List of biking essentials

Spring is here and not only are your muscles a little rusty, but so is your memory. Each year you forget some essential item for your bike ride until you get back in the routine. Here's a series of lists. Of course it depends where you're going & for how long, so I assembled a series of lists depending on the bike trail, the length of the bike ride, and your purpose for riding:

Must have every trip:

• bike
• helmet
• water
• sunscreen
• sun glasses

Strongly suggested most rides:

• snack
• emergency cash
• bike light (front & back) (required by law in some places)
• camera
• padded shorts
• bike repair kit
• spare tire or at least a patch kit
• pump
• cell phone
• GPS (might already be on your phone)

Remember I said you might have sort of a rusty memory this time of year? Well that applies to me also, so please let me know what I forgot.

List of biking essentials

What to take on your bike trail trip

Okay, spring is nearly sprung and we're all itchin' to hit the (hopefully not so) dusty trail. I understand your enthusiasm, but slow down little buddy. Take a few minutes to prepare for your bike trip. Let me make a few suggestions for you to take on the trail:

1. well-tuned bike w/ storage onboard (seat pack or panniers or handlebar pack)
2. sunscreen
3. sun glasses
4. helmet
5. water
6. weather protection (depending on forecast and local conditions you may need sweatshirt, windbreaker, shower cap to put over helmet [see my article in May 2009 Budget Travel magazine], gloves)
7. snacks (nuts, energy bar, fruit)
8. $
9. bike repair kit, pump, spare tire
10. optional items that I usually take include cell phone (w/) GPS & bike light (front & back)

What to take on your bike trail trip