Going for a bike ride was easy when you were a kid. You simply put on your helmet and hopped on. Maybe you even took a water bottle if your bike was fancy enough to have a water bottle holder.
But as the biking miles increase and your bike is used more for commuting, exercise or recreation the need to bring additional gear and provisions also grows. If you've ever done a longer bike ride, say more than 10 or 15 miles, you know that having items like a phone, an energy bar, a repair kit or rain gear can come in handy. Longer rides may even require a change of clothes and additional gear. What's the best way to efficiently bring all that along on a bike ride? We've got some suggestions.
The Basics
First, determine what is absolutely essential to have along on a longer bike ride. In general these five items are a good place to start for most long bike rides:
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Cell phone
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Keys
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Water and food
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Cash/credit card/ID
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Small repair kit
Some of that, of course, can be stored on your body (the keys and a credit card, for instance). Stuffing your pockets can make for an uncomfortable ride, however. That's where a bag made to be attached to the top tube of your frame can come in handy. Most are inexpensive, easy to mount, and can allow you to see your phone when riding with enough room for smaller items like keys and cash.
Handlebar phone mounts are another good option for those traveling lightly. They allows you to position your phone at an angle that works best for you as a rider. Having your phone close and mounted in a manner that doesn't interfere with your ability to ride is key. It also allows the phone to be mounted where it comes in handy for navigation, which is particularly helpful if you're exploring new territory. And if you want some music for your ride, well iTunes, Pandora and Spotify are all within arm's reach.
If your bike doesn't have a bottle cage on it, make sure to install one too. Hydration is absolutely crucial for longer bike rides.
As far as food goes, we'll leave that up to you, but do consider energy bars and healthy snacks like a banana that can help fuel the muscles you'll be working on a longer ride.
Beyond the Basics
Among the many awesome attributes to E-bikes is the ability for riders to take them on longer rides. That can, however, make it necessary to bring extra gear. Since you're staying out longer and getting farther from home those additional items can include:
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Multi-tool
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Rain gear or change of clothes
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Energy snacks (or fruit)
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Sunblock
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Emergency repair kit
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Additional Lights
Bike commuters who need to bring their laptops or a change of clothing should consider investing in a larger pannier bag that can mount to the rear of a bike and stay out of the way for carrying those larger essentials. Some even come with an internal laptop sleeve that provides additional protection.
A first-aid kit is certainly not required but might be something to think about. At a minimum, consider adding in a few band-aids or moleskin strips in case a blister comes about.
If there's even a remote chance you'll be riding in the low-light or after-dark hours, make sure to bring more lights with you. Lights are the single best way to increase your visibility.
What’s Next?
Once all the essentials are packed and secured, you're ready to hit the road! If you have the time, walking thru the pre-ride checklist can never hurt ahead of some pedaling.
Don't forget to strap on your helmet before you get going too!
