A quick review of the basics. We’re going to ride from PTC to the Summit of Cheaha, (about 100 miles from start), then another approx 14 miles down to Oxford, Alabama. That’s day one. We spend the night in hotel in Oxford. Then on day two we get up and ride back to PTC, bypassing the mountain, for a trip of about 97 miles. And it will all be self supported.
There are some implications to those statements. Self supported means we carry what we need. Sure, we can stop and by water, and food along the way, but the food part is a bit chancy, and the water has to last through some fairly long stretches. Additionally, if we need it, we need to bring it along on the bike.
So here’s a list of things that a rider might just want to have along. It is by no means exhaustive.
- A complete change of riding clothes for the second day.
- A set of light clothing to wear on the night between the two days.
- Toiletries (think light and absolutely necessary)
- Medications
- Sunscreen
- A rain jacket
- Sunglasses.
- Two spare tubes
- A patch kit
- Two non-perishable lunches
- A pump
- A small tool kit
- Tire levers
- First aid supplies
- Your cell phone (turned off)
Also seriously consider bringing your “riding wallet,” containing the following:
- Your license
- A credit card
- Cash for food and water
- Med insurance card
- Emergency contact info
Now do you understand why I suggested lower gearing? Here’s another hint, mount the largest tires your bike will accommodate.
Finally, you might consider bringing a small and light camera.
I’ll explain some of that gear in tomorrow’s post.
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