What do you carry and how do you carry it? [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

tjodit

03-02-2006, 10:47 AM

I was wondering if the road riders out there wore backpacks to carry their gear...or is that only "allowed" for mtn. bikers? Yes, I'm a newb. If you don't, what do you carry and how do you carry it? I want to carry a CO2 pump, tube, patch kit, tools, cell phone, gel, id, money, jacket if it looks like rain...I'm probably forgetting something. How do you carry all this stuff if you don't wear a hydration pack/backpack? Right now I have a seat bag but I can't fit all my stuff into it. I'd rather not wear my camelbak on the road...it gets hot here in Texas.

Eden

03-02-2006, 11:05 AM

You are allowed to do what ever you feel comfortable with- no matter what anyone else thinks! Don't ever let anyone try to make you feel bad for riding the way you want to.

Personally I carry a spare tube, a mini pump, an even smaller co2 inflator, a patch kit, a park multi-tool, cash, cards and ID, food (bars & gels) and sometimes a little spare clothing (usually just arm/leg warmers). I can usually fit everything in my seat bag and back jersey pockets and sometimes I use a bottle cage carrier if I don't think I need two bottles to drink. I used to carry more, but I've found that I don't miss the stuff I leave home now.

If you want to carry a fair amount of stuff, but don't want to use a backpack you could get a number of different bags, some need a rack and some don't.

Handlebar bags can hold a small amount of stuff and usually have a map pocket on the top, but you need to be careful you don't overload them or they affect the your bike's handling.

Trunk racks usually need a rear rack to hold them up, but will hold a bit more than handlebar bag and won't affect your handling. Rivendell sells some rear bags that mount to the seat and can be used without a rack or with minimal support - they sell a stiff loop that attaches near the seat.

Panniers can hold a lot of stuff and need a rack to mount to. They are a good choice if you need to haul a lot of stuff (like a trip to the grocery store) or if you plan to do any overnight touring.

Running Mommy

03-02-2006, 11:43 AM

Like Eden said.. Do what works for you. Even though I also live in a HOT area (AZ) I use a camelbak. I can't remember the exact model but it's almost the size of a Mule. I have a small pump- not CO2- that I carry in the "pump port" pocket on the outside of the camelbak. It's pretty long so it sticks out, but I really don't care. I can't put a frame pump on my bike so it's my compromise. I also carry a spare tube, levers, patch kit, small first aid kit, gel, ID,cell phone, and Benadryl (I'm allergic to bees),a tube of Nuun electrolyte tablets, and the all important tube of Aquaphor to relube as neccesary.... ahmm.:o
WoW! When I think about it that sounds like alot, but it all fits in there pretty nice. Lets just say I don't like to be un prepared! And I've used my little first aid kit more than once for OTHER cyclists who have crashed.
basically do what works for you. But like a good scout I say- be prepared! If you have it, chances are you won't need it!! :D

maillotpois

03-02-2006, 11:54 AM

I travel pretty light, I think:

Small seat bag: 2 tubes, 3 CO2 cartridges plus CO2 dispenser (what do you calll that thing?), multi tool, 2 tire levers, a couple cut up pieces of old tire to use as boots if needed, insurance card, $5.

Jersey Pockets: cell phone and money/ATM card in a baggie, food (amount and type depends on length of ride. For a ride under 50 miles, I usually don't bring any food.), short finger gloves if I start with long, any discarded clothing, rain jacket (if it looks threatening)

For a double century, long self-supported ride or Death Ride I _may_ bring a camelback. I usually don't. I have stopped using the Bento box unless the ride is long and flat (like this race I do in Tucson every year) as it really throws off my standing climbing.

Nanci

03-02-2006, 11:56 AM

http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/baggage_racks/

What about something from this page? I ordered the candy bar bag, which seems like it is NEVER going to get here. But one of the seat bags would be big enough, maybe the banana bag?

It just feels so good to get the Camelback off my back, I can't even imagine going back.

