres etc.
I carry a couple of spare mudguard bolts which has helped my riding mates out a few times and fixed my car. About 20 years ago my old Ford Cortina Crusader broke down on the way to a 300 as the thread stripped on the bolt holding a battery terminal on. As I fitted one of my mudguard bolts instead, I noticed that the air filter was rocking and found that the carburetor was coming apart with one bolt missing. Luckily it was the same thread as my mudguard bolts. Good job I didn't need any for my bike on that 300.
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The OP list seems like a lot of stuff, with many duplicates (and I tend to carry too much).
What do you consider 'duplicates'?
With the list I'm trying to strike a balance between being self-supporting and able to get myself out of most common incidents or situations that might arrive, whilst carrying minimal kit.
The OP list has:
- Energy Gels
- Energy powder
- Bananas
- Jelly Babies
I assume they don't carry all of these as they are the same thing...Bonk Rations.
Actually they all have quite a specific purpose for me:
* Energy Gel is bonk rations or if I need a quick pick-me-up particularly in the later stages of a ride.
* Jelly babies & energy drink I have while riding so that I have a constant supply of energy and hopefully avoid the bonk. If push came to shove I could lose the energy drink but I find that having a drinkable energy source means that I'm more likely to use it as I don't always feel like eating. I am always thoroughly sick of jelly babies by the end of a ride though.
* Banana is for the potassium content to stave off cramp which I am prone to. At controls I will often have a jacket potato for the potassium in that too.
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Before riding, pack your bags, weigh everything, and then start chucking stuff out.
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Actually they all have quite a specific purpose for me:
* Energy Gel is bonk rations or if I need a quick pick-me-up particularly in the later stages of a ride.
* Jelly babies & energy drink I have while riding so that I have a constant supply of energy and hopefully avoid the bonk. If push came to shove I could lose the energy drink but I find that having a drinkable energy source means that I'm more likely to use it as I don't always feel like eating. I am always thoroughly sick of jelly babies by the end of a ride though.
* Banana is for the potassium content to stave off cramp which I am prone to. At controls I will often have a jacket potato for the potassium in that too.
OK, so Jelly babies and Energy gel do pretty much the same thing. It's just about how you're using them. If you get sick of jelly babies then I'd suggest introducing other things for some variety. The energy drink and the banana are also kind of doing the same thing. Energy drinks usually contain the electrolytes and some of the calcium needed to prevent cramp. Energy drinks tend to be easier to digest so as a mid-ride remedy the bananas are a poor choice just for that. Potassium deficiency has become a bit of a panacea for the cause of cramps but it's a bit of a red herring. Hydration is equally important as electrolytes and calcium so sometimes energy drinks as a water substitute can lead to cramp because their water balance isn't great. Everyone is different so obviously you have to go with what works for you.
However, if I were writing that portion of the list I would go with hydration tablets (as opposed to energy drinks), nibbles (in the form of energy bars, dried fruit and nuts, cheese sandwiches or even crackers), possibly a gel although in the end I've never used one on a ride. I do find that I don't do well if I keep stuffing refined sugar down my neck all day and having mostly weaned myself off the stuff I do a lot better on long rides. YMMV.
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Before riding, pack your bags, weigh everything, and then start chucking stuff out.
Except I'd do that and conclude "it's only a few kilos, I won't even notice it".
So, let's look at this the other way: People have listed a great many items that are potentially useful on a bike ride. Which ones would you leave at home, and why?
I'll kick off with sports potions, preferring to use Real Food.
Spares for the wrong bike are another popular option.
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You might not notice a few kilos, but others would. After all, your bike weighs twice as much as what many people audax on to begin with! And some of those people will be intending to finish an audax in a "good" time. Others will be content to finish a minute before the last control closes or even an hour later.
Another way to look at it might be like packing for a holiday: sort everything out, then remove half the items and take twice as much money. You'll still wish you had that specialised item at some point and take things you never use.
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You might not notice a few kilos, but others would.
Yes, light people are much more bothered by weight. People with friends or family on speed-dial who can swoop in with motorised assistance, or who can walk several miles don't need to be able to bodge their bike back into some semblance of working order. I've covered that already.
