What to bring & what to wear
Comfy clothing - ie something with a bit of stretch and not too baggy - track bottoms, leggings etc. please do not wear jeans.
Sturdy footwear, a good pair of trainers ( that you don't mind getting muddy!) or a lightweight pair of walking boots.
A couple of thin top layers - ie lightweight fleece, good base layer.[We recommend Polaris BL Zip] - not a cotton T-shirt - it's best to layer up when you go out for a ride as it's easier to take clothing off when you get too warm, than try and put enough on when you get cold. Cotton T shirts aren't really practical, as they tend to hold your sweat, which means when you stop, the T-shirt will be damp and you will get cold easily, then it will be harder to warm up again. If you have a 'thermal' vest or T-shirt, that would be ideal-something that wicks the moisture away from your skin, keeping you warm and comfortably.
4.A lightweight waterproof/shower proof jacket[we recommend Polaris Chromium <http://www.polaris.in> ]- if it rains it will keep the worst off, if it gets cold or when you stop you'll have another warm layer to put on.
If possible a suitable pair of cycling gloves would be advisable.[we recommened Polaris.Detox/Vortex <http://www.polaris.in>. Why? They provide a bit of cushioning to prevent any blistering. Also should you fall off they will help prevent any cuts and grazes to your palms.
Cycle helmet - an absolute minimum requirement. Don't worry if you don't have one as we can provide a good quality one for you.
Food and Misc:
Bring a water bottle, full of water or an energy drink. It's advisable to take plenty of fluid on board when out riding. Light refreshments are provided at lunch.
Snacks. A must to keep your energy levels topped up when you're out. We advise flapjacks, fig rolls, jelly babies, most fruit & cereal bars. Please don't bring chocolate, firstly there's a good chance it'll melt and get really messy, secondly it's not a very good energy provider. You will get an instant hit when eating it but then 10 mins later you will have a serious drop in sugar levels and be worse off than before.
If you'd like to know what your leader takes out with him on every ride please read below:
Hydration pack/rucksack, with 2lts of fluids.
Light weight water proof trousers.
Good quality multi tool.
2 x spare inner tubes.
1 x puncture repair kit.
1 set of [3] tyre levers.
Compass.
Map of the area.
GPS unit [handlebar mounted].
Spare quick release chain links.
Spare rear hanger for mech. [easily bent by rocks etc].
Adjustable spanner.
Small track pump. [Suitable for both types of tyre valves].
First aid kit [Comprising of various plasters, bandages, thermal blanket etc].
Mobile phone.
Loose change [for emergencies ie public phone]
Some snacks and wat
Sturdy footwear, a good pair of trainers ( that you don't mind getting muddy!) or a lightweight pair of walking boots.
A couple of thin top layers - ie lightweight fleece, good base layer.[We recommend Polaris BL Zip] - not a cotton T-shirt - it's best to layer up when you go out for a ride as it's easier to take clothing off when you get too warm, than try and put enough on when you get cold. Cotton T shirts aren't really practical, as they tend to hold your sweat, which means when you stop, the T-shirt will be damp and you will get cold easily, then it will be harder to warm up again. If you have a 'thermal' vest or T-shirt, that would be ideal-something that wicks the moisture away from your skin, keeping you warm and comfortably.
4.A lightweight waterproof/shower proof jacket[we recommend Polaris Chromium <http://www.polaris.in> ]- if it rains it will keep the worst off, if it gets cold or when you stop you'll have another warm layer to put on.
If possible a suitable pair of cycling gloves would be advisable.[we recommened Polaris.Detox/Vortex <http://www.polaris.in>. Why? They provide a bit of cushioning to prevent any blistering. Also should you fall off they will help prevent any cuts and grazes to your palms.
Cycle helmet - an absolute minimum requirement. Don't worry if you don't have one as we can provide a good quality one for you.
Food and Misc:
Bring a water bottle, full of water or an energy drink. It's advisable to take plenty of fluid on board when out riding. Light refreshments are provided at lunch.
Snacks. A must to keep your energy levels topped up when you're out. We advise flapjacks, fig rolls, jelly babies, most fruit & cereal bars. Please don't bring chocolate, firstly there's a good chance it'll melt and get really messy, secondly it's not a very good energy provider. You will get an instant hit when eating it but then 10 mins later you will have a serious drop in sugar levels and be worse off than before.
If you'd like to know what your leader takes out with him on every ride please read below:
Hydration pack/rucksack, with 2lts of fluids.
Light weight water proof trousers.
Good quality multi tool.
2 x spare inner tubes.
1 x puncture repair kit.
1 set of [3] tyre levers.
Compass.
Map of the area.
GPS unit [handlebar mounted].
Spare quick release chain links.
Spare rear hanger for mech. [easily bent by rocks etc].
Adjustable spanner.
Small track pump. [Suitable for both types of tyre valves].
First aid kit [Comprising of various plasters, bandages, thermal blanket etc].
Mobile phone.
Loose change [for emergencies ie public phone]
Some snacks and wat
