Arrive with confidence that you have all you need for the big day
As the outdoor cycling season gets underway, many are starting to go to races, charity or group rides, and other cycling events. Being prepared and having all of your necessary items/gear will help you have a successful and fun day.
Event day or race day often includes extra stress or anxiety for many reasons. You may want to do well or win, have a good ride, finish, keep up with your friends, set a new personal record, etc.
You may also find yourself in a new place, riding a new route, or be faced with inclement weather, etc. Being able to minimize the stress or anxiety on the big day will only help you have a better ride. For people new to events or races it is recommended that you pack early and using a checklist.
Here is a list of what is typically packed along with a general checklist. Use both to create your own checklist for a big ride, event, or race. Arrive with confidence that you have all you need for the big day.
Items in the kit bag
Cycling kits: 2 kits that have different style/fit options
Base layers: Variety of base layers, varying density/weight, long/short/no sleeves.
Outerwear: Bring more than you think you will need. No matter what the forecast, you should have a rain jacket, lightweight jacket and vest, long sleeve jersey, arm, knee, and leg warmers, and cycling cap
Gloves: Short and long fingered
Helmet
Bike Shoes and a set of spare cleats. Sometimes you may even want pack a spare set of pedals
Protective eyewear: Sunglasses with multiple lens options for different weather conditions
Socks: 2 pairs, one to ride in and one for after event
Hat: Baseball, visor, or winter cap for after the event
Post event clothing: Shorts, warm-up suit, t-shirt, etc.
Sandals, flip flops or sneakers: For before and after the event. Always try to minimize walking in your cycling shoes
Sunscreen and massage oil
Towel and extra water, cleanser and/or rubbing alcohol
Changing kilt: A loose fitting, to the knees changing kilt makes everything a whole lot easier...and less of an exhibition
Basic tools/parts: Minimally, make sure to have a floor pump, multi-tool with chain tool, spare inner tubes, tire levers, CO2 cartridges, handle bar tape, seat tube clamp, extra handlebar ends, zip ties, electrical tape, valve stem extender, measuring tape, safety pins, and spare derailleur hanger
Food and drink: For pre, post and during event. Bring more than you need and bring only items you have consumed in the past. Never try anything new on event day. Typically, this can be a combination of sports nutrition (like gels and bars, drinks) and regular food. Always bring extra water.
Basic first aid kit
Toilet paper
Money/checks/ATM or credit card
Identification: Racing license, driver's license, insurance information, emergency contact information
Any necessary or important paperwork or forms: Even if you have registered online, always bring a hard copy of any forms/receipts just in case there is a problem at registration or sign in
Map or directions to event: Everyone has GPS these days, but it's still a good idea to bring copy of printed directions or map. A lot of bike events are in areas with poor cell service
Index cards preprinted with name, team name, contact info: When racing these will come in handy for your spare wheels or when at events if you need to give any bags or equipment to organizers/workers
Plastic bags: Grocery store and Ziploc (large and small) bags are great for putting your sweaty, dirty riding clothes/shoes in after the event. Use small Ziplocs to carry money, id, or map during the event
Water bottles: 2 for your bike, and 2 for before/after
Race Pack Checklist
Below is a general list of items to pack before each race or event. Customize this list to fit your own needs. It is helpful to start packing up some of these things a day or two ahead of time so that you have plenty of time to double check and make sure you have what you need before the big day.
Cycling Clothing
□ Helmet
□ Sunglasses
□ Base layer
□ Jersey or Skinsuit
□ Bib Shorts or shorts
□ Gloves
□ Socks
□ Bike Shoes
□ Arm Warmers
□ Knee/Leg Warmers
□ Light weight Jacket or Wind Vest
□ Rain jacket
Casual Clothing
□ Towel
□ T-shirt
□ Casual Shorts or warm up suit
□ Tennis Shoes
□ Sandals/flip/flops
□ Hat
Supplies
□ Water Bottles
□ Water and sports drink
□ Energy bars or gels
□ Reg Food ( bagel, PB&J, fruit, etc)
□ Racing License
□ Identification
□ Entry Fee
□ Contact Information
□ Bike Tools
□ Spare Wheels
□ Stationary Trainer