The question is, assuming you *do* want to save weight, do you leave behind your spare gear cable, or your emergency cleat bolt? Your rainlegs or your chain tool? Your bananananana or your waterproof jacket? Your second bottle of water, or the emergency bogroll? I'm interested in the reasoning.
How much is based on prior experience of things going wrong? Fettling skills? Paranoia? A "must not think of failure" attitude? The knowledge that you'll be riding with a known kitchen sink enthusiast?
Another way to look at it might be like packing for a holiday: sort everything out, then remove half the items and take twice as much money. You'll still wish you had that specialised item at some point and take things you never use.
I'm not sure how applicable that is to audax. Or cycle touring for that matter. I suppose you can weight things according to scarcity: So food is - obscure dietary requirements permitting - relatively easy to come by and readily substituted with money. Screwdrivers, spanners, duct tape, bolts and so on are a little harder, but you'd likely be able to buy, beg, borrow or steal them in most towns. Bike-specific stuff is the tricky one, as you're pretty much limited to bike shops, and even they can't be relied on if you're on opposite ends of the road:mountain spectrum, for example.
By that logic, you'd buy food on the way, leave the spanner behind, and keep the lockring tool. Makes sense to me, even if it flies in the face of the 'most likely to be used' principle I tend to follow.
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My packing list got refined after every excursion.
List the things that were wanted but absent, the things that weren't used and the 'charms'.
Charms are things like visitation equipment and wet weather gear.
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My packing list got refined after every excursion.
List the things that were wanted but absent, the things that weren't used and the 'charms'.
That's my general approach. I've arrived at what I carry by a combination of the obvious and what's been used or was lacking. I carry more small spares and fewer sturdy locks than I used to, for example.
I've also optimised my clothing over the years. Mostly through acquiring better, more cycling-specific kit. But also by appreciating when "it isn't going to get cold enough for X" or "Y is just going to get soaked", which comes with experience.
Charms are things like visitation equipment and wet weather gear.
Indeed. I always carry a waterproof jacket, even though I hardly ever feel inclined to wear one (they're just too hot to cycle in). It's mostly for encouraging dry weather, and for warding off hypothermia should things go wrong and I can't keep moving.
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Peacocks and Kites 300 2014
Tregaron Dragon 2014
The Dean 2015
Brevet Cymru 2015
Bryan Chapman Memorial 2015
PBP 2015
Or did you mean something else?
;)
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OK, winter 200.
No spare clothes- I'm not going to get wetter, drier, or colder, as long as I keep moving. If it all goes horribly wrong I'll get cold. I think I'll survive. I actually bought new socks from a garage on boxing day.
2 tubes, pump & tyre levers. I can make boots, (I know that loyalty card will come in handy at some point) I'm not going to piss about repairing a puncture so as soon as the second tube is used I'm heading for a station.
No food- there's shops and I'm fairly well fat adapted. I won't need to eat till 50km anyway. I might buy a spare chocolate bar when I stop. (Actually I went for a 3 pack of Lee's Scottish Tablet as you can't get it down here- although I bet they have it in Corby).
No other spares. Disk brakes mean a spoke going my brakes will still work. I'm hardcore (my routes are flat) enough to single speed if need be. I couldn't change a cable at the roadside anyway as they're internally routed.
Multitool, though only for tightening seatposts, it never occurred to me to see if it had a torx to move the brake pads in. I'll know better next time.
I bought lube as I was riding through floods (http://s952.photobucket.com/user/fboab/media/20151227_110051_1.jpg.html) and the chain sounded, erm, like a hungover Smith.
Spare batteries. I really want a dyno front wheel on this bike. Funds are not permitting yet.
Mini torch. For finding and swapping the goddam batteries.
Two bottles of fizzy water. One will still be full when I finish. The other might be topped up with orange juice or lemonade or relentless or water, depending how I feel en-route.
Anker for the phone & gps.
Purse with spare micro USB cable, cash & cards & vitamin I.
