Safety
& Ride Kit
Safety, ride kit, and useful info for gravel rides.
'How I prepare for rides can have a huge impact on the quality and outcome of the ride, so below, I have gone into a lot of detail on what prep I do before a ride, what I carry, & what I expect others riding with me also do for preparation'.
My first priority is always ride safety.
'To ensure any ride I undertake covers safety as a priority, I do one of many things as a basic preparation before riding.'
Organisers pre-ride checklist:
When riding with company, I prefer to stick to routes that have been established by others or ridden by myself, usually both.
The people I’m riding with have a good level of fitness, are competent riding a variety of surfaces with good off-road handling skills, and are using a bike designed for this environment.
The weather on the day is suitable for the ride and no surprises are forecasted.
Carrying plenty of food and water appropriate for the length of the ride.
Bike-check: all my bikes are kept in top working order; tire pressures/tread, bolts tightened, breaks/pads serviced, drivetrain wear, and indexing regularly checked.
Trail-side repair kit I carry may vary, but I go into more detail in the lists below.
First aid and survival kit also vary depending on the length of the ride and how remote it is, either basic or advanced.
Everyone should carry a small card with an emergency contact, and any medical information that might help emergency services should the worst happen – this might include bloody type, (if known), allergies, and any current health issues.
Lastly, I always ride with a mobile phone, (fully charged), a bike computer, (with navigation), and for the more remote rides - a satellite tracker with a subscription SOS feature.
Basic Ride Kit:
My BASIC riding pack will always include:
A spare inner tube/repair kit/tire lever
CO2 inflator,(or hand pump)/spare valve core
Bacon strips, (tire repair)
Basic multitool with chain breaker/11-speed quick-link
Basic first aid
Zip ties/duct tape
Light rain mac
Mobile phone/bike computer, (sat-nav)
Spare derailleur hanger
Money/bank card
Emergency contact/medical info card
Whistle
Advanced Ride Kit:
For remote backcountry areas, I ride with an ADVANCED pack:
Satellite tracker with subscription SOS, (100% world coverage)
Plastic heavy rain jacket or poncho
Super-light puff down jacket
Water filter
Emergency food
Headlight or bike lights
Advanced medical kit/foil blanket
Knife
Lighter or waterproof matches
2x inner tubes, hand pump & CO2
Remote Riding Life-Savers I Might Add:
OSMAnd (free off-line map app)
Redundant Garmin GPS - as a backup
Compass
Mini Power bank
Ziplock bag (for power bank or phone)
Paper map of the route
Also Quite Useful To Pack:
GUP, (instant tire sealant), or spare sealant
Emergency tire boot patch
Deet/midge net
Small pliers/spare gear cable
GS Meetup Disclaimer Page & Ride Grades:
Important: All riders must read the 'disclaimer page'.
This page also includes info on how rides are 'graded' to help members assess their suitability before signing up for a ride. (Link below).