First bike ride - what are the essentials? - Page 3

In article <cZOsa.5850$5M.543514@twister.southeast.rr.com>, connect@jamesmessick.com says...
>
> "determined" <btsylynn@yahoohoo.com> wrote in message news:OAxra.670531$F1.88260@sccrnsc04...
> > I bought my bike and am planning a low-key ride this weekend of about 15 miles. What are the
> > essentials? Water I'm guessing is #1... For that matter, what type of gear/accessories do I need
> > to go along with the bike? What do I need in a repair kit? Is it neccessary to buy the funky
> > bike shoes? Padded bicycle shorts? All I bought is the bike, a rack for my
> car,
> > and a helmet. Planning on attending some classes on the basics like shifting properly, making
> > repairs, etc soon.
> >
> > Thanks again!
> >
> > determined
>
> I think the best thing to take with you is a friend.
> >
> >
>
>
>

An excellent idea.

I personally don't ride with others much as i am more of a loner, but somebody new to the trails
would want to take along a friend. preferably an experienced off-road biker, but doesn't have to be
(mutual learning tends to make a friendship stronger).

If you do ride alone, a cell phone is nice in case of emergencies (providing you don't fall on
it). and at the very least, tell somebody where you are going and give 'em a rough timeline of
when you plan to be back, taking into account any mishaps, like changing a flat, finding a new
trail, and so on.

~Travis
--
travis57 at megalink dot net

travis5765.homelinux.net, Primary Administrator TF Custom Electronics, Owner/Founder/Developer
(current project: Automotive exhaust flame-thrower)

On Tue, 29 Apr 2003 16:17:50 GMT, "determined" <btsylynn@yahoohoo.com> wrote:

>I bought my bike and am planning a low-key ride this weekend of about 15 miles. What are the
>essentials? Water I'm guessing is #1...

Good guess. hydrate or die.

>For that matter, what type of gear/accessories do I need to go along with the bike?

Shirley you jest!....don't get me started.

>What do I need in a repair kit?

Simple tools that work on your bike.

>Is it neccessary to buy the funky bike shoes? Padded bicycle shorts?

I'd recommend padded shorts. go with the "funky bike shoes" later. I suspect you mean some type of
clippless shoes. Build some skills first then get them.

>All I bought is the bike, a rack for my car,

Why does your bike need a car rack? I'm not saying you don't but asses the reasons. Do you really
need to put transport you bike to your riding destination?

>and a helmet. Planning on attending some classes on the basics like shifting properly, making
>repairs, etc soon.

VERY GOOD!

>
>Thanks again!
>
>determined
>

Welcome aboard, Bill The mind serves properly as a window glass rather than as a reflector, that is,
the mind should give an immediate view instead of an interpretation of the world.
:-]

On Tue, 29 Apr 2003 11:14:55 -0700, "Penny S." <pennydeletes@invalidcet.com> wrote:

>Steve Petree wrote:
>> Besides water you may want a little snack, such as a banana, or fat free fig newton.
>
>why fat free? Are you doing a special diet or something? Fat ( in appropriate amounts) is an
>essential componet of a good balanced diet... espeically for someone doing a sport that requires a
>lot of energy out put.

You go Penny!....A body NEEDS fat!

>
>Penny
>

Peace, Bill The mind serves properly as a window glass rather than as a reflector, that is, the mind
should give an immediate view instead of an interpretation of the world.
:-]