In My Saddlebag

By Andy Rice.

A brief guide to being prepared for club runs and other day rides.

Essentials for a Club run

• Your VCC ID tag fixed to your bike (if you're a paid-up member and have not received yours, please contact Peter
• Cash/Credit card - at least £5 for your tea and cake!
• 2 spare inner tubes
• Puncture repair kit plus
  • Tyre boot patches
  • Tyre lever(s)
  • Var (bead jack) or similar if you struggle getting the last bit of bead over the rim
• Pump – that actually works!  Options are:
  
  • Mini/pocket
  • Frame-mounted
  • Mini-track
  • CO2 Inflator

‘Cos you never know what might happen

• GPS (Garmin or similar) - with the route loaded on it!
• Multi tool with a chain tool
• Spare chain link
• Spare valve core and valve core tool (and a valve core extender in case you spare tube doesn't fit your rim!)
• Phone
• Cash - £20 note for emergencies (and a tyre boot if desperate!)
• Cable ties – six small ones will fix quite a lot of things
• Mini pliers or leatherman

Nice to have just to be prepared

• Rain Jacket
  • Light weight, for unexpected showers, wind protection
• First Aid kit, including:
  
  • A couple of dressings, small bandage, tape, antiseptic wipes, steri-strips, plasters, emergency foil blanket
• Disposable gloves – blood and oil protection
• Cleat covers for the tea stop
• Bars or gels