My basic setup is a small seat bag with a couple tubes, multi tool, quick stick tire tool on the back, and Bento Box for cell, Jelly Belly Sport Beans, and my camera or an energy bar on the top tube. I can only fit one bottle on my frame. Topeak Road Morph (tiny) frame pump. That stuff satys there and never changes or gets removed.

Then I have a Topeak Seatpost rack, quick release. I have a small bag and a big bag with zip out panniers with side supports that will hold up to 20# of stuff. I use that for very long rides, but the small bag is enough to holds plenty of stuff for any ride up to 100 miles. I am really happy with that system. I don't take the rack off, ever, and it has bungie straps that could hold a lot of clothing as you warm up. Or a rain jacket just in case. Or a ziplock with snacks.

But I wanted more stuff to be more accessable without stopping, because I felt like I wasn't eating enough on long rides because I didn't want to stop, but couldn't fit enough of a variety in my Bento box, and then someone here suggested a handlebar bag, which I am anxious to try out! And I think that might be good for Centuries, too, and I won't feel like I shouldn't be taking my camera, etc. because of space.

Nanci

CorsairMac

03-02-2006, 12:21 PM

on long rides I wear a Camelbak and I carry everything in it. I don't really care what people think - I live alone and have no one to sag for me so if I don't carry it and need it - I'm out of luck. Also, with our heat here in NM, my 100 oz camelback can be pretty light by the time I get home. I also carry my extra water bottles (full) there in case I "can't" get to a convenience store for some reason during the ride. everything=spare tube, spare co2 cartridges, cell phone, food, extra electrolyte packs, tea bags, tire levers, leatherman, garage door opener, 2 full extra water bottles, empty baggies (for trash), bandaids.

Aint Doody

03-02-2006, 12:41 PM

Don't overlook what maillotpois said about that insurance card--a photocopy works well. I also carry a photocopy of my drivers license, too.

I have removed my handlebar bag, and my bicycle handles much, much better. I think sometimes I was carrying way more than I needed.

Trekhawk

03-02-2006, 12:48 PM

I have a large seatbag that I carry my spare tube or two ( depending on ride length) tools, co2 x 2 ,co2 pump, small patch kit, small first aid kit, money and keys.

I have a bento box which I use for food and phone (and maps if I need them ).

I wear my ID around my neck and anything else goes in my jersey pockets.

I also have a pump on my frame.

My husband often laughs at me for the amount of gear I take but it makes me feel confident that I can cope with most situations.

I was glad for my small first aid package when I was stung by a bee on my first organized ride - wiped down the sting with stingoes and away went the pain and so did I to finish the ride happy.

Duck on Wheels

03-02-2006, 12:50 PM

I use a camelbak. I can't remember the exact model but it's almost the size of a Mule. (...) small first aid kit, gel, ID,cell phone, and Benadryl (I'm allergic to bees), a tube of Nuun electrolyte tablets, and the all important tube of Aquaphor to relube as neccesary.... ahmm.:o
WoW! When I think about it that sounds like alot, but it all fits in there pretty nice.

This thread is SO helpful! I've been mentally listing things, then striking some off to save weight. I almost forgot the adrenalin injection kit :eek: I too am allergic to bees, but haven't been stung for so many years now that I keep forgetting to carry it. Won't do me much good if it's home in the fridge!

Otherwise, I plan to carry everything in my hydration pack (REI Cascade, women's model, holds 3 liters!). Water in the pack, pedeolyte in a bottle in the cage, small repair kit, spare tube, small pump, cell phone, emergency cash, emergency ostomy pack, sun factor ... which leaves plenty of space to stow a layer of clothing if I need to strip some off as the day and my body heat up. Anything I'm forgetting? Anything I can leave in the car?

bcipam

03-02-2006, 01:09 PM

I'm a Camelback user so that solves alot of problems but I carry a spare tube, tire irons and a small Park tool kit in a small under seat bag. I carry my cell phone and keys in a BENTO BAG. If you are unfamiliar with them, google Bento Bag. It's a rectangular shaped bag that sits behind the head/steering tube on the top bar. The large size (which isn't that large) is perfect for phone and keys, or a small digital camera, or fig bars etc.

