What's in your pack?

[LBTC]

Here's an interesting question:

What do you have in your cycling pack? More specifically, what do you carry that's unusual, and why?

My last addition to the stuff in my pack was zip-ties. Before a 40km race, I adjusted my saddle position, not remembering that I needed 2 tools to tighten it back up. Sometime during that race, I lost a bolt from one side of the seat clamp. Had I had a zip-tie I would have at least felt like I could put a little bit of weight on the saddle - as it was I was quite afraid of bending a ti rail, so did what I could to crouch the last 40 minutes of the race (or however long that was - seemed like forever!!)

What's your story?

Namaste,
~T~

[Irulan]

haha, the beginning or the end of the season.... scary what you pull out at the end of the season!!! Zip ties are a good idea.

The usual stuff includes first aid in a zip lock, assorted food ( gu, gorp), mini tool, spare derrailler hanger and cleat nuts, feminine supplies, digital camera and batteries, clothing varies by season, pencil stub, pump,...I'm sure there's more...

Irulan

[pedalfaster]

Spare disposable contact lens.
Lost one during a race once. Depth perception is a GOOD thing off road!

[JanT]

Besides the usual emergency bike and body repair stuff, and always more water than I think I'll need, I carry a hand-held ham radio. I don't have a cell phone, so my husband and I monitor an agreed upon frequency in order to check in with each other periodically. Sometimes I carry a gps if I want to map a trail or mark a spot on the map. I've printed out maps of my usual routes, both on and off-road, so my husband knows where I'll be.

[Dogmama]

Among other things, I always carry two spare tubes. I put them in a sandwich bag and sprinkle cornstarch in the bag. Work it around the tube, seal it up nice & tight & cram in it the seatbag. When you need it, it will slip easily into the rim and doesn't get caught so easily between the rim and the tire.

[lkrider]

Among other things, I always carry two spare tubes. I put them in a sandwich bag and sprinkle cornstarch in the bag. Work it around the tube, seal it up nice & tight & cram in it the seatbag. When you need it, it will slip easily into the rim and doesn't get caught so easily between the rim and the tire.

What a terrific hint. I always took the tubes out of the box, but worried about them getting messed up with all the other junk in my bag. THANKS!

[Dirt Girl]

Why? For the obvious reason. Though I've never had to use it on the trail yet. I just hate the thought of being out somewhere without it when something gets stuck in my teeth. Trail food often includes nuts and nuts are notorious for getting stuck between my teeth. How annoying.

Aren't you glad you asked?!

I am, however, convinced that at some point it will save the day for me or someone--somehow, somewhere. It's strong stuff and could come in handy during an emergency. A friend and I once considered using it as a makeshift dog leash to help convince a lost dog to follow us. Someone else in the group ended up having a piece of real rope though.

[spazzdog]

I have a little 'under the seat' pack. It has an Alien tool, a few individual quick patch kits, some of those ind. wrapped hand towels (like you get at a lobster dinner), my cell phone and a laminated copy of my emergency contact info plus $20.

On my Wing (behind the seat water carrier) I have my 2 H2O bottles and 2 tubes in the velcro Wing straps. Since I'm a roadie, I sometimes velcro my tevas onto the wing as well if "lazing about" is part of a ride.

I hate wearing a pack... so I've become a bit of a minimalist.

[MightyMitre]

I've also got a little under-the-saddle pack and keep an inner tube,quick patches, tyre levers and mini tool. I also keep a small bag of coins ( change is always handy ) and some of them usually get spent at a tea/ coffee stop, but they do tend to get a bit grubby if they're in there too long.

I also hate carrying stuff on my person. I've got a mini pump which is attached to my frame via my bottle cage and only usually have food and my mobile in my pockets. I always carry more food than I'll ever need, just in case I take a detour and ride longer than expected, or in case I come across another rider who looks like they could use a snack!

[annie]

Toothbrush, 'cause of the braces. They are a mess if you don't brush every time you eat anything.

Travel-size deodorant. Comes in handy so many times!

Lipstick. You never know.......... and it sure doesn't take up much room.

Duct tape. Never travel without it.

Pen and small pad of paper.

Plus the usual stuff - tools, tubes, CO2, money, cell phone, etc.

annie

[MightyMitre]

Hi Annie - sounds like you're ready for any eventuality including an overnight stay!

On saying that, I'm just a scruff bag. Like the lipstick idea - very glam.

[Dogmama]

Toothbrush, 'cause of the braces. They are a mess if you don't brush every time you eat anything. Travel-size deodorant. Comes in handy so many times! Lipstick. You never know.......... and it sure doesn't take up much room. Duct tape. Never travel without it. Pen and small pad of paper. Plus the usual stuff - tools, tubes, CO2, money, cell phone, etc.
annie

Good heavens! How big is your pack? Does it have its own set of wheels?

[Veronica]

I usually wear a bright color lipstick. What's the point otherwise? My current color is Berry. I usually only have one color in my cabinet at a time and I don't bring it with me on the bike, but do have Chapstick or such.

I used to think I wanted a Calfee, but we're not a super light team and not likely to ever be so. Now I think I'd like a Mercian.

V.

[LBTC]

Nuthatch!! Please, can you share the recipe for your peanut butter balls? They sound fabulous!!

and Veronica....a custom tandem over a ring? fabulous! I hope Thom knows how LUCKY he is!!

namaste,
~T~

[SadieKate]

I used to think I wanted a Calfee, but we're not a super light team and not likely to ever be so. Now I think I'd like a Mercian.
V.

Veronica, we have got to meet! I've given up on the lipstick because it won't stay on, but I did get a custom tandem instead of an engagement ring. Actually, no engagement ring, an inexpensive wedding ring, a tiny wedding and the right help from our friends and family at our wedding meant a custom tandem. Back in 1988 there weren't many choices and a custom tandem was the best of 3 options: 1) expensive Italian, 2) lightweight flexy fliers, or 3) custom. I can still remember testing riding a flexy flier and getting seasick and scared on the back because it swayed so much side to side! I got off and walked back to the shop.

Plus! I have a 1981 King of Mercia -- my precious vintage ride. That was the frame hubby hid in the attic at Xmas and gave me a giant box inside of which was buried a tiny box with a Campy seatpost bolt. Mercian just sent me their brochure. I'm just drooling over it. Miss Mercia is crying out to me. Don't know what I'd do with her, but she's just wonderful.