What to pack on a Club Ride

Not sure what to pack when going out for a ride?

We think that you need more of a contingency plan than a mobile phone when you're riding your bike. It's easy enough to be covered for most things that might happen out on the road using the three pockets on your cycling jersey and a saddlebag.

But what to pack? Here’s a list of essential items you’ll need to bring with you.

Always take some ID with an emergency contact number with you when you're cycling. Don’t assume your phone will be accessible in an emergency - so make sure it’s written down (In Case of Emergency card or sticker)

Things to pack:

Equipment:

Tyre levers. Take two - good ones.

Spare innertube. Make sure it's the right size and valve type for your bike and your pump. If you've room in the saddlepack, take two tubes. 

Pump. Compressed CO₂ cartridges are also good but a pump is reusable.

Multitool. It’ll need to have any Allen and Torx key sizes your bike uses

A few cable ties. If you can’t fix something with cable ties, you haven’t used enough cable ties.

Foil blanket. If something goes wrong it’ll keep you warm until help arrives.

Food and drink:

Water bottle. One large (750ml) water bottle will be enough if you can refill it. Otherwise, take two.

Snacks. Take some snacks that will give you a sugar hit of instant energy when you need it. That could be energy gels or bars, flapjacks, cereal bars, bananas, a bag of Haribo - whatever you enjoy.

Cash and plastic. You'll want this for a cafe stop during or after the ride. It's handy to have if things go wrong too. Take a card and cash as not every stop will take card.

Optional Additions:

Sunscreen. Apply before you set out but also useful to have to top up during the ride.

Cafe lock. Gives you peace of mind at the cafe if your bike is out of sight. Plus won’t weigh you down.

Rain jacket. Offers a quick change if the weather turns sour - plus equally good for protecting you from the wind or the rain.

Phone cover. Your phone doesn’t like the wet so best to keep it covered. A freezer bag works just as well as a custom made cover - you don’t have to spend a fortune.