newbie checklist...

[Brandy]

So I have the bike, the helmet and the padded cycling shorts, can you ladies help me out with a list of other essentials?

[kiwi girl]

lights if you are going to be riding at dawn, dusk or in the dark

[KnottedYet]

Gloves. They will save your hands from vibration and blisters, and save your skin if you should fall.

Glasses. Polycarbonate sunglasses or biking glasses to protect your eyes from all the crud that's out there just waiting to jump into your eyes. Also keeps you from squinting into the wind. (Squinty watery eyes make it harder to see where you are going and what's in front of you.)

[Quillfred]

Water bottle and holder for the bike.

Pump, inner tube.....check out some items here on TE by clicking on the blue "click to shop". Susan has many great items. Have fun.

[bikerz]

Road ID (and/or other ID and emergency contact numbers)

$20 and a couple of quarters for emergencies

[Brandi]

A insurance card(if you have one) with important #'s on it.

[fatbottomedgurl]

A bag to keep it all in so you don't cram everything into your jersey pockets. There are many shapes and sizes.

[Lise]

Chapstick, kleenex, some bandaids.

I never know when I'll bang up my shins, my nose runs all the time, and I haaaate dry lips!

[maillotpois]

Saddle bag with:

2 tubes
Co2 or pump
multi-tool
tire levers
A copy of your drivers license and insurance ID in plastic wrap or laminated
Tire boots
Small tube/vial of sunscreen

And learn how to use the tubes, etc.!!

[RoadRaven]

I only ride on the road away from home... (mountain bike happens in paddocks around house with my kids)

So when on the road...

I have my bike, my cycling computer/speedo, HR monitor and seat bag which has a spare tube and tyre lever amd gas cylinder in it.

My shorts, shoes, socks and jersey... jersey pockets have gas pump (too long to fit in my seat bag), a muesli bar and a cellphone.

My head has helmet, headband and sun/bug glasses.

Gloves of course are essential.

In winter you might need plastic bags inside your shoes to cover your toes (or buy neoprene booties - I use the plastic), arm warmers, leg or knee warmers, wind-proof vest and/or rain jacket, winter gloves.
Bib shorts are quite nice on cooler days as they keep the lower back covered and warm.

[Starfish]

In addition to all the good stuff already mentioned here, I also carry a small first aid kit and a tiny plastic container with a few each of the following: ibuprofen, immodium tabs, tums, Nuun electrolyte tabs. Oh, and a small tube of neosporin. I like it for lubing my thumbs inside my gloves, and it is good for scrapes and saddle sores, too.

And, after getting covered with bugs last week when I was changing a rear flat, I intend to order a few individually packaged bug repellant towelettes. I also have a couple disposable latex rubber gloves in my repair kit...great for keeping hands clean changing flats if you have to look presentable right after a ride (work commutes, etc).

Also, I don't love my Camelback, so after having a blowout tire 40 miles from home one day in somewhat rural country on a hot day, I had a 3rd bottle mount put under my down tube. On long solo rides if there aren't going to be stores around, I'll put 3 bottles on the bike, and take a commercial (disposable) bottle in my jersey pocket, drinking it first. I like having lots of liquids.

[latelatebloomer]

I keep a cheap bandana in my bag - I figure it can function as emergency bandage, tourniquet, washcloth, toilet paper, neck warmer... (not all at once, and not in that order!)

[Aggie_Ama]

In addition to the padded shorts a jersey, sports bra and gloves will make for a comfortable ride.

Some of my list is a repeat. Much of this stuff is tucked in my bike bag:

• Spare Tube, two for long rides.
• Aleve, Advil or other anti-inflammatory
• Feminine product.
• Two Water Bottles Mounted to the bike
• Mini-Pump
• Lip Balm
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses (I like Tifosi). Cleaning cloth for sunglasses to wipe off sweat and bugs.
• Energy bar (2 for longer rides)
• Emergency Contacts, Allergy info, Driver's License, Cash (usually just $5), Check Card
• Tire Levers or Tool Kit
• Cateye Astrale8 Cycling Computer. This is not essential, but I love knowing how fast and far I have gone.
• Headsweats cover.
• Cell Phone
• For my long rides and adventures, a disposable camera.
• Most importantly- A good attitude!

I used a Camelbak when I started riding. I did not have the balance to reach down for a water bottle, you might want to consider purchasing a Camelbak.

[margo49]

A book. Pref one of those tiny inspirational ones (eg women's quotations collections) or a pretentious "slim volume" - in case you get stuck somewhere.

A binocular(s) (terrified of the spelling police now!). You can get very small ones. That way you can look at birds and animals or (in the worst-case-scenario) see your rescuers coming. )

[RoadRaven]

Some of you gals carry a huge ammount of stuff - - is this is on touring bikes with pannier bags? Or do you take a back pack?

I take only what will fit in my jersey pockets, my bottle cage and under my seat - but then, i don't do endurance rides either...