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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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.
Item | Always bring with you | Mandatory 1 October to 31 March | Mandatory for Guided MTB/Skills courses |
---|---|---|---|
Suitable bike in fully working order - see guidance FAQ's | YES | YES | YES |
Cycle helmet - properly fitting | YES | YES | YES |
Eye protection | Good idea | Good idea | YES |
Cycling gloves | Good idea | Good idea | YES |
Rucksack/Camel back - to fit all equipment | YES | YES | YES |
And/or water bottles with a waist bag or small rucksack | YES | YES | YES |
Enough food and water to sustain you for the duration of the ride | YES | YES | YES |
GPS or smartphone maps etc | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Waterproof jacket | Yes* | YES | YES* |
Waterproof trousers - cycling specific or walking ones (1) | No* | YES | YES* |
Personal first aid kit with medications | YES | YES | YES |
Sun cream & insect repellant etc | Depends! | Depends! | Depends! |
3 layer system of cycling clothing (2) | YES* | YES | YES* |
Inner tube that fits your tyre/s^ | YES | YES | YES |
Multitool & tyre levers & tubeless repair kit etc. (3) | YES/NO^ | YES/NO^ | YES |
Bike lights/flashers | Good idea | YES | Good idea |
High vis vest/rucksack cover | Good idea | YES | Good idea |
Extra hat and gloves | Good idea* | YES | Good idea* |
Extra thermal layer | Good idea* | YES | Good idea* |
GPS or smartphone maps etc (4) | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Flask (no stoves in New Forest) | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Orange survival bag | Optional | Useful | Useful |
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