MY GEAR LIST FOR CENTURY RIDE!

Elliehmltn

Actually it's not a century, it's a double metric, 125 miles, but who's counting? I searched for a list but couldn't find one posted, so I'm posting one. Here's what I'm taking:

In pack under seat -- repair stuff:

2 tubes
3 CO2 cannisters
The little nozzle thingie to screw the cannisters onto
Patch kit (in case I go through both tubes)
Tire lever
Multi-tool with hex wrenches and screwdrivers
Duct tape (fixes everything and can patch a cut tire from inside)
Extra handlebar end
Extra shoe cleat
Few lengths of toilet paper in a baggie
An individual wet wipe
A lens-cleaning wipe
On back of seat pack, red blinking light


In "bento box" on top tube:

Little container of Bag Balm (I'll need to re-coat a couple times)
Little tube of sunscreen (might also be available at aid stations)
Chapstick
Salt tablets (they'll also have these on course)
Pain reliever (I use Excedrin, has a little hit of caffeine)
Stomach acid reliever (Pepcid)
Diarrhea pills (Imodium)
Benadryl (for bee sting)
Epi-Pen (sometimes react badly to bee sting)
Extra contact lens
Little bottle of lens re-wetting solution (also to put on new lens)
Reading glasses
Still room in there for a Hammer Gel or two


On handlebars/aerobars:

Little card telling me what time I have to leave each aid station to stay on schedule
Water bottle
Headlight that strobes


In jersey pockets:

Couple lengths of toilet paper in a baggie
Lens cleaning wipe
Individual wet wipe
Pocket knife (blade, file with screwdriver end, scissors, tweezers, toothpick... I never leave home without this knife!)
Cell phone in baggie
Little card telling what time to leave aid stations if my pace is slower than I planned (flat tire etc.)
Arm warmers (probably won't need but 20% chance of showers)



On bike frame:
2 water bottles



On me:

Jersey with above stuff in pockets
Sport bra
Bike shorts
Bag Balm (best stuff I've tried for saddle-area lube)
ID tag on neck chain
Sunglasses
Helmet
Bike gloves
Socks
Bike shoes

I'm not carrying food, except for an emergency packet of Hammer Gel. There's food on the course every 20 miles or so. No point loading myself down with food when we'll be well provided for.

So there it is. I think I have everything.

sijomial

Are you moving house or going for a ride?

I took a quarter of that on an unsupported century and had to carry my own food.

That's a hell of a lot of extra weight to drag along IMHO.

cyclenut64

Well no one could say you are unprepared.

All I take is 2 tubes and 3 co2 with the thing and water bottles. For supported century rides.

For unsupported I add the food.

TheBigYin

My version for Unsupported long rides (which most of my friends regard as obsessive and over-prepared)

In pack under seat -- repair stuff:

2 tubes
3 CO2 cannisters
The little nozzle thingie to screw the cannisters onto
Self Adhesive Patch kit (in case I go through both tubes)
Tire lever x2
Multi-tool with hex wrenches and screwdrivers
Spoke Key
Duct tape (wound around one of the CO2 cart's)
On back of seat pack, red blinking light
£50 in notes, £5 in cash,
and if £50 wouldn't get me a taxi home, credit card for possible overnight expenses/journey home.


On handlebars

Garmin 800 (pre-programmed with route)
Tiny Blinkie LED


In jersey pockets:

Cell phone
Arm warmers / Knee Warmers
Race Cape or Gilet (dependent on weather forecast)
2xTorq Gels, 2xMule or Clif Bars (whatever I grab from the box)
2-3 Zero/Nuun Tablets

On bike frame:
2x750ml water bottles, 1 with SiS Go, 1 with a Zero tab.


On me:

Jersey with above stuff in pockets
Bike shorts
'Madge" - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1015302-woo-hooo-madge-s-back-with-me
Sunglasses (prescription lenses)
Helmet
Bike gloves/mits (as appropriate)
Socks
Bike shoes

Summer Special:
A good dousing of Riemann P20, half a hour before going out (factor 50 sunblock that's impervious to water and doesn't sweat off)

cloggsy71

That's a LOT of stuff IMHO!

TheBigYin

That's a LOT of stuff IMHO!

Mine's a LOT of stuff - the OP's is incredible :laugh:

cloggsy71

That's a LOT of stuff IMHO!

Mine's a LOT of stuff - the OP's is incredible :laugh:

I was referring to the OP mate...

My 'commute' gear is:

Saddle pack:

Spare tube
2 x CO2 canisters
CO2 dispenser
Small First Aid kit
Patch kit
Multi-tool with tyre levers etc.

