BASIC KIT FOR ENDURANCE RIDES

SAFETY TIPS
• When you’re out riding in the hills, the weather can change rapidly at any time of year and being prepared for wind and rain or cold conditions with the gear that you carry will make your ride much more enjoyable. Even on a summer’s day, it’s possible to get cold very quickly if you have to stop to fix a mechanical problem or become injured so always carry a waterproof / windproof jacket or thermal top and dress in layers appropriate to the conditions.
• Maintain your bike so that it doesn’t let you down when you’re at the furthest point from home
• As a MINIMUM carry the tools listed below and more importantly, know how to use them.
• If possible cycle in a group so that if someone does hurt himself or herself there are enough people to stay with the injured person whilst others go for help.
• If you are riding on your own, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
• Carrying a basic first aid kit and survival blanket is a very good idea – not just for events when it’s on the compulsory kit list!
• Unless you are VERY familiar with the area where you are cycling, carry a map and compass in clear plastic bag. Again – know how to use them!
• Keep eating and drinking regularly to keep your energy levels up so that you can complete the ride. Be able to recognise the symptoms of dehydration and “hitting the wall” and act accordingly. (See nutrition and hydration)

MINIMUM KIT LIST
• Small rucksack / hydration pack
• Lightweight waterproof / windproof top
• Extra thermal top or warm layer to wear if stopped.
• 2 litres of water either in a bladder or water bottles
• Food to last you the duration of the ride – for example energy bars, gels or chocolate (see nutrition for other ideas of food to eat on the bike)
• A good pump
• Tyre levers
• 2 spare inner tubes
• Puncture repair kit
• Chain splitter
• Allen key set
• Spoke key
• First aid kit and survival blanket
• Mobile phone / money for pay-phone

This may sound like a lot of gear to be lugging around on a ride and on many cases you won’t need all of it. However if something does happen to you or your bike in a remote spot, you’ll be equipped to deal with most situations or at least stay safe and warm until help arrives.

KIT LIST FOR THE NIGHT MARATHONS
• Small rucksack / hydration pack
• Lightweight waterproof / windproof top (one for each person in a team)
• Extra thermal top or warm layer to wear if stopped.(one for each person in a team)
• 2 litres of water either in a bladder or water bottles
• Food to last you the duration of the ride – for example energy bars, gels or chocolate (see nutrition for other ideas of food to eat on the bike)
• A good pump
• Tyre levers
• 2 spare inner tubes
• Puncture repair kit
• Chain splitter
• Allen key set
• Spoke key
• First aid kit and survival blanket
• Mobile phone / money for pay-phone / phone number of the Event HQ
• Sufficient lights for off road night riding with burn time in between 3-5 hours (depending on your abilities and should easily cover the duration of a 50km night ride / one light for each person in a team)
• Rear light (one light for each person in a team)
• Backup light (one light for each person in a team)