Carrying stuff with you on long rides

[Catrin]

Since I use a hydration pack, there is a pocket inside of a pocket where I store my phone. No fast access, but I don't have to worry about it getting wet - or dropped...

[Crankin]

I've been caught in 2 torrential downpours in the last month and my unzip- locked phone was fine. So was DH's I phone.
It's all personal preference, but I don't mind stuffing my jersey pockets or my seat bag, which is not huge, but bigger than the average roadie's. I would have a bigger bag if my bike could handle it, or at least a bigger one I could use for the occasions that warranted one. I have been slightly annoyed at some of the group rides I have done (this is a purely social group with good riders who always include a lunch stop) when we stopped someplace to get food and then actually had to carry it to a different location to eat, like a park. Well, there I was with a huge paper bag full of a sandwich and drink, it was 90 degrees out and we were on Cape Cod in summer traffic. I had to ask someone to carry for me and I felt terrible. If they had warned me, I would have worn my Camelbak.

[lauraelmore1033]

I like to use a freebie drawstring bag from the Cycle the Wave ride on long rides. I probably carry too much stuff, and I'm getting better about that, but the wide variations in temp/precip throughout the day make it a necessity in my book. It is light and comfortable I must say, so I can't see a reason not to wear it. The bag also makes me recognizable on various organized rides and such. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. If I ever do something stupid/jerky on on one of those rides I'll have to look for a new bag...

[sfa]

I've got a small seat bag with an extra tube, patch kit, etc. For most rides I just have that and stick my i.d., phone, and a snack of some sort in my jersey pockets. But I also have a rack on my bike so for longer rides I attach a trunk bag to hold more food, a jacket, lock, or anything else I need. For commuting, I use a larger pannier to hold whatever I need for the day.

Sarah