PS: I stopped carrying CO2 a long time ago - too much hassle . I always carry 2 spare tubes (taken out of the square cardboard boxes and placed in plastic bags with talcum powder), tire irons (just two) the small tool kit in the seat bag and a Road Morph pump by Topeak that I carry in the pump port of the Camelback. I almost always also have some GU or a Balance Bar, some medical supplies such as bandages, and alcohol pads, personal ID, some money - all "just in case." I use a smaller Camelback for the road and a larger one for mountain biking.

bikerchick68

03-02-2006, 02:02 PM

I don't wear a Camelback... mainly because I get really, really hot if my back is covered with it... I tried it once but especially in the summer here when I would need it, it was just too hot for me. I suffer in the heat and live for any weather that's from 40-80 degrees!

That being said, I have 2 bottle cages, a RoadMorph pump attached to my frame, and a medium size seat bag. The seat bag has 2 tubes, 2 tire levers, a multi tool, a ziploc with photocopy of my license and health insurance card, and a patch kit. I stopped carrying CO2 after getting the road morph... and switching to GatorSkins! Got tired of flatting... :rolleyes: :D

I bought the Pearl Izumi jacket that has zip off sleeves... so if I get hot, I'll zip the sleeves off first and shove 'em in my pocket... if I need to strip the jacket I ROLL it up tight and it goes in one jersey pocket... my other pocket has cell phone, cash, and ClifShots... that's pretty much everything I need for about any distance... I mostly ride organized centuries... have only ridden 3 that weren't organized... but those routes always have 7-11's where I can get some food as needed... OH! And for a solo century... I also carry TP in my back pocket... I have had one emergency situation where I peed behind a shrub and really, really wished I had TP! :cool:

bcipam

03-02-2006, 02:47 PM

Bikerchick - it's funny you don't wear a Camelback because it gets hot. It's much cooler (usually) in San Diego than Orange County. I feel the Camelback keeps me cooler. I definitely sweat where the Camelback lies and the sweat keeps me cool (sounds icky but that's the whole purpose of sweat isn't it).

I also hate to ride in hot weather. I do much better with cold than hot weather. Anything over 80 is hot for me. I wear sleeveless when possible. I like Nema's jerseys made especially for Camelbacks. The part where the Camelback sits is mesh so cooler than regular jerseys.

I think it's all in what you get used to. I like having my water in the Camelback - just so much easier to reach and drink. When I used the cage and bottles, I found I drank water less. Also, I hate carrying too much stuff on the bike - it can all rattle driving me crazy. The bike just handles so much better with less stuff attached to it.

PS: On long rides I still carry a small water bottle in my cage - just for pee emergencies. No TP - just squirt water. Much better for the environment and cleaner too!

DebW

03-02-2006, 03:07 PM

I go pretty light. My small seat pack has a spare tube, patch kit, and tire levers (clincher bike) or spare tire (sew-up bike), Park MT-1 multitool, and presta adapter. Frame pump on the seat tube, water bottle on the downtube. Wallet, cell phone, and bandana go in jersey pocket. If I need to carry spare clothes I'll wear a fanny pack.

withm

03-02-2006, 07:48 PM

This sounds like a lot but I've used it all on rides or wished I had it when.

Seat pack: 2 tubes, each in separate baggie and dusted with talc. Tire irons, set of wrenches and multi tool. A small baggie with copy of driver's license and insurance card, short stubby pencil, and couple of 3x5 cards in case I need to write anything. Oh there are a couple latex gloves and a patch kit for tire changes, and a couple sealed moist towelettes for clean up after that tire change.

