What you should carry while riding

Something to drink – You will be working out pretty hard and regardless of the temperature, you will need lots of fluids.  I personally carry a 70 ounce Camelbak full of Gatorade (I fill the bladder with ice and top off with Gatorade).  By the end of the day it will be about half Gatorade and half melted ice (a good mix) and still cold.  I also carry one or two extra pints of bottled water as backup.  I wind up having to use these about half the time.  Better to have too much than not enough.  Everybody is different, but keep in mind that your fluid needs will vary depending upon temperature, amount of exertion, and yes, age (the older you, the more fluid you need).  Always start the ride being well hydrated.  Drink plenty before you start.  You don’t want to start the ride and drink all the fluids you are carrying in the first hour. 

Food – Carry at least a snack, preferably, a lunch.  I’ve seen guys carry lots of energy bars, fruit, tuna, bagels, sandwiches, fried chicken, candy bars, and hot dogs -- to each his own.

Rain jacket – Where we ride (Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah), the weather changes fast.  It is not uncommon to start the day with clear blue skies and in the 70’s and by mid-day a thunderstorm can come up and rain/hail/snow on you and result in a 20 degree drop in temperature.  This happened to me probably 5 or 6 times last year.  Check the weather forecast before you go and be ready for a change.

Tools and Stuff – For your bike.  Be able to make your own trail repairs.  At the minimum, be able to remove your tire and fix a flat.  I carry in my fender bag the following: Leatherman tool, combination wrench that fits both axle nuts and the spark plug, allen wrenches, screw drivers, crescent, 6, 8, 10, 12 mm sockets, 10/13 mm wrench, zip-ties, plastic steel (for sealing broken side cases), 2 extra plugs, bailing wire, duct tape, patch kit, tire irons, air pump, tow strap, toilet paper, extra levers, rag, length of string, length of fuel line tubing, and a small piece of 35 mm film for cleaning fork seals.

Spare tube – A 21 inch regular thickness tube will fit either front or rear and pack smaller than the ultra heavy duty tubes you should be running normally in both front and rear.   It is much easier to just replace a tube than patch a hole and sometimes in the case of a severe pinch flat, the hole can be a very long slit that is difficult to patch.

Fannypack or Backpack to carry all this stuff in – I prefer a fanny pack since I already have a Camelbak on my back, but some guys prefer a backpack (daypack size).    In my fanny pack, I carry my jacket, lunch, first aid kit, 1 or 2 pints of water, compass, small hand cloth, extra roll of film, extra gloves, and sometimes my cell phone (depending upon the local area reception).  I also have a very small pouch zip-tied to the front of my chest protector that holds a small camera and map.

First Aid Kit – In addition to the usual band-aids and aspirin, you should have supplies for treating the kind of ailments and injuries that can happen to dirt bikers (too lengthy to list).  Also, get some first aid training so you know how to use the kit.

GPS – Map - Compass – If you have all 3, then you can find out where you are.  Just make sure you know how to use all of these :0)  I have a handlebar mount for my GPS, carry the compass in my fanny pack, and the map in a quick access pocket.  The GPS can also be used for location information needed in an emergency (telling rescuers where you are).

Cell Phone – If you have reception in an area, this can be good tool for emergency call out info.

Registration for your bike – Rangers can and do check for your registration and the money goes for maintaining and developing our trails we ride.

Money/Creditcard/drivers license – You may find yourself stranded, needing gas, a meal, and/or a Motel room.  (This has happened to me…a story for another time).

Hat – I need this to keep the sun off when we stop for a break.

Walkie-Talkies – These are an option we are using more and more.  If you have one bring it and we can tune into the same channel during the riders meeting.  Good tool for the rider leader to communicate with the sweep rider.

Camera/Video – We always need good pictures or video of our rides.

Everyone of the more experienced riders I know carries a little different cache of items.  Talk with some of the other guys in the club for more ideas.  BE PREPARED!