@ascentale @bikenite

1) Fuel for the human, if you're going longer distances! Sports drink, or mix your own water+electroyltes. Gels are easy to carry.

2) You can't ride if you have a flat tyre or tyres, so I go overkill. I thought 2 patches should be enough, then got 3 punctures 10km from home and had to walk the bike back.

Tubes, patches, pump, experience from having changed *those* tubes and tyres. Some tyres will come off and go on by hand, others need 4 tyre levers and rubber lubricant and a stream of curse words.
Presta to Schrader adapter if you have Presta valves, as the adapter lets you use petrol station air pumps (in case your pump fails)

3) Some sort of multitool.

4) Any tools involved in whatever the most recent maintenance was. If you've adjusted your seat, carry the right Allen key. If you've changed pedals, carry the right wrench for them. My theory is that the first ride just might uncover something you thought was done up properly.

5) Weather forecast. Can you complete your ride before any forecast bad weather?

6) Bicycle computer. It's gratifying to track your progress as you start riding longer and longer distances.

0) Wax your chain! 🤪

@ascentale @bikenite I didn't have any answers but was very curious to hear them so thanks to all who chimed in.

@ascentale @bikenite A6. I echo the answers you've already got. I'd add simply to make sure you have the distance in you before you attempt it- do a short loop around home to a total of 20 miles before you attempt that distance. I train on a 3.3 mile loop in my neighborhood. #bikenite

@ascentale @bikenite
#bikenite A6:
The most likely issue to strand someone on a 20+mile ride is a flat tire, so carrying everything needed to repair and inflate a tire would be essential. A cellphone and the number of a reliable person who could rescue you would be good too.
As a privileged white cis het male, I am unqualified to suggest safety measures for those less privileged, but it does ticks me off that our society has less safety for others

@ascentale @bikenite I carry: spare tube. Tube patch. Electric tyre pump. Tyre levers. Most mini toolkit, but it has all the hex keys I'll need. Needlenose pliers.

and most importantly walk around with an "I can fuck you up, het boy, so doin't even think about it" attitude with enough weightlifter bulk to pull it off.

#BikeNite

@ascentale @bikenite divergent recommendations

Sap gloves, and experience doing 100 tire removal/tube patch/reinstalls in less than workshop conditions

@ascentale @bikenite A6. Hard to have an iron-clad guarantee on things like that, but I think you should get Better World Club coverage or add bike coverage if you're sticking with AAA already.

There are tune-ups to do, and I'd add to bring water, but having the relative security of knowing you can get a ride if you need it helps. https://www.betterworldclub.net/ #BikeNite

@ascentale @bikenite A6: one of my women riding friends worries about the “being prepared” aspect a lot. She tends to pack for a lot of contingencies. I don’t think either of us worries much about safety, except getting hit by a car/truck.

I’m trying to learn more about bike maintenance so that if something goes wrong I have a good idea what it is, if for no other reason than it’s good to be able to talk knowledgeably to a mechanic.