CanadianBiker32

Doing a big 100 mile event in Ohio this year. 100 mile mt bike event
Drop Bags are allowed.

What type of bag would be suggested as good to use for drop bag? What do most people use?
thanks

Machka 

Duffel.

Steamer

sometimes organizers impose size and weight limits on drop bags. be sure to check on this.

don't use anything that is precious to you. it could get filthy or wet. you may want to put any sensitive contents in big ziploc bags inside the drop bag.

Make sure it has some kind of name tag on it.

downtube42

I use one of my kids old bookbags. They meet the size limits, rugged enough, won't hurt if lost or damaged, and have enough space for everything I consider essential.

StephenH

Figure out what you need in it, see how much room you need.

Consider something completely different in color or style from what others are using so you can pick it out of a pile quicker.

CanadianBiker32

The drop bag requirements
says under albs
and 2' x 2'
Does the 2'X'2 mean
2 inches wide and 2 inches length? if so thats quite a big bag to be allowed?

Bandera

The measurement for "feet" is expressed as '.
The measurement for "inches" is expressed as ".

So in metric terms 2'X2' is approximately either .89775 Micro Hectares or 375 Light Years.
One or the other.....

-Bandera

CanadianBiker32

For a drop bag. Would it work ok If i just used one or 2 plastic grocery bags? and put some tape on them? as just in case i forget the bag, its no loss if it goes to the garbage?

Suggestions?

bikemig 

I'm pretty sure it means 375 light years, .

GravelMN

WalMart has some inexpensive waterproof (more or less) stuff sacks for under $10. I use the mid-size one on my bike rack for carrying extra clothes in cold or wet weather. The mid or large size one would probably work for a drop bag. When empty the roll up very small and clip together to form a ring that can go around your seat post or handlebar.

Outdoor Recreation Group - Set of 3 Ultimate Dry Sacks - Walmart.com

Machka 

Really???

Seriously???

Wow.

Machka 

What do you think goes into drop bags?

Rowan

When you live in a metric country and have to deal with antiquated measurements, it can be a bit difficult to understand.

A drop bag can be anything you want, but I would not be happy with just a couple of plastic shopping bags.

Whatever you use should have the capacity for an entire change of riding kit (shorts, jersey, gloves and socks at least) plus wet weather gear. In addition, you will likely need spare batteries if you are riding into the night; something such as baby wipes to clean yourself up before changing clothes; and whatever energy mixes or bars and electrolytes you intend to consume on the ride (or other food if you aren't into energy mixes or bars). Some first aid supplies might also be advisable on an MTB event, along with several extra tubes and a folding tyre.

Yes, your bag should be different if possible. But seeing you won't know until you get there, use something such as a red ribbon tied to the handles (or some other bright colour) just in case there is some other bag the same as yours. A name tag should also be put on there along with a phone number so the organisers can contact you if you don't collect it at the end of the event.

lhbernhardt

You don't really need a drop bag for a 100 mile road event. A 100 mile mtb event, though, you just might. Knowing what little I do about off-road riding, it always take longer to go any distance offroad. So I'm just going to assume that you might be riding into the evening/night, and that the weather will be iffy.

So to start off, you need a waterproof bag that you can zip completely shut. Always assume worst case: the organizers will have your bag waiting for you mixed in with a hundred others in the middle of a wet, muddy field, and it will be raining. (It's happened on PBP!) How about a small orange storage bag for use on kayaks? Or a small cooler bag?

As far as contents, I like to have a fresh, dry t-shirt to change into, and for rides of more than ten hours, a fresh pair of shorts. If it's been raining, you will want a towel and fresh socks, as well as a fresh jersey and spare rain jacket. And heading into night time, you will want to have your battery lights inside the bag, or spare batteries. All of this should fit into a 2 ft x 2 ft bag. I don't think you'll need any food, since I would assume there will be food stops. If not, put food in there! But nothing that will leak & get everything else wet. Advil also helps sometimes.

Luis