First 60mile charity ride but what should i take with me?

aripallaris

Hey guys, i signed up for the London to Brighton night-ride from Ally Pally to Brighton on the 29th June. Really looking forward to it.

What should i be looking to take with me?
so far my list is

Inner tubes, pump, tyre levers
my light - hopefully fully charged . I have a tiny knog install just incase the main one cuts out.
Ive got two large water bottles
3 full cliff bars. probably take 2 with me

what else do i need? should i take padlocks; mine weighs a ton and dont really fancy taking it.
Is it worth investing in a top tube bag for quick access of stuff?

rpd_steve

You sound pretty much covered TBH. A gell or 2 just incase you feel yourself start to bonk, and dont forget a phone and cash/card.

I wouldnt worry about a bag or anything, you will probably complete 60 miles in 3-4 hours with an extra 20 min cake stop. Its not massively different to a club run, so taking loads of gear will just weigh you down for little benafit. If you make sure the bike is well checked over first and you have eaten a good meal first then you will fly though it and have a great time!

cougie

Just take what you'd take on a training ride ? Err on the side of caution for clothes though - it's not like the sun will come out for you ;-)
I've never taken a lock with me but I'd not leave the bike unattended.

For night rides - I never rely on just one rear light. Safety in numbers. And I'd take extra batteries too and a head torch if you have one. Easier to do repairs if you can see what you're doing.

g00se

Train ticket back?

aripallaris

thanks for the advice guys. trying to avoid carrying too much. might get a spare knog front light just in case. they are a bit pants but at least people can see me coming if the main one runs out! I've got two rear lights so hopefully that's me covered in that respect.

might pack a few cola bottles for the odd bit of entertainment and energy! nice

Wirral_paul

How long are you planning to take?? 60 miles surely doesnt require a set of lights, never mind two? It'll be daylight till gone 10pm by June.

Small packable showerproof jacket if the weather looks anything like wet. If you want a very portable lock then have a look at the laptop locks. Dirt cheap and should be enough to make the opportunist thief move on. Mine was about £8. It goes on all the club runs and is used to lock the outside 2 bikes together, even if mine is inside them.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Targus-Defcon-Security-cable-black/dp/B00009346H/ref=tag_stp_s2_edpp_url

team47b

Bar bags are good to carry a camera for easy access to record your first 60 mile charity event so you can post them here, spare batteries, mobile, your favourite chocolate bar won't melt like it does in your jersey, your retractable lock for cafe stops, spare lenses for shades for when the sun gets too strong.

Oh yeah, enjoy

butcher_boy

Wirral_Paul wrote:

How long are you planning to take?? 60 miles surely doesnt require a set of lights, never mind two? It'll be daylight till gone 10pm by June.

It says it's a NIGHT ride

aripallaris

thanks for the guidance everyone. Ive modified a small pouch to keep some cola bottles in during my ride lol. going to stem mount them on the opposite side of my ayup light battery pack.

Also ordered myself an Ortlieb saddle bag , medium and large, not sure what size i need. hoping to load them up with the inner tubes and maybe a lightweight jacket. Bonus is that its waterproof although theres no light loops so ill have to get created and make one!

butcher_boy

Why not just wear a 3 rear pocket cycling jersey?

izza

butcher_boy wrote:

Why not just wear a 3 rear pocket cycling jersey?

Because he should be arriving around 11.00 pm and the nightclubs won't let people in without a collar.

butcher_boy

izza wrote:

butcher_boy wrote:

Why not just wear a 3 rear pocket cycling jersey?

Because he should be arriving around 11.00 pm and the nightclubs won't let people in without a collar.

Apologies :oops:

aripallaris

ahahhaha awesome comment.

I tend to ride with nike pro tops. i find them way more comfy and hold my body temp perfectly.

xpc316e

I'd take a puncture repair outfit as well a tube or two. It's a bit of a faff, especially at night, to patch a tube but it's not unknown to have a couple of flats in one long ride.

aripallaris

thanks mate. i was thinking of taking two. got a few ppl to ride together as part of a group so hoping we can share resources come worse case scenarios.