Ok i am not putting anything into my Jersey- that's too Fredly. My beard is Fredly enough - i can't afford to go beyond that already.

The largest item i would need to take with me is a pair of flip flops. where could i put them aside from stuffing them into a Jersey ? A frame bag ?

These are the flip-flops so that you can walk home if you get a flat instead of fixing it, right?

So, why do you need a pump too?

no i changed my mind about that. i will fix a flat if it happens. but what if something else breaks - like my chain ? i don't want to walk in road s-works shoes and the pavement here in Cali on a 80 degree day would be too hot to walk on barefoot.

you gave me an idea for a new thread !

buy covers for the cleats. much smaller than flip flops.

also putting things in your pockets is not fredly.. camelbaks are. if you're not going to use your pockets at all then just buy a skin suit.

Backpacks aren't comfortable on a road bike.

You can take two bottles, or more, and fill up at convenience stores. Actually, probably most farm families will be happy to give you water if you politely ask (look out for their farm guard dogs) if no stores are available.

Personally, I have gotten tolerably used to a HydraPak, and it amortizes cheaper than convenenience store fill ups ($1.39 for 20 oz water, $1.59 for 20 oz G2 here.) I didn't take it on Saturday, planning a 30ish mile ride, but it ended up being 65, with only two polar bottles. I had to go 6 miles out of my way to refill at a convenience store 37 miles from my car. It started at 78 degrees, I figured I would finish when it was up to about 85, but it was 96 when I finished up. Definitely a shoulda-taken-the-Hydrapak ride. Or used my wife's cellphone mapping GPS (I missed a turnoff in unfamiliar territory, with no signage to guide me, didn't think about the cell capability until after the fact).

Pre-freeze 70% of the bladder volume, then top off with refrigerated fluid just before your ride. It will cool your back, not overheat it. White is the best color for reflecting sunlight and keeping the contents cold longer. If you do have to stop at a convenience store for ultra-long rides, fill the bladder with ice at the soft-drink dispenser, then top off with purchased bottled fluid. Free ice is good.

Always pre-hydrate before you set out. You may not need to drink anything for the first 45-60 minutes if it isn't broiling when you start out.

didn't think of that. the one i have is actually black.

should i return it ?

You should return everything.

And give up.

all the stores in your area must hate you

buy now think later

Sorry, can't do that. I am seeing too much progress on the fat loss side. Lost over 30 pounds weight and 4 inches off my waist since registering here.

I see a pattern!

Keep in mind that the OP only does 15 mile rides on a MUP and is very concerned about being "aero".

I think I have a solution to all of this:

For the flip flops:
1. Use masking tape to tape flip flops to your frame. You could tape one to each side of the fork. This would also give your fork a little extra crash protection.

For the water:
2. Put tape over any holes in your frame, but leave one rear-rack-mounting-hole open.
3. Fill your bottom tube and seat tube with cold water and stick a long straw in the hole you left open. You can drink from this as you ride.

And just to make you a little more awesome in general:
4. Get a bento box for anything else you need.

Just trying to help another newbie.

And doesn't care about weight but is looking at very expensive lightweight shoes and was considering the lightweight lezyne carbon road drive pump.

what are you afraid that i will be cool like you ?

Just pointing out that it's hard to troll and keep your stories consistent.

You can rest assured that your troll-like sense of humor prohibits you having any level of coolness.

i don't see any inconsistency. it's all in your head.

I can't argue against that...

You were considering returning the road drive and buying the carbon road drive instead.

Have you actually looked at the price on the s-works shoes?

And aerodynamic...

(Shaving thread coming up)

have YOU looked at the price of the s-works shoes before you got them ?

NEURO, everyone here knows you are a troll, don't you want to go somewhere else and find some fresh targets?

I am sponsored by Specialized...

so are you trying to say that you would not have paid out of pocket for them ?

or you would have gotten sidis ?

or specialized does not allow you to answer this ?

I certainly would not have bought them if I had to pay anywhere near full price.