On my handlebars I have a very small bag for co2 inflator, cartridges, pocket sized pack of kleenex, and cell phone. Maybe a granola bar if I'll be out for a long time. I currently like Trader Joe's Sweet, Tart, & Savory . Yumm. If I wear a windbreaker I keep the cell in the front center pocket. Otherwise I don't like stuff in any pockets except for the trash - all those used kleenexes (I sneeze a lot).

I wear a fanny pack to carry some $, some first aid stuff - advil, benadry, sudafed, bandaids, neosporin, and my other glasses. Why can't I find a decent pair of wraparound sunglasses that will fit over my regular glasse? I wear a Road ID on my ankle.

2 water bottle cages on the tubes, with frame pump. In summer I wear a camelback...I must have COLD water. I half-fill the camelback and keep it in the freezer. When I ride, I top it off with fresh water and 3 hours later I still have cold water when I want it. I still carry the water bottles though since you never know if you (or someone else) are going to spring a leak or need more water for whatever reason. My camelback has very little room for extra stuff.

I have a canvas tote bag that I keep all the rest of the bike toys when I'm not riding so it's always together. I have an assortment of neck gaitors, ear warmers, balaclava, my collection of gloves, cue sheets, map holder, cable and lock, etc. so it's pretty easy to get ready for a ride. Everything has a place and I can quickly pick and choose what I need on a given day.

Martha

jobob

03-02-2006, 08:35 PM

Here's a somewhat recent thread on a nifty bag that SadieKate is now using:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=5042

And from the wayback machine, here's a thread from 2 years ago :eek: about what we carried in our bags way back then.
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=948
Nowadays V is much more of a minimalist, but I'm still inclined to schelp around everything and the kitchen sink in my Carradice saddlebags, with, I might add, room to spare for friends' jackets and their purchases from the Jelly Belly factory ;)

- Jo.

Trek420

03-02-2006, 08:56 PM

I think I travel fairly light.

Any ride:
under seat bag:spare tube, tire irons, Alien multi tool in a baggie so it does not puncture tubes, patch kit, torreli mini-pump, CO2 thingy, teeny tiny first aid kit (bandages, moiste towlette, sunscreen).

Back pockets left to right: left pocket: clothing items, arm skins and or vest once I warm up, spare gloves like full finger if it's cold, middle pocket: food as in spare Luna bars from Cindysue, gorp, hammer gel, right pocket (is this too obsesive?) mini wallet with copy of driver's license and insurance card, cash (not a copy of cash) ATM or charge card, cell phone. tiny pocket knife.

On my bod: Road ID with contact phone numbers and location of ID (right rear pocket).

In my helmet: sticker with my name and address, thinking of adding "If you find me lost drop in any mailbox, return postage gauranteed."

On the bike: 2 water bottles either both electrolyte bev of choice or one EBOC & 1 of H2O. Road bike has gizmo to attach my HRM, and Cateye wireless. MTB has no gizmos but a couple of lights.

Commute add: back pack or messenger bag with blinky things, full size pump, small towel, clean shirt.

Long and or hot rides subtract the back pack and add:
camelback with water, no luggage in it but does have cords I could strap a vest on etc.

ladyjai

03-02-2006, 09:31 PM

Any Ride:
-Saddlebag: 2 tubes, 1 patch kit, a boot pack, 3 alan wrenches that fit the screws I've needed to tweak on my bike. 1 eye-glasses screwdriver. 2 tire "irons". 1 spare set of contacts and contact lens case.
-2 bottle cages and up to 2 water bottles.
-1 road morph pump
-cell phone
-wallet with: $2+ in cash(or try to), debit card, med card(vital), and drivers license, and a paper with contact information.
-keys
-sunglasses and eye drops (these will be left behind if I elect to wear my prescription glasses)
-hankie (can be left behind if I'm not planning on riding hard)
-cyclometer and cadence reader.

for daily commute add:
I have a detachable seatpost rack with a bag which allows me to add 1 change of clothing, lunch, my bible, notebook, pens/pencils and whatever else I feel is vital for the day.
My bike has it's own "office" at work, so I don't bother with locking it up. i bring a lock only if I know I need to stop somewhere after work. Then I'll probably bring a back pack along as well.
-lights. even if I think I'll be home in time.

club rides and longer rides:
extra electrolyte packs and either cliffbars or probars (preferred) or some other form of energy source.
When it gets hot again, I have a camelbak for longer rides of 50+ miles.

