1. Backpack
Buying a durable backpack is key to withstand adverse weather conditions or any damage on your rides, and is especially handy as it is convenient to wear on your back without the worry of attaching fixings to your bike to hold your bag. Find one with reflective panels to make sure you are visible on the road, and one without long cords which can get caught in your tires.
2. Water
People normally underestimate how draining a bike ride can be, especially on hot, summer days. You can buy a water bottle cage at any bike store, making it easy to attach to your bike to lighten the load of your bag.
3. Sun Protection
Rain, hail or shine, it is important to make sure you are protecting yourself from harmful UV rays.
When going on a bike ride, particularly during Summer, lather yourself in sunscreen, pop on a hat and some sunglasses to keep you sun safe.
4. Small First Aid Kit
It’s better to be safe than sorry! Carry a first aid kit every time you ride. A first aid kit is not only for any accidents that you might be in, but if you encounter any injured cyclists, you have a kit at hand.
5. Energy Snacks and Electrolyte Drinks
Snacks are important to pack on a long bike to make sure to keep your energy levels up. Bananas and avocados are great for their potassium and carbohydrates to fuel your muscles and prevent cramps. Trail mixes and energy bars help stave off hunger, but be wary of “energy” bars that have excessive sugar. While energy drinks can help refuel, there are options like electrolyte powders that have everything your body needs (magnesium, potassium) with the benefit of less or zero sugars. Many come in convenient small packets that can be added to water as needed.
6. Pump or Mini Inflator
Carrying a pump in your bag may not seem like a good idea, but these are vital for any long bike ride. A flat tire can happen and you want to be prepared in case it does. A mini bike pump or inflator is small enough to fit in your pocket or it can be attached to your bottle cage with some clips. Be sure to test your pump or mini-inflator BEFORE heading out on your ride!
7. Mobile Phone
Make sure you have a charged mobile phone with you, especially for long bike rides in remote locations. Off-road trails are notorious for accidents, having your mobile phone on you allows you to call emergency services if you are in any trouble. Another bonus of bringing your phone is to take awesome photos of the places you visit on your bike ride.
8. Patch Kit
A patch kit is one of those things that you never think you’ll need it until you do.
These are handy for any damage to your bicycle’s tubes which requires a quick fix. Filled with the essentials, a patch kit usually contains adhesive and a couple of patches, to get your puncture repaired for the ride home. However, it is best to replace a punctured bike tube when possible.
9. Headlight
Make yourself noticeable on the road with a headlight! Riding on the road can be a risk, especially at night on low-lit roads, so wear a headlight to ensure that you are seen. A headlight can help you to see the road at night to avoid obstacles and rough terrain. These headlights can be attached to your helmet and can be purchased at different strengths, so choose the headlight which suits your needs.
DID YOU KNOW … Volunteer Palm Springs just launched BLINK FOR SAFETY — a community safety initiative that will provide blinking lights (front and back) to anyone with a bicycle in our community! Learn more about the program here: https://volunteerpalmsprings.org/blink-for-safety/
