First 30 Mile Ride - Things To Know?

[TrekTheKaty]

I admit water bottles take practice, but you should put at least one rack on. I use it to carry beverages purchased "on the road" ie. soda, smoothies, ice coffee.

I add Nuun tablets to my water--they are zero calorie but have electrolytes. Tablet makes it easy to refill bottle/camelbak and drop another in (absolutely necessary in the heat).

I'm not sure what your eventual "goal" distance is, but it takes a camelbak and two water bottles to be self-supported on our 60 training rides for a century. On new routes, we can't be sure of finding a gas station or restaurant. It's better to be safe than sorry. (DH has also missed rest stops on organized rides and needed what he had to get through. I've shown up at a rest stop and they were out of water and only had blue gatorade--it was nice to have my own).

And of course, you learn what a jersey is for. I use the pocket to carry my cell phone, camera and jelly beans/gu (I can open while riding). Handlebar bag is also accessible while riding (takes practice). Your setup is fine for now, but one day you will be racing the weather (heat, wind, rain) and won't want to dismount every time you need something. I've also discovered that on longer rides, stopping too long just makes my legs tighten up.

PS. Saddle bag hangs under your seat for emergency supplies--tube, air cartridge, multitool, small first aid kit, etc

Have a great ride

[Velocivixen]

I did the ride last sunday and it was good-only 25 miles. However the roads were rough. I have 700x32c tires which are smooth and I felt every bump. Since that ride I bought Blackburn stainless steel water bottle cages and installed them. Now I need some nice stainless steel water bottles. I wore sunglasses and they were fine and glad I did, since we had a headwind.
Instead of a saddlebag right now I think I'm getting a trunk. My Dh has the Arkel Tail Wind and it's really nice. I still need room to carry more than just repair tools/tube, so the trunk bag is smaller than the pannier. Eventually I'll likely get a saddle bag too as well as a bike specific jersey.
Thanks for all the great suggestions. Keep them coming, and I'll post updated info.

[marni]

I also carry small packs of chamois buttr in my pocket. Just saying.

marni