[JoWiGo]

Hey everyone, I'm Josh, new to the forums. I'm a youngin, only 16 but am an avid cyclist. This summer, i plan to do some long distance biking instead of small trips.

But I've got a lot of people ocncerned about my safety, because i'm a 'kid'. So my question is, what should i bring with me on my trips? I plan on doing a couple multi nighter trips, but that would be later on in the summer. For now it would just be single day jaunts. I figure I need:

*A spare tube (should I have 2?)
*CO2 cartridge/mini pump (which one?)
*A basic, small first aid kit
*A cell phone

Anything else? I currently have no biking gear (shorts, gloves, jersy, etc.) and my bike is a trek 4500. Am I good to go on these rides?

Thanks in advance :).

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[Dchiefransom]

Get a mini-pump. Those worried about you might think you'll run out of CO2. Two spare tubes and a patch kit. Tire boots. Multi-tool. Set of three tire levers. Some type of I.D. with emergency numbers to call. You might look at having a hydration pack, one of the biggest ones to carry your other stuff in, also(longer trips).

[DieselDan]

I suggest two tubes and a patch kit for longer rides away from home. Also BOTH CO2 cartridges and a minipump. You use the pump to get started, then finish with a cartridge after you get the tire and tube seated correctly. Look into getting a mini-tool of one or another. A helmet should be the first thing you buy, then gloves, shorts, and then jersery.

Also, search around these forums for just about any question, you'll find the answer. Usually we're a good group of spoke heads.

[Dutchy]

A handgun.......:D

Seriously. A mini-pump, 2 tubes, a phone, levers, money, 2 water bottles. That should cover you for most "normal" problems. A mini-tool is also a good idea providing you know how to use it (especially the chain-breaker).

CHEERS.

Mark

[MichaelW]

The first aid kit should be for grazes so plenty of disinfectant wipes and some gauze pads.
Helmet and gloves for crash protection.
Glasses for eye protection.
bike shorts (**always a clean pair**, no underwear).
Repair kit (practice using it).
Map and compass.
Money. This is strictly to buy your way out of difficulties, NOT to spend on chocolate biscuits.
A list of bike shops.

[AndrewP]

The rides will be easier if you put 1.5" slick tires on. A rack and pannier bags will be useful for carrying food, rain jacket etc - this may not be necessary for your day trips, but will certainly be needed by the end of the summer so you might as well get it now. Also let people know what your planned route is, and when you expect to return. Dont forget the sunscreen.

[Seanholio]

Get a RoadID. http://www.roadid.com/

Nothing will make your family feel better than to know that you are wearing something which has their phone number should you become injured and unable to communicate. This is what caused the greatest relief for my wife.

[mpop]

I am going to make a suggestion here, but first you might find if you do the trails you might not have cell phone coverage, when I did the Youghiogheny River Trail I had no signal from Ohiopile to Bostin (pa), so the cell phone will be useless. Now on to the suggestion. Study for a Ham licence, it is not that hard. then get a small 2m HT (handheld transiver) that can can be put any where on the bike I keep mine on the handle bars, you might want to make sure it can do 5 watts of output power. And a list of the public service (ARES, RACES) repeaters of the areas you will be biking though (these SHOULD be manned at all times so if there is an emergance you have a chance of getting out the word for help), this should cover you when you have no cell signal.

[Keith99]

You didn't say how long is long.

If it is long enough that you will plan to be riding near darkness then add a light and reflectors, if you plan to be out near dusk sooner or later enough things will go wrong that you will be riding in darkness.

I would add a patch kit. This is not a replacement for spare tubes. It is a backup. A bit of bad luck and your spare tubes are used up in the first 20 miles of a 200 mile ride. (This is real life, happened to a stranger I passed, 20 miles in on the Grand Tour and he had his 3rd flat. He was lucky, I had an extra I could give him).

And to my mind the best thing to have is a riding partner. You may not be able to find one before youy start, but don't pass up the chance to find one while riding.