Quillfred

03-02-2006, 09:51 PM

On one bike I have a rack with rectangular bag made by Jandd. This holds about the same amount as my Deuter backpack which I use with my road bike. The Deuter is nice because it has a frame suspension which allows more air to circulate between you and the pack. I have a Camelbak that I have yet to use.

I won't bother to tell what I carry as I'm pretty much an unprepared Newbie and have yet to learn basic repair skills (which I expect to start the end of March). I mostly commute to work so I sometimes carry clothes and food. If I ever needed to carry heavy or large amounts of gear, I would definitely go with panniers.

Carole

PS - Good thread!

DeniseGoldberg

03-03-2006, 05:07 AM

I have a seat bag - and pump - on each of my bikes so I don't have to worry about having the right tubes for that bike.

The seat bag contains 2 tubes, patches, tire irons, and a multi-tool. I also keep a "just in case" energy bar stashed in there too. I use a Topeak RoadMorph pump. I also usually carry some cash with me (for snacks, and also for emergencies).

I wear my id around my neck. I have an id from RoadID (http://www.roadid.com) that contains the following info: my name, city/state, emergency contact phone numbers (2 for a good friend who lives in the same area as I do, 1 for a family member who does not), health insurance company name, the name & phone number of my primary care physician, info on allergies. Many of you have indicated that you carry an id and insurance info. That's what I used to carry - but as I learned from experience (http://denise2004crash.crazyguyonabike.com) that leaves a very big hole in the area of emergency contact. (Of course, if you are riding with your emergency contact that's probably extra information!).

For short rides I use water bottles, for long rides water bottles containing Gatorade + a CamelBak containing water.

--- Denise

uk elephant

03-03-2006, 05:40 AM

Reading all your comments here, I realize I'm totally unpreprared when I go out (granted I don't go very far, but 15 miles is still a long way to walk home if I had to). I just jump on my bike and head out with a water bottle in it's cage and a phone if my BF is there to remind me to take it.

Luckily I hear rumors that Bikeless in WI has a hydration pack waiting for me....she (and the pack?) will be arriving in just a month for a bit of hiking in the Scottish hills. After that I should be better prepared. And I am planning a shopping trip to REI in May. What should I buy? Multitool? Repair kit? (do they come with instructions?)

On my commute to work, I of course carry a back pack (as all Norwegians do) with my lunch, some water, a dry t-shirt, and my knitting (for keeping me occupied on the train).

maillotpois

03-03-2006, 08:24 AM

I've started using this little wallet thingy. Works great and comes in many delicious flavors!

http://www.thejimi.com/index.php

SadieKate

03-03-2006, 08:50 AM

Yum! I'm currently using my pink Trashy Cat change purse, but this looks really useful for us flyfisherpersons also.

Bubba's bday is coming . . . toddling off to my credit card.

Thanks!

Nanci

03-03-2006, 08:53 AM

SadieKate

03-03-2006, 09:01 AM

That change purse is a really good marketing idea. Goes into my jersey pocket fine also. Driver's license, credit card and some bills. Much more durable than the Ziplock snack bag wallet.:p

Brandi

03-03-2006, 09:40 AM

what is a bento box? I know what they are in Japan or at my sushi resturant! But what are they and where can I get one?:D

SadieKate

03-03-2006, 09:49 AM

I didn't look. Does TE have them?

http://www.rei.com/product/47919280.htm

Brandi

03-03-2006, 10:05 AM

where do you put it?

SadieKate

03-03-2006, 10:09 AM

http://www.all3sports.com/product_info.php?pName=tni-bento-box-large

Nanci

03-03-2006, 12:09 PM

I've seen 'em back attached to the top tube/seatpost, too, for people who want two.