Like this:
(http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae7/fboab/20151225_082101.jpg)
That's it. Anything else is just ballast, and I already have enough arse.
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OK, winter 200.
No spare clothes- I'm not going to get wetter, drier, or colder, as long as I keep moving. If it all goes horribly wrong I'll get cold. I think I'll survive. I actually bought new socks from a garage on boxing day.
2 tubes, pump & tyre levers. I can make boots, (I know that loyalty card will come in handy at some point) I'm not going to piss about repairing a puncture so as soon as the second tube is used I'm heading for a station.
No food- there's shops and I'm fairly well fat adapted. I won't need to eat till 50km anyway. I might buy a spare chocolate bar when I stop. (Actually I went for a 3 pack of Lee's Scottish Tablet as you can't get it down here- although I bet they have it in Corby).
No other spares. Disk brakes mean a spoke going my brakes will still work. I'm hardcore (my routes are flat) enough to single speed if need be. I couldn't change a cable at the roadside anyway as they're internally routed.
Multitool, though only for tightening seatposts, it never occurred to me to see if it had a torx to move the brake pads in. I'll know better next time.
I bought lube as I was riding through floods (http://s952.photobucket.com/user/fboab/media/20151227_110051_1.jpg.html) and the chain sounded, erm, like a hungover Smith.
Spare batteries. I really want a dyno front wheel on this bike. Funds are not permitting yet.
Mini torch. For finding and swapping the goddam batteries.
Two bottles of fizzy water. One will still be full when I finish. The other might be topped up with orange juice or lemonade or relentless or water, depending how I feel en-route.
Anker for the phone & gps.
Purse with spare micro USB cable, cash & cards & vitamin I.
Like this:
(http://i952.photobucket.com/albums/ae7/fboab/20151225_082101.jpg)
That's it. Anything else is just ballast, and I already have enough arse.
When Duffy released her album Rock Ferry, I thought it was sea shanties about the boat to Padstow.
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OK, winter 200.
No spare clothes- I'm not going to get wetter, drier, or colder, as long as I keep moving. If it all goes horribly wrong I'll get cold. I think I'll survive.
Thinking about it, I carry fewer spare clothes in winter (pretty much just the waterproofs, maybe thinner gloves if it's likely to warm up) than I do at other times, though obviously I'm wearing twice as much. Never really saw the point in carrying dry clothes with the intent of swapping them for wet ones (rather than adding more layers), as they're hardly going to stay that way. Unless it's a Manchester-based FNRttC[1], in which case an Ortlieb full of spare clothing acts as an important talisman for the weather gods, a source of potentially lucrative 3am trading goods, and substantially improves the snooze quality on the train home.
I do have an emergency space blanket should it really go pear-shaped - throwback to the days when I did a lot of mileage on towpaths. I need to get better at remembering I'm carrying it when I arrive at the scene of someone else's medical emergency, thobut. :facepalm:
I don't think I've ever carried lube on anything, though I did beg some off Wowbagger after a couple of days of traditional Welsh touring weather had seized my brake cables (important lesson, that), and I've done short, muddy off-road rides that have left the chain in a state that would drive me bonkers if I were going any further.
[1] Unlike a solo audax, ballast only matters if you're the slowest on the ride.
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When Duffy released her album Rock Ferry, I thought it was sea shanties about the boat to Padstow.
You're not the first to think that shot's taken in C***wall.
There's more than one Rock (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock,_Northumberland).
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After riding A Brevet on St Lucy's Eve and having to weave through the cars stranded in the Afon Lliw, lube is certainly going on my list. Fortunately the ipod went just loud enough to drown out the torture I was subjecting the drivetrain to.
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Incidentally, newbie cyclist question:
What's the etiquette on commenting on another cyclist's use of lube? I can think of several occasions when I've found myself in the company of an older gentleman with sufficient presbycusis that they appear blissfully unaware of the tortured squeals emanating from their drivetrain. Obviously it would be the height of rudeness to suggest that their standard of maintenance is in any way lacking, but sneakily dribbling oil onto the offending item when they nip to the loo would also be Not On. In principle the solution would be to drop them, but trying to out-climb a gnarly 70 year old is like picking a commuter race with someone on a Brompton, and is no good if you're riding as part of an organised group.
