Mountain bike kit list

Guidance of what to bring on a guided ride, workshop or navaigtion by bike course. Have a read through and if you need more information Obscurenigelwessex

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Everything bike kit list

Suggested kit list for navigation by bike, guided rides and skills workshops

You will be sent a kit list with the joining details - these are usually sent out a couple of weeks before the activity date.

Regular cyclists will know what clothing and equipment to bring with them and what layers they will need for the season. Remember that on navigation courses and technique rides and workshops you will be stationary for periods of time and will cool downs and get cold more easily. Do not skimp on waterproofs, warm layers and gloves etc because if we have to stop and deal with mechanical issues etc it will be miserable standing around without adequate layers.

ItemAlways bring with youMandatory 1 October to 31 MarchMandatory for Guided MTB/Skills courses
Suitable bike in fully working order - see guidance FAQ'sYESYESYES
Cycle helmet - properly fittingYESYESYES
Eye protectionGood ideaGood ideaYES
Cycling glovesGood ideaGood ideaYES
Rucksack/Camel back - to fit all equipmentYESYESYES
And/or water bottles with a waist bag or small rucksackYESYESYES
Enough food and water to sustain you for the duration of the rideYESYESYES
GPS or smartphone maps etcOptionalOptionalOptional
Waterproof jacketYes*YESYES*
Waterproof trousers - cycling specific or walking ones (1)No*YESYES*
Personal first aid kit with medicationsYESYESYES
Sun cream & insect repellant etcDepends!Depends!Depends!
3 layer system of cycling clothing (2)YES*YESYES*
Inner tube that fits your tyre/s^YESYESYES
Multitool & tyre levers & tubeless repair kit etc. (3)YES/NO^YES/NO^YES
Bike lights/flashersGood ideaYESGood idea
High vis vest/rucksack coverGood ideaYESGood idea
Extra hat and glovesGood idea*YESGood idea*
Extra thermal layerGood idea*YESGood idea*
GPS or smartphone maps etc (4)OptionalOptionalOptional
Flask (no stoves in New Forest)OptionalOptionalOptional
Orange survival bagOptionalUsefulUseful

NO jeans or cargo trousers/shorts. No heavy cotton sweatshirts or bulky jackets please. Your rucksack should be one suitable for cycling that sits closer to your back, ideally has a waist strap to control the 'swing' and one you can look behind you when wearing. NO single strap rucksacks or tying equipment around your waist! Whatever you bring should be inside a rucksack or waist bag.

*Check the weather forecast and make a common sense approach to bringing waterproof jackets and trousers - maybe consider using a windproof if it windy/cold or to put on at rest stops.

1 - Trouser lower legs can be gathered up and secured with silicon bands or 'tape' if they are not cycling specific. You might also want them to pout on when you stop to keep the wind off.

2 - 3 layer systems usually comprises a base layer suitable for the season i.e breathable or thermal base layer with a top layer to go under a shell windproof or water proof jacket. Waterproof trousers are great if have to stop and stand around or fine on the bike if they are cycling specific ones. Cycling or running leggings are great to bring or wear in the cooler seasons. A spare thermal layer such as synthetic top/gilet can be great for the cooler months and for emergency stops.

3 - Tools and inner tubes - If you are new to off road cycling you might not have an extensive tool kit. The bike leader will carry a tool kit but it can be good to start building up a personal set of useful tools for yourself. Please bring an inner tube that fits you tyre even if you run tubeless and a tubeless repair kit.

4 - GPS/smartphone apps - Usually for navigation by bike courses - You will be sent some guidance notes for what to bring

MTB links and information

Cycle computer Free cycle computer to measure distance on your iphone. You will need a mount for your phone to keep it secure on the bike handlebars and also in some sort of case to protect it and keep it dry. Or use the phone with a lanyard pouch or in a pocket to check distance when you have stopped at a checkpoint.

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/cyclocomputer/id1562436729

Android Bike Computer - Cycling Tool - not tried this one https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fehmin.bikeometer&pcampaignid=web_share

From Ordnance survey - get the official apps that are free! Search you app store for them

OS Locate - this gives you a 6 figure grid reference for where you are - Even when you do not have a phone signal

iOS - https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/os-locate/id810024913

Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.ordnancesurvey.oslocate.android&pcampaignid=web_share

OS maps - this is the OS mapping app - If you subscribe or buy a map you have access to the same map or all maps that can be downloaded to your device. You can also use this app to track your progress and as a basic way to measure distance travelled - the display how ever is quite small!

iOS - https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/os-maps-walking-bike-trails/id978307846

Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.ordnancesurvey.osmaps&pcampaignid=web_share

What Three Words - can be useful in an emergency.

iOS - https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/what3words-navigation-maps/id657878530

Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.what3words.android&pcampaignid=web_share

GPS devices - if you have a handheld GPS device you can bring it with you to use a cycle computer.

Cycle computer or cycle GPS device - A handlebar mounted device is ideal to measure distance travelled when navigating by bike. It is recommend you only use the device to measure distance and time and not to check your position on the map. You will not gain confidence in using the map if you do this and you will not pass the bronze award!

Start locations

Mountain bike instruction, MTB guided rides, guided walks and NNAS courses start in the New Forest, Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, South Downs and occasionally the surrounding counties of Sussex, Surrey, Somerset and also South Wales. Blue and red route bike park skills can be taught at Queen Elizabeth Country Park (Hampshire). Many of the MTB rides, guided walks and courses are accessible by car from London, Bristol and Swindon.

Navigation courses - Map and compass on foot! - New Forest Navigation

Wessex Adventures - Nigel Parrish - ©2023