Bum bag:

Shower-proof ((boil-in-the-bag) jacket (in stuff bag)
Hand pump
Glasses pack (with the interchangeable lenses in)
Spare gloves

I think that's about it - I could slim it down I guess; I bought the 'large' saddle pack so I ddin't have to wear the bumb bag any more & I'm still wearing the bum bag :ohwell:

narak_lol

Thumbs up to Ellie - looks like you got everything covered :glasses:

TheBigYin

I'll be honest, if I was out riding Audax brevets again, then i'd probably be carrying as much as the OP, but that's 2-3-5-600+km jobs, unsupported, generally "in the sticks", feed and water yourself (and occasionally carry "bivi" gear for the odd nap in a bus-shelter along the way if needed...) but it'd be in a old school saddlebag (or saddlebag/barbag combo for the longer stuff) - little or nothing in the jersey pockets - all weight on the bike.

uboom

That is alot of stuff for a 125 mile ride. I would go back over the list and really think about every item. For every item you add more weight and more bulk. That makes every pedal stroke that much harder.

For example if your going to carry a patch kit, do you really need 2 tubes? You can leave one behind and save yourself 100g and extra bulk in your seat bag.

jhalsey205

13 Centuries in the books; my list is pretty static. All of my rides have been fairly well supported, and there is usually a fair amount of climbing, so weight is always a consideration.

Under seat pack
- 2 tubes
- 2 co2
- co2 nozel
- 2 tire levers
- Multi tool

Seat post - Blinkie light

2 water bottles, 25oz (CamelBack Big Chill Podium)

Handlebar - Garmin 810 (usually with route loaded)

Jersey
- Tube of Nuun electrolyte tabs (8 tablets)
- 4 to 6 gu Roctane gels
- 2 to 4 Honey Stinger waffles
- Sun glasses
- Small tube of sun screen
- Blackburn waterproof phone case (upgrade from ziplock baggie)
--- cellphone
--- drivers license
--- debit card
--- health insurance card
--- $20 bill - which has served as an inner tire patch when tire has a bad cut/tear

RoadID bracelet

Other if conditions warrant
- Sleeves
- Rain jacket (Shower Pass ST)

Dahamac

Since I am still at least 35lbs over my goal weight and commute on a 40+lb touring bike, I don't think the OP's going to really notice the weight from she will be carrying. This is especially true if the goal is to finish the course rather than make the best time possible on the course. If the OP were shooting for a 20+mph 200K then and only then would I say shave weight from the load.

I honestly believe the confidence from not worrying about what may happen will promote more positive mental energy. If you have done a 200K then you know that except for a major mechanical your mind is where you will lose energy first and may lead to a DNF.

I am impressed by the fact that you all can list everything you carry! I am on schedule to do a 300K tomorrow and I am hoping to make it a sub 12-hour double Imperial century. That'll be 200 miles in less than 12 hours including stopped time. Unfortunately it seems that I may be the only one in the group with such a goal and I was really hoping to enjoy the company of a few other riders.

Inspired by the others here is my my load, off the top of my head will be:
Seat pack
- 2 Tubes
- 2 CO2
- 2 Tire levers
- multi-tool (bike specific and small one)
- extra brake & derailleur cable
- tire boot (Park Tool)
- Patch Kit (Park Tool)
- Dr. Will Bar
- 2 packs Jelly Belly Sport Beans
- extra chain links
- quick link
- 2 packs of Hammer HEED & Perpetuem Mix to reload bottles at Control #2 (Mile 54)
- med kit in altoids mini can (ibuprofen and tums)
- Rear Tailight
- Reflective Vest (required on 300K)

On Bike
- me
- pump (mini that use CO2 but also pumps, attaches at bottle cage)
- 2 24oz Polar insulated bottles with Hammer Mix
- headlight and battery pack
- Garmin 500
- seat bag

Jersey
- Left Pocket (Cell Phone; Bike wallet with cash, ID, and cards; car key; Cue Sheet; Brevet Card; Pen)
- Center Pocket 24oz Polar Insulated Bottle with water only
- Right Pocket: 2 Cinnamon Raisin Bagels cut into quarters in a zip-loc bag and knife

Scudder76

I'd argue that the correct amount to carry is some of the minimum basics, and whatever extra makes you feel safe and comfortable getting out and doing it. And the more you ride, you'll find that you might not need or want to carry quite as much.

When I started riding distance I felt safe and comfortable with my large commuter trunk bag packed to the gills with clothes, dinner for 4, the jaws of life... Over two years I've been whittling it down; I barely carry more than my AmEx these days.

Point being, I don't think I ever would have done that first 70 mile ride without all the stuff I fell I "needed", so, in a way, I really did need it all at the time.

Elliehmltn

Oh, geez..... I forgot to pack the snowblower. Weather is changeable here in the mountains.

Seriously, folks..... I just took everything out of the bento box and put it on the scale I use to weigh my backpacking gear (where I am really, really serious about weight, down to the gram.) Anyway, bento box contents total 7 ounces. Remember that a lot of the items that make that list look long are indispensable pills in a contact lens case.