Nanci

SadieKate

03-03-2006, 12:48 PM

Must be really, really skinny people.

If the velcro on your seatbag isn't wrapped just perfectly, you can eat a $100 plus pair of shorts in no time (even a $2 pair probably gets eaten as fast:p ).

bcipam

03-03-2006, 03:32 PM

I use those too! I have them in my Bento Box, with their little chains attached so they don't blow out on the ride on the rack. I put Jelly Belly Sport Beans in one, and Succeed Electrolyte Caps in the other. Refill as necessary!

Nanci

Nanci:

I just noticed ads for the Jelly Belly Sports Beans - how do you like them? Eating "candy" on a ride is right up my alley!!!!!

nuthatch

03-04-2006, 04:30 AM

Nanci

03-04-2006, 04:56 AM

Bcipam, I love them! I carry them in the Trashy Cat zipper coin purse, in my Bento Box. I munch about one bag (100 calories) per hour. They have 60mg of Sodium, and 60mg of Potassium. That is fine in cool/warm weather, but would have to be supplemented on long hot rides. They also have a bit of vits C and E, 20% RDA. Can't say much for the nutritional value, they are made of sugar and corn syrup! But are tart, not sickly sweet. Anyway, a calorie is a calorie...They do a good job of keeping me fueled on 1-2 hour rides, but for longer rides I add in bars and choc milk. If you order them from Jelly Belly, the shipping charge is horrendous. I get them on eBay. They end up about $1/bag. Maybe more places carry them now, but I like the service from the eBay seller. They come in Orange and Lemon Lime. Kind of like Gatorade!

Nanci

carimail

03-04-2006, 03:06 PM

I love reading all the personal (but important!) things people bring - bibles, knitting, teabags (are these a first aid item, Corsair?). I carry a teeny tiny Team Saturn cowbell - just for good luck. I know that's pretty silly but it makes a nice jingle going up hills! Does anyone else carry a lucky charm?

My Starbucks card is my lucky charm! I have a mini wallet just for cycling that has a photocopy of my driver's license with several emergency numbers on it, a $5 bill and my Starbucks card. It lives in my helmet wih my gloves when I'm not on the bike so it's always ready to go.

carimail

03-04-2006, 03:07 PM

Why do some of you carry CO2 and a pump? I only carry 2 tubes, CO2 inflator and 2 cartridges. I wonder if I should be toting a pump as well?

Nanci

03-04-2006, 03:50 PM

carimail

03-04-2006, 04:09 PM

Those are all good things to think about. I just followed hubby's example - perhaps I should start thinking for myself? :) It will have to wait anyway, I'm in the red for bike stuff spending.

DeniseGoldberg

03-04-2006, 04:19 PM

What if you flat more than twice? What if someone else flats and doesn't have a pump/CO2? What if your CO2 inflator falls into tiny bits when you go to use it? (Seen that happen!) What if you just want to top off your tires and don't have your floor pump? What happens to all those little CO2 cartridges when you're done?

You wouldn't believe how fast a Roadmorph can pump up a tire...

Nanci

I'm with Nanci on this one. The Roadmorph is an amazing pump, very easy to use and very easy to pump tires up to the desired pressure (which I was never able to do with a standard frame pump or a mini-pump). The CO2 cartridges may be easier to use, but the disposal of the cartridges has always bothered me too.

Also - I recommend carrying patches in addition to your extra tubes. You never know when it's going to be a bad tire day.

--- Denise

Nanci

03-04-2006, 04:29 PM

Plus, if you're really tricky, you can ease the part of the tube with the hole out without removing the tube, patch it, slip it back in (after checking for sharp things, of course!) and you're good to go! I love patches. They are _so_ easy. And extremely reliable, in my experience.

Nanci

Trek420

03-05-2006, 06:59 AM

nuthatch "I carry a teeny tiny Team Saturn cowbell - just for good luck. I know that's pretty silly but it makes a nice jingle going up hills!"

ooooh good idea, I have a teeny tiny Velogirls cow bell thanks to Lorri.

"Does anyone else carry a lucky charm?"

Yes I do. You'll be surprised I think.

Before ALC 3 a friend of mine gave me a pin of an angel on a motorcycle She couldn't find a bike angel. * But you know how our friends worry. But from any distance it's simply an angel on a bike. Hmmm, she does look a little like one of the gals on moto crew :cool: Anyway....

She said I was not to ride any faster than that pin could fly ;)

So....the angel is always on my under seat bag.

Yeah yeah I know probably sacriligeous to have an angel "watching my butt", my good freind is Wiccan, I'm Jewish and bat for the other team but it's worked so far :D Knock on wood. Must be one of those non denominational angels ;-)

The worst that's happened is the dreaded FU fall. Maybe get 2 more for my other bikes ;)

* and I just found one:

http://pinsaver.com/cart/results.cfm?Search_Categories=23

Says "wearing this pin may actually help keep your tires inflated!" And here I thought that was the Continentals.

Duck on Wheels

03-05-2006, 11:55 AM

nuthatch

03-05-2006, 12:46 PM

Or maybe this will be a way to use those cowbell earrings ... very lightweight, nice tinkly sound, but waaaayyy to uncool to actually wear. Anybody want half my pair?

Awww, nothing's uncool on a bike! Think about RAGBRAI - all kinds of crazy things on the road. Wear your earrings and your ride mates will always hear you coming up behind them!

Trek420

03-05-2006, 01:51 PM

bikeless in WI "You do know that "knock on wood" is a reference to the cross ...?"

thought it was a reference to my head? :rolleyes: but seriously folks

what I had always read of the origin agrees with what's on worldwidewords.org

Q: From Mike Gast: “What is the origin and true meaning of knock on wood or touch wood?”
A: To touch wood or knock on wood is a superstition action to ward off any evil consequences or bad luck, perhaps because of some recent action you’ve taken or untimely boasting about your good fortune (“I’ve never been in danger of drowning, touch wood”); it can also be a charm to bring good luck.
The origin is unknown, though some writers have pointed to pre-Christian rituals involving the spirits of sacred trees such as the oak, ash, holly or hawthorn. There is, I’m told, an old Irish belief that you should knock on wood to let the little people know that you are thanking them for a bit of good luck. There’s also a belief that the knocking sound prevents the Devil from hearing your unwise comments. Others have sought a meaning in which the wood symbolises the timber of the cross, but this may be a Christianisation of an older ritual. It wasn’t always wood that was lucky: in older days, iron was also thought to have magical properties, and to touch iron was an equivalent preventative against ill-fortune.**
The phrase itself is relatively modern, as the oldest citation for the British version of the phrase, touch wood, that I can find dates only from 1899. The American equivalent knock on wood is roughly contemporary, with my first example from 1905.

** editors note, yet another reason to love steel!

caligurl

03-05-2006, 03:21 PM

seat bag: all my essentials like spare tube, CO2 pump, 3 cartridges, money, small rag, patch kit, small piece of cardboard (for a boot, if needed), multi tool

i have a small handlebar bag... a topeak that clips onto a holder that stays on the bike.... i always have the house key, ID, insurance card, national park pass and money, kleenex, wet nap wipes, chap stick and the little individual chamois butter packs.

when i go on an around the town/after work ride i'll throw in a bar just in case... my jacket if i don't have it one... my amber lense glasses after work (cuz i always have to change from my sunglasses)...

i'll also bring the camera a lot of times just in case (and always on long rides) and for long rides i also carry gatorade in a propel bottle in there rather than using my water bottles (don't like to put anything but water in my polar bottles!) sometimes... if it's cool/cold when it start out and i think it's going to warm up... i throw some fingerless gloves in there too.. then switch out if i need to! (i take everything but the kitchen sink! and it's a small bag! lol!)

if i have to remove my jacket or leg/arm warmers.. they go in the handlebar bag.. i HATE using my jersey pockets.. and only use them if i have to!

