What will you NOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT?

[run it, ride it]

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

Certainly not underwear!

[Dr. Liz]

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?

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! ), or for other emergencies. 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.

[margo49]

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 )