Patch kit is a couple grams. I want both tubes b/c if I get a second flat a tube is a lot faster than a patch kit, and I might have to wait an hour and a half for the SAG wagon. The ride is exceptionally well-supported but in between aid stations and passes by the SAG wagon you're still on your own.

It's not a race, true, it's a ride.... but there is a cutoff time, and if anything goes wrong, I'll be treading it pretty fine. I'll be close enough anyway.... under the best of conditions, I'll finish with an hour to spare. This is a very difficult ride. (http://winthefight.org/granfondo/diabolical_double.htm) It's a tough call between minimal weight to decrease effort, and being prepared for events that could impede progress, from mechanical problems to stomach issues. Remember we're talking about a gal over 60 with teenage grandkids, not a lithe 35-year-old who does Crossfit on alternate days from her triathlon training. I could dump everything but one tube, cannister + nozzle, and the Epi-Pen and a Benadryl tablet and I doubt it would decrease my overall time from 13 hours to 12.45.

I will forgo one of the water bottles and save 1.25 pounds. That item, at least, is redundant. HEED in my aero bottle (refill at aid stations) and one bottle of water (to drink or flush gravel out of a case of road rash) will do fine. In fact, I'll even take off the extra bottle cage. I'll take off my front strobe light -- 4 ounces. There, I've taken off a pound and half, which definitely can't hurt.

BTW, I doubt I'll learn to carry less stuff as I gain experience and confidence. I've done 2 Ironmans and probably half a dozen centuries and a boatload of solo 80+ mile rides and a lot of triathlons. These comprise the experience that has taught me what to carry.

I'm glad I sparked discussion and got everyone thinking about what they carry. And seriously, I think you've helped me.... I'm now a pound-and-a-half down. I'm keeping everything else :-)

Dahamac

I am glad to hear the confidence in your post. Now I know without a doubt that you'll finish the ride with time to spare and enjoy the ride as well!

1.5lbs! Nice job! I think my saddle bag empty weighs almost that much :-D

As far as timing go on completing the ride, rest stops are huge time killers. Watch your time closely at the rest stops by quickly refilling water bottles and then grab your food to eat while riding. So long as the pedals are turning then you are likely beating the clock. When the pedals stop turning then the Langoliers start closing in fast.

I'm too talkative today as anticipation of tomorrow's 300K builds.

Elliehmltn

As far as timing go on completing the ride, rest stops are huge time killers. Watch your time closely at the rest stops by quickly refilling water bottles and then grab your food to eat while riding. So long as the pedals are turning then you are likely beating the clock. When the pedals stop turning then the Langoliers start closing in fast.

I'm too talkative today as anticipation of tomorrow's 300K builds.

I hope everything goes perfectly for you tomorrow! Sheesh, you're going 100K farther than I am..... that means, if I were to do it, I'd have 62 more miles. Uh-uh, not this time. I'm glad I don't have to run a full marathon afterwards, too.

I'm limiting my time at rest stops. There are 6, so just 5 minutes at each one will make a difference of half an hour. I'm going to set my watch for 5 minutes and aim to be out before it beeps. Later, if I'm ahead of schedule, I'll allow myself a little longer, which actually could make it possible for me to pedal faster and better when I get back on the road.

Have a great, exhilarating ride tomorrow!

lpherman01

Tube
Patch kit
Pump
Multi-tool
Tire boot
2 Bottles (one Gatorade - one Hammer sustained Energy)
Energy Gel
Advil
Cell Phone
Cash/Credit Card

That's it, whether it's a weeknight blast or a Century ride.

Dahamac

I was curious so I weighed my Saddle bag with all the goodies loaded for tomorrow; 3.2lbs. However, my commuter is 40+lbs with panniers and all so my total bike weight tomorrow will be about 25lbs. That 15lbs difference feels like a supercharger on the engine ;-D

Elliehmltn

OK, guys, I reneged on the extra water bottle. Going to be hot today, 80*, all sun, no wind. I'm starting with it empty but I may want to keep dousing myself between aid stations. Taking no chances. The bottle doesn't weigh much.... I'll fill it if necessary.

Dahamac

With my 3.5lb seat bag and 3 water bottles, I completed 201.7 miles in a total time of 11h22m, on bike time 10:41, with an average moving speed of 18.9mph.

Link for the ride: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1432554

Elliehmltn

With my 3.5lb seat bag and 3 water bottles, I completed 201.7 miles in a total time of 11h22m, on bike time 10:41, with an average moving speed of 18.9mph.

Link for the ride: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1432554

WooHOOO! Fantastic! That took you less time than it took me to ride 105!

Yeah, guys, that's 105, not 125. Hot, hot day, felt crappy, walked some hills, missed a cutoff time and was required to divert to century ride.

I'll bet it was that extra contact lens that broke the camel's back.