That said, a discussion of my disc brake rubbing with nikki last year, combined with my own voodoo audiology, suggests that this problem is on the way to resolving itself naturally.
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Incidentally, newbie cyclist question:
What's the etiquette on commenting on another cyclist's use of lube?
I think I would just say that the weather must washed the oil off and would they like a squirt of yours to stop the crunching.
Had someone offered me oil on the two occasions I've suffered from lack of lube I would have bitten their hands off! On one of those occasions I was looking out for anyone in their garden to see if they had a squirt of WD40 I could nick.
I've suffered lack of lube twice - once when it was so wet all the lube got washed off and another time when I had forgotten to apply lube pre-ride.
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I think I would just say that the weather must washed the oil off and would they like a squirt of yours to stop the crunching.
That's probably less convincing on a glorious summer day, but yes...
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I think I would just say that the weather must washed the oil off and would they like a squirt of yours to stop the crunching.
That's probably less convincing on a glorious summer day, but yes...
Sun dried it out/wind blew it off?
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My carry list seems pretty minimal compared to this. On a summer 200-300km audax with no bad weather expected I go very light, really no more than if I was on a club ride.
Small saddle bag = 2x tubes, some instant patches, multi-tool with chain tool, tyre boot, a few chain links, speed chain link, a few zip ties.
Pockets and/or small top bar bag = a couple of 9 bars, Vitamin I, a light luggage lock, gilet if it might start or end cool.
On the bike = pump, lights if required.
Anything else to eat I'll get on the way round unless I'm planning a quick solo lunch stop when I'll stick a few jam sandwiches or malt loaf in a pocket.
On a winter 200 I tend to take more food (often malt loaf and some chocolate) and a change of shirt, socks and gloves if it's wet. Waterproof shorts if it's very wet. Usually 3x or 4x tubes. A bulkier lock as more likely to be indoors away from bike. Emergency spare front and rear light. I use a Carradice Audax Super C on my winter bike and a top bar bag for easy access to rations. Lights and pump are on the bike anyway.
Useful to see what others take, I've gained a few tips from this thread!
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My, the hamsters in your wheel are sound of voice today, I think they're demanding a drink.
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I bought lube as I was riding through floods (http://s952.photobucket.com/user/fboab/media/20151227_110051_1.jpg.html) and the chain sounded, erm, like a hungover Smith.
It has to be asked: do you mean a singing Morrisey or a grumbling Chris? :D
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Another way to look at it might be like packing for a holiday: sort everything out, then remove half the items and take twice as much money. You'll still wish you had that specialised item at some point and take things you never use.
I'm not sure how applicable that is to audax. Or cycle touring for that matter.
I'm not sure either, I was just suggesting another approach!
I suppose you can weight things according to scarcity: So food is - obscure dietary requirements permitting - relatively easy to come by and readily substituted with money. Screwdrivers, spanners, duct tape, bolts and so on are a little harder, but you'd likely be able to buy, beg, borrow or steal them in most towns. Bike-specific stuff is the tricky one, as you're pretty much limited to bike shops, and even they can't be relied on if you're on opposite ends of the road:mountain spectrum, for example.
By that logic, you'd buy food on the way, leave the spanner behind, and keep the lockring tool. Makes sense to me, even if it flies in the face of the 'most likely to be used' principle I tend to follow.
Or to continue the foreign holidays, are you the sort of person who takes a jar of Marmite on a fortnight in Spain? :D
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Or to continue the foreign holidays, are you the sort of person who takes a jar of Marmite on a fortnight in Spain? :D
I'm fairly sure that could count as an act of war...
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I always carry one of these http://www.3654bikes.co.uk/kinesis-racelight-4s-rear-mech-hanger.html (http://www.3654bikes.co.uk/kinesis-racelight-4s-rear-mech-hanger.html) used twice in 12 years. Both times after a fall and saved the day. Weighs 5g and fitted with a 5mm hex wrench.
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Add to this a spare rear derailleur after today's experience :facepalm: