What will you NOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT? [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

Denise223

08-09-2006, 01:26 PM

Hi Everyone:

I am sure that there are many threads regarding this topic, but when I tried the "search", I keep getting - "Sorry - no matches".

Whether you are going out to cycle 5 miles or 100 miles, what do you make sure you have with you??

I want to be 100% sure that we have EVERYTHING that we might need. (or, when I'm going "solo"...everything that I might need.)

Thanks so much :) !

Have a peaceful evening.

Denise

Veronica

08-09-2006, 01:29 PM

My Helmet. :p

V.

Veronica

08-09-2006, 01:36 PM

All right - serious answer.

My cell phone
tools - they are always on the bike. I have a Topeak Survival Gear Box
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0002A5BXO.01-A3N0HBHR81I3U1._AA280_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

It's very small, but has all the tools I could possible need for on the road repairs. I also have a mini leatherman.

at least one tube, sometimes two depending on the length of the ride
a pump
food
water

Veronica

mimitabby

08-09-2006, 01:39 PM

helmet, cellphone, gloves, glasses.

i do have a kit on the back of my bike in case i get a flat but likely i will weeny out and call home for help if i can get away with it.

Tri Girl

08-09-2006, 01:59 PM

everything I need to change a tire (twice, as I'm known to flat in twos), mini tool kit, cell phone, RoadID, and the obvious- helmet, gloves, helmet mirror, water and food

SadieKate

08-09-2006, 02:11 PM

. . . i do have a kit on the back of my bike in case i get a flat but likely i will weeny out and call home for help if i can get away with it.Mimi! We will harrass you to the ends of the earth! Why did our foremothers invent bloomers? Why did the suffragettes march? Why did our mothers burn their bras?

Stand up and fix your own flat! Didn't you watch Mary Poppins?

Cast off the shackles of yesterday!
Shoulder to shoulder into the fray!
Our daughters' daughters will adore us
And they'll sing in grateful chorus
"Well done, Sister Bicyclette!"

makbike

08-09-2006, 02:21 PM

my helmet, gloves, water bottles, computer, stuff to change tire, spare tube, pump, cell phone, money, id card/insurance card, inhaler and a cliff bar.

bikerchick68

08-09-2006, 02:35 PM

I think they covered all the good stuff...

On the bike, at all times are:

Pump, 2 water bottles and in seatbag are photocopies of license and med insurance card in a ziploc bag, tools, tire levers, $10 bill, 2 tubes ziploc'd with baby powder, patch kit, chapstick, one very old clifbar, two napkins ziploc'd (can be used as TP, nosewipe in a serious crunch)

in my pocket I carry a Clifshot or two depending on how far I'm going, keys, cash (the $10 is for emergencies only! like cab fare to somewhere safe if needed), and cell phone also ziploc'd

on my person is helmet, gloves, glasses, RoadID... hmmm... I think that's it.

I wish when I was new I'd known about this forum... sure woulda made life easier!

Nanci

08-09-2006, 02:36 PM

Stuff I'll turn around and go home for:

Computer. I go PSYCHO if I don't have it or if it doesn't work.

Gloves.

Pump, I guess, though I've never forgotten that.

Food and drink, if it's longer than an hour.

Denise223

08-09-2006, 03:43 PM

Thanks to everyone who has answered me. It sounds like everything that I WOULD NEED has been mentioned here...

Veronica -->> helmet......"check". :D :)

I know what it is-----

I need to learn how to change a tire - fix a flat, etc... (this must be where my anxiety is coming from...).
To be honest :o , I don't know the first thing about changing a tire.

I'm really pretty panicked about this. This has to be the real reason I won't go riding on my own.....:confused:

I know that Sheldon Brown has lots of great articles, etc..... Perhaps I can find what I need there.

Thanks again everyone. Have a great night!

Denise

Denise223

08-09-2006, 03:43 PM

posted twice

mtkitchn

08-09-2006, 05:22 PM

I always have some money on me.....just in case!:eek:
I also keep lip balm with SPF and eye drops (I wear contacts) with me.
Gu gel, two full water bottles, cell phone, and
CAMERA!
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j264/mtkitchn/rattler2.jpg

farrellcollie

08-09-2006, 05:51 PM

I carry extra tube, pump, cell phone, small tool kit, $20, and I have put all my contact information in saddlebag and in helmet placed under a few strips of see through packing tape.

I got my lbs to show me how to fix a flat and at least one bike shop in stl has "women only" classes (one of the bike managers at that shop posts on here too) - the reason I am saying this is because it might relieve your anxiety to take a short class like this or have lbs show you and then practice at home - well before a ride in case it doesn't work (but it will). (the pracitce at home with a perfectly not flat tire was odd for me - but it worked - I took off tire, dflated tube, took it off and then put it back together again a few times in the comfort and safely of my own home - the only problem came from dogs who thought I needed their help)

run it, ride it

08-09-2006, 06:09 PM

This is one of the only times it's acceptable to answer with:

Certainly not underwear!

Dr. Liz

08-09-2006, 06:30 PM

Helmet, sunglasses and gloves are a no-brainer. The bag on the back carries a spare tube, the tire changing tool, the cylinder of CO2 (whatever it is) to inflate the tire, $20 cash, my debit card (in case I'm really a mess, and need to call a cab), and my cell phone. I also have all the water I can carry (I'd rather have a little more weight than run out of water), and some fig newtons (I'm converted!).

BTW, while I know HOW to change my tire, since I always ride with DH, I don't ever actually do it. Why should I change my tire, when I've got a perfectly good spouse to do it for me? :D

Oh yeah, and I carry single-package Wet Ones (or whatever the 'moist towelette' is called). Good for cleaning the hands after changing the tire (well, okay, for DH to clean HIS hands when he changes the tire! :D), or for other emergencies. :o For long rides, I also carry some Tylenol, some more serious drugs for DH, and any, erm, girly things I might need.

It sounds like a lot, but it all manages to get packed into a pretty small space.

yellow

08-09-2006, 08:19 PM

My good friend, Vitamin I (aka ibuprofen). :p

margo49

08-09-2006, 08:21 PM

All what you-all already said plus:
a book for if I get stuck somewhere
swiss army knife (40 years old belonged to my dead Dad)
coin money for hospital vending machines
rosary (not a RC myself but like the beads/prayers and find it calming and focussing.Haven't "needed " it yet but the thing is in an emergency you have only your rote memory and "automatics" to rely on. It is no time to start scrabbling around in your concussed or shocked brain for something meaningful ,politically correct, and theologically sound )

SadieKate

08-09-2006, 09:01 PM

Foremoms invented bloomers . . . So they could ride bikes!

Jones

08-10-2006, 01:28 AM

I need to learn how to change a tire - fix a flat, etc... (this must be where my anxiety is coming from...).
To be honest :o , I don't know the first thing about changing a tire.
Denise

Denise223
When I first started to ride I sat at my computer let all the air out of my back tire and used this article
http://www.teamestrogen.com/articles/asa_levers.asp to learn to fix my flat.
It was very empowering and I have gone on to teach my dh and a guy friend how to fix their flats. You can totally learn to do this. It did take me about an hour the first time, now about 10 mins. Good Luck. Jones.

Lise

08-10-2006, 04:20 AM

I did watch Mary Poppins. Many times. I believe it helped to shape my personality. (shape..warp...so very similar :p ) Still want to jump through a chalk drawing.

Ahem. Yes. Learn how to change your tire. Good suggestions on how have been made. It's a great feeling of personal freedom.

I carry the usual, helmet, sunglasses, two bottle of beverage, snack (bar, sport beans), tube changing supplies, teensy weensey fold up tool that I love. It has two screwdriver heads and four allen wrench heads, yet folds up to about 2". Lip balm, sunscreen stick, zip lock with baby wipes. Cell phone and $20 minimum. Today I want to pick up some individual packets of Chamois butt'r to throw in there, too.

Bicyclette

08-10-2006, 05:11 AM

I loved Mary Poppins! What a woman!!!

Anyway - I never leave without the usual - helmet, sunglasses, cell phone, money, spare tube, tire levers, patch kit, food, beverage, ID, sweatband, gum ( must have gum) and I also have the "teensy weensy fold up tool"

When I first got my bike I started thinking about riding alone without knowing how to change my tire - so I pulled the front wheel off one afternoon and spent the rest of the day learning how to change the tire - and wouldn't you know it - I punctured the tube doing that and then REALLY had to change the tire :D

spokewench

08-10-2006, 05:23 AM

water,tire changin stuff and chapstick

bikerz

08-10-2006, 06:00 AM

When I first started to ride I sat at my computer let all the air out of my back tire and used this article
http://www.teamestrogen.com/articles/asa_levers.asp to learn to fix my flat.
It was very empowering and I have gone on to teach my dh and a guy friend how to fix their flats. You can totally learn to do this. It did take me about an hour the first time, now about 10 mins.
Same here - and it stuck! A couple of weeks ago I rolled my back wheel over a thumbtack in my hallway :mad: and had to change the rear tire before a ride - took just about 10 minutes - no levers! And then I used the amazing Road Morph to pump it back up to 110 lbs.

Same stuff others have listed, but also: road ID around my neck, drivers license and credit card (for longer rides) in my handlebar bag, a small film cannister with cytomax, and a small first aid kit.

Geonz

08-10-2006, 06:26 AM

Of course, it wasn't Mary Poppins who sang that song! (I only know 'cause we had a Mary Poppins singalong two weeks ago.)
I also carry at least one book and it's come in handy when I ran over something that destroyed my tire.
My checklist-for-every-ride-countdown is (going down the body) "Helmet, glasses (I don't need them to see, but gnats and corn whispings are everywhere), waterbottle (even though it's a camelbak usually), pump (in the camelbak, with a multi-tool), Gloves, phone."
Now, I don't always *have* them all... but at least I've asked :-) ON the Xtracycle I've got some bandaids and stuff, too, and some vitamin I, which I have never used but have shared. (I'm convinced I don't need it *because* I have it.)

This morning I had the cooler, with frozen strawberries and peaches and dixie cups and wet-wipes, and the stand and the blender base and business end, and change of clothes for work 'cause we're having visitors.

dachshund

08-10-2006, 06:52 AM

I've been carrying a small socket wrench lately, because of having a new saddle. :) I had to keep stopping and readjust its position. I just realized I can probably leave that at home.

Ditto on what has been said already. I can't fix a tire without tire levers, so way to go bikerz! :) I also stashed Peet's/Starbucks cards and an extra BART ticket (the local train), in with my folded up paper stuff. I have a photo copy of my insurance info, and until I get a RoadID, a card with emergency numbers. On group rides I bring a small camera.

Oh, and a very loud bell !

Teddyparker

08-10-2006, 07:19 AM

Hey Denise223

I too am very hesitant to ride solo. Until yesterday I always rode (and probably will contnue to do so) at first light when I know traffic is light and there is someone home to get me if need be:o . I've had 2 flats and both times called my husband. But it has always bothered me that I was afraid to go riding later in the day if no one was at home to get me. My son taught me to fix a flat by talking me through it as I went along. I was still concerned about doing it in the field.
Yesterday I rode alone later in the morning. I talked myself into it and left the house (with no one home) at 9AM with everything I may need to fix a flat by myself. I rode the farthest I ever have 25 miles( a lot for me) at 14.5 mph avg speed (my personal best). When I got home I noticed my back tire was kind of soft. I pumped it again and it went soft again so I changed the back tire alone. I feel like I can do it out on the road with no problem now. I posted this link on another thread. This video helped me so much. Check it out. http://www.bettybikegear.com/tips.aspx
Take your time, when you are ready to go alone you will just do it.
Good luck

Bad JuJu

08-10-2006, 08:35 AM

Did somebody already mention sunscreen? I sunscreen before riding, but if it's a longish ride, I take a little container along for reapplication later in the day. Same goes for chamois butter.

Another sometimes-useful item that takes up little space is a tire boot. I've been known to get sizeable gashes in my tires (sadly, NW Florida is full of yahoos who just love to throw bottles on the road), so I really have needed the tire boots a couple of times. On the other hand, a folded dollar bill works, too. So don't forget some folding money along with your change for vending machines.:)

MomOnBike

08-10-2006, 09:19 AM

I haven't really settled down to a set list. There are so many variables - where, how far, (on rides where walking home is feasible, I'll take a LOT less), the general $hittiness of my mood, what I'm planning on doing, just to start.

That said, I always wear a helmet and gloves. I feel nekkid without. The Road ID is permanently attached to my shoe.

From here on out, there is no guarantee that anything here will be with me on any given ride, but I often carry:

The bike pump is almost always attached to the frame. It's in its own little case with levers and patches. Pretty cool. Too bad I can't inflate my tires all the way with it. :rolleyes:

There is a little Y-shaped hex wrench I like to have on the bike. I find I pull it more than I thought I would. Ditto a little screwdriver (flat). The screwdriver is great for popping glass shards from tires...

When I carry tubes I need one of each size. DH & I can share, though, when we go out together.

Cable and lock. Hairbrush. Wallet with cards. Camera.

Sometimes I carry money, if I have any, and when it's hot or the distance will be 20 miles or more I carry water.

Bike Goddess

08-10-2006, 09:20 AM

My gosh- lots of things we take with us!

I carry a fanny pack that I got from REI. Inside, (as with others), a bar or 2, a pkg of shot,sliced orange, cytomax,handiwipe sunscreeen, drugs, small pocket knife, Kaiser medical card, expired Driver's license, ATM card, cash, ,chapstick, phone,glasses and contact lens case (if I start out with contacts on)sunglasses.

Under bike seat- new tube, patch kit, plastic tire irons, multi use tool, rag.
On bike- 2 bottles- one with drink, one with water

I plan solo rides so I have access to water and food if I need it.

Lise

08-10-2006, 09:31 AM

That said, I always wear a helmet and gloves. I feel nekkid without.
I know what you mean! I left without gloves one time. Took me two blocks to figure out what was wrong!

HappyAnika

08-10-2006, 11:24 AM

For anyone who is relying on cell phones for flats:
What if your battery is dead?
What if you're out of range?
What if no one you know is home/answering their phone?

PLEASE! learn how to change a flat. It can be really frustrating the first time, but then its really easy. Just practice at home. If you have a hard time using frame pumps, carry a mini pump and the CO2 cartridges. Then you still have the option of calling for help, but you also have the confidence of knowing you don't ever have to be stuck. You owe it to yourself and your family to be independent.

With that said, here's to flat-free riding!;)

Geonz

08-10-2006, 12:26 PM

I agree ... I'm not *good* at flats but I can fix 'em (I keep the box so I can follow the directions). I'll accept help - but it's nice to know I don't have to.

Denise223

08-10-2006, 02:41 PM

Hi Everyone!

Thank you all for your very informative replies to this post. This thread will be extremely helpful to everyone - especially those that are new to the wonderful world of cycling :D .

I am very happy to have found this site and to be a part of an exceptional group of women.

I will be meeting up with a woman from TE who has offered to show me how to change a tire on my bike. I am extremely grateful to her. It really means a lot to me.... Thank you again :)

Have a peaceful evening!

Denise

kelownagirl

08-10-2006, 02:41 PM

I agree about fixing flats. I insisted Erik show me how to change a tube and then the next time we had to change one, I did it myself so I felt confident I'd be able to do it myself. It's actually pretty easy and I'm so glad I know how to do it now...

latelatebloomer

08-10-2006, 05:40 PM

The onlyt thing I carry that hasn't been mentioned is a nicely broken-in bandana. Wet & tied around the neck, it keeps me from overheating on tougher PA afternoons. I figure it will also serve as tourniquet, bandage, washcloth, toilet paper...

or bandit mask, if I decide to go bad.

SouthernBelle

08-11-2006, 05:44 AM

FreshNewbie

08-11-2006, 05:47 AM

In case nobody mentioned this : I always have pair of latex gloves in my bag to change the tire, multi tool, two spare tubes, phone, id, cash, snacks. Doing some shopping for tire levers and pump now

SadieKate

08-11-2006, 07:43 AM

Tiny little bottle of hand sanitizer if I know only portapotties (or the really gross Pope Valley restrooms) will be available.

Kano

08-12-2006, 05:35 PM

I'm seeing stuff listed that I need to acquire -- thank you!

I "found" a new can't ride without it today: spare batteries for my camera!

Camera comes along on my rides, and most of the time I don't use it, but today I had a few things I took pictures of, and then had a dead battery the next time. This wasn't so bad -- the river will be there next weekend, but later, there was the "SLOM" sign on the pavement that would have been fun to snap a picture of, and the biker hauling one of those water bike things on a trailer, and even better, and darn it, missed, the Osprey in flight, and the pair of eagles in a tree...

Yup, spare batteries for the camera is a new essential!

Karen in Boise

Bad JuJu

08-12-2006, 07:22 PM

In case nobody mentioned this : I always have pair of latex gloves in my bag to change the tire, multi tool, two spare tubes, phone, id, cash, snacks. Doing some shopping for tire levers and pump now

Hey, these would come in handy for that life-of-crime that latelatebloomer and SouthernBelle are contemplating--you don't want to leave any fingerprints, ladies.:eek:

margo49

08-12-2006, 07:29 PM

Good for delivering babies by the roadside with too!
Or anything else involving damsels in distress!

Lise

08-12-2006, 08:05 PM

Good for delivering babies by the roadside with too!
Or anything else involving damsels in distress!
Now there's a thought. For delivering a baby by the roadside, I would want:

A tarp (clean surface for the woman & baby). A couple of clean, dry towels, OR newspaper (to dry and wrap the baby). Some latex/rubber gloves for me would be nice. Some dental floss (to tie off the umbilical cord).

If push came to shove (as it were :rolleyes: ), I'd settle for some newspaper and dental floss.
And a cell phone. :D
............................
Margo, good to see you around. Every time I think of the ME, I'm doing a meditation BikerZ suggested: Breathe in chaos, fear, and violence, breathe out peace and safety. Makes me feel like I'm doing something. You're all very much in our minds & hearts. L.

Kitsune06

08-12-2006, 08:29 PM

I *never* leave home without:
helmet, gloves, water (either hydrapak or bottle)
In my hydrapak:
light pump, patch kit, multi tool(invaluable. The only time I left it home, my seat post clamp decided to go loose... 5 miles into a 20 mile ride. :mad:

Tubes HAD slime in them... Will repeat this asap w/ my new tires'n tubes.

I strongly suggest the mechanically inclined take some time and go to the park tool site to read up on basic maintenance etc.
The mechanically uninclined should take a women's only course to learn their mechanisms.
You share miles and hours with your steed- please! know him/her/it well!

DebW

08-13-2006, 04:16 AM

The mechanically uninclined should take a women's only course to learn their mechanisms.

That could mean alot of different things (depending on who/what the pronoun "their" refers to).

run it, ride it

08-13-2006, 05:50 AM

newfsmith

08-13-2006, 06:59 AM

On long rides, in addition to all of the above, I carry a spare tire. 650c tires are often hard to come by, and even a supported ride may not have them. For sure, a 24 inch tire won't be available. If you need either of those, a folding tire is a good insurance policy.

Kitsune06

08-13-2006, 06:13 PM

That could mean alot of different things (depending on who/what the pronoun "their" refers to).

If unsure, wear bicycle shorts to the session. With the safety of padding and without the encumberance of underpants, you're set for whatever they have to teach you!

*Rests her head in her hands* I just can't win, can I? :rolleyes: Though I s'ppose you're right. N00bs do need to be told "No undies under the shorts! They leave weird lines and chafe!"
...then they get to learn about friction damage to their bikes.
Mechanisms and mechanisms... oh, but we're such complicated machines!

Kano

08-13-2006, 06:34 PM

*Rests her head in her hands* I just can't win, can I? :rolleyes: Though I s'ppose you're right. N00bs do need to be told "No undies under the shorts! They leave weird lines and chafe!"
...then they get to learn about friction damage to their bikes.
Mechanisms and mechanisms... oh, but we're such complicated machines!

OH dear......

Friction damage to my bike too if I wear undies under my shorts:o ? Does this mean my seat could wear out faster, and then I have to begin the search for a comfy seat aGAIN???:eek: And here I thought the only friction damage from undies was on MY mechanisms!:mad: aNOTHER new biker chick euphemism? Always amused by this forum, DH is going to love it -- don't wear THAT! you'll damage your mechanisms!

Yup, new things every day on TE!:cool:

Karen in Boise

ClockworkOrange

09-05-2006, 02:28 PM

Mimi! We will harrass you to the ends of the earth! Why did our foremothers invent bloomers? Why did the suffragettes march? Why did our mothers burn their bras?

Stand up and fix your own flat! Didn't you watch Mary Poppins?

I think I now have you down as Sadistic Kate............my comment is I don't have a dog and bark myself.............:D

Then again, I am pretty stuffed if my partner is not around, so perhaps I should take heed?

Sally

DebW

09-05-2006, 02:51 PM

OH dear......

Friction damage to my bike too if I wear undies under my shorts:o ? Does this mean my seat could wear out faster, and then I have to begin the search for a comfy seat aGAIN???:eek: And here I thought the only friction damage from undies was on MY mechanisms!:mad: aNOTHER new biker chick euphemism?

As far as I know, saddles are not worn out by wearing underwear. I have worn through the seams in cutoffs jeans, though.

SadieKate

09-05-2006, 03:12 PM

I think I now have you down as Sadistic Kate?What, you been talkin' to the woman yesterday on the bike path three miles out of town? A guy in front of me has stopped to see what's up. She has a flat and neither of them have a pump. So, they flag me down because, of course, I have a pump, and "nice" guy takes off. Woman not only has no pump, she has no spare tube, patch, levers, nothing. So, I told her I'd help but only if I could harass her about the lack of tools. Her tire turned out to be so old that it was shredding in my hands trying to get it off the rim. The tube was glued to the tire. Awful. Things were getting worse rather than better.

Fortunately, a couple I know and hadn't seen in a while were just finishing up their ride and got their car to take her back to town.

She promised that she'd go directly to the LBS for a new tire, tube and A PUMP for fear that I'd harass her if I ever saw her again.:D

I'd have loved to track down the "nice" guy who took off. I'd followed him for 15 miles across rural farms roads. Either he truly didn't have a pump or was unwilling to help. Either way, he needed some harassment also.