in the summer (it gets up to and over 120 degrees here) if we are just riding around the local area or into the national park on longer rides where there's no place to get water.. i'll take the camelback full of water and ice plus my water bottles (also full of water and ice).. the camel back is comfy enough.. but if i have my choice.. i go without it... but it's not uncomfortable or annoying to me.... i never take it on organized rides cuz i pay for them to supply me water (and food) at sag stops! :D

another thing i've done for my after work rides... if i just wear a sports bra or workout shirt that doesn't have a pocket for my ipod (the ONLY thing i like to put in my rear pockets)... i'll wear a small fanny pack to hold my ipod...

but for the most part.. everything goes in the handlebar bag!

Trekhawk

03-05-2006, 10:41 PM

Hey Caligurl - have you got a picture of your handlebar bag?

tjodit

03-06-2006, 08:28 AM

I'm with Nanci on this one. The Roadmorph is an amazing pump, very easy to use and very easy to pump tires up to the desired pressure (which I was never able to do with a standard frame pump or a mini-pump). The CO2 cartridges may be easier to use, but the disposal of the cartridges has always bothered me too.
--- Denise
How do you carry the pump? I'd like to know how to mount it on the bike. Does it come with some kind of mount? I have a mini pump but was told by a fellow rider that it would never inflate my road bike tire to the desired pressure. So now I carry a CO2 pump. Every time I've flatted someone else has had a frame pump so I've never had to use my mini pump or my CO2 pump.

caligurl

03-06-2006, 08:46 AM

i don't have any available online to post with it on my ruby yet but have it on my dolce,,,

this is with the propel bottle sticking out (i can actually carry 2 propel bottles, if it want but they are standing up if i do that... i get rid of one then it can lay over like here:

http://www.caligurl.com/bikergurl/pics/grandtour%2005/Grand%20Tour%204.jpg

here's a view from the front (and all zipped up:

http://www.caligurl.com/bikergurl/pics/grandtour%2005/Grand%20Tour%205.jpg

it has a clip that attached to the handlebar.... and stays there unless you want to unscrew it and take it off... i just leave it cuz i always use my bag! it's also a fanny pack if you want... you unclip the front.. add the belt thingy they give you and if you are walking away from the bike... wear it as a fanny pack.. i've never done that.. it also comes with a BRIGHT yellow rain cover!

the clip has a HRM mount.. i loved it for the polar.. cuz instead of unstrapping the polar.. you just slid off the mount... the garmin has a quick release.. so i just click that off and leave the HRM mount there (i can get pics of that if you or anyone wants to see that!)

here's a link to topeak's site (http://www.topeak.com/products/bag_017.html).. shows the bag.. inside and the clip! (i got mine at bike nashbar... on sale for 19.99!)

Nanci

03-06-2006, 08:46 AM

Roadmorph comes with a mount that you attach to the frame wherever you want- whever it doesn't interfere with waterbottles, etc. I put mine on the top tube. The downside of this is I have to remove the pump to put it in my bike rack for transport, but this is very easy, it just clicks in and out. It's small enough to carry in a Camelback, too.

Roadmorph easily inflates to the 90psi range. You can go higher with a little effort. It has a built-in gauge. Right now I am running my tires at 95psi after reading the tire pressure article, which there is a link to in the equipment section, I think.

Nanci

DeniseGoldberg

03-06-2006, 08:59 AM

How do you carry the pump? ...Does it come with some kind of mount? I have a mini pump but was told by a fellow rider that it would never inflate my road bike tire to the desired pressure.

Nanci already mentioned the mount that comes with the pump. I have mine on the most sensible tube based on which bike I am riding. And I do have a pump on each bike (because I would rather not have to remember what tools I need to grab before heading out)... I did talk to someone whose LBS contacted Topeak to get extra mounts so they could move the pump from bike to bike.

I have easily pumped tires to over 100 psi with the RoadMorph.

--- Denise