It’s good to review what we do for enjoyment and how prepared we are, so that on the very rare occasions that it’s not fun it doesn’t become serious.
What do you take out with you on a ride?
We play in an outdoor environment and generally we’re working quite hard and warm. As soon as we stop, we’ll cool down – and very quickly. If there’s a mechanical or an injury, we may be standing still in the wind and rain for some time. We should always take an extra layer with us, preferable something windproof. Consider also an emergency space blanket, they’re very light and take up little space.
We should have a basic toolkit with us – at a minimum a spare tube, tyre levers and some way of inflating the tube. We should also have the knowledge about how to use them. Beyond this, it’s only worth taking if you know how to use it.
Thanks, Gareth. I think there's merit in having some things with you, even if you aren't confident in using them, such as a quick link to repair a broken chain. It takes up no room and even if you don't know how to use one, a cycling Samaritan willing to help you might lack the means to fix your chain, or have a link for their own 10 speed bike whereas you ride 11, or 9, or 8 etc. No harm in going some way to being prepared to be helped if the opportunity arises, and in the absence of help you may even surprise yourself with what you can bodge to get yourself home or to a pick-up point.