@ascentale @bikenite A6: What others have said about tools, tires, and electrolytes to fend off evening leg cramps.

I use a phone app for navigation, which is great, but the phone has less battery life than a cycle computer, and touch-screens don't work when wet. For fair-weather rides, I have a quick-release phone mount by Minoura that I like, and keep a 10000mHa battery & cable in a front bag. When rain is in the cards, I use a waterproof phone bag with small storage by Rockbros.
#bikeNite

@ascentale @bikenite

#BikeNite A6. I'm not much of a long distance rider, but: patch kit, tube, tire levers, pump. But, I intentionally buy more expensive tires which don't tend to get flats so I don't get stranded. Phone so I can call to get bailed out. Uber just in case that's not an option... though i have yet to figure out if Uber would take a bike. 🤔

@ascentale @bikenite #bikenite A6: tools, spares, etc for any fix you're willing and confident to do by the side of the road. No point bringing anything not in that category.

Even partial fixes can help a lot, eg: when I trashed my rear derailleur and had a walk back, it was a huge help that I had tools with me to remove it and the chain so I could roll the bike unimpeded and even coast down hills. Being able to remove brake pads and scuff them up on a concrete curb can make a big difference if they're not working well due to contamination.

Spare calories and water in case you've got a walk ahead of you. This is part of the reason why I never got into clippy shoes. Maybe SPDs are okay for this but I'd rather wear walking shoes.

As for personal safety I don't really know, probably the #1 thing is a phone and a credit card so if things look sketchy you can get a ride out without having to depend too much on the kindness of strangers.

@ascentale @bikenite I'll agree with the basic tools and knowing how to change an inner tube (along with snacks & water).

And add: always have my lock even if I don't plan to lock up, you never know when it might be necessary (emergency bathroom break, running out of water and needing to go into a store for more, bike problems where you can catch a bus home and can't take he bike for some reason, etc).

The other is have the number of a local taxi company in your phone. You can tell them you need space to put a bike in the back and they can usually accommodate that no problem (either with a prius or a minivan, and it's not someone's personal car so they don't worry as much about things like bike grease). 20 miles out and uber or lyft might not get you a ride or might not be able to accommodate the bike, but a local taxi company usually will, even if you have to pay unfortunate amounts or wait a bit.

#BikeNite

@ascentale @bikenite A6. Main things to carry are basic tools for adjusting bolts, a spare tube or two, tire levers to use said tube, and some way to get air in the tubes. You can use a patch kit, but it might be more annoying than you want to deal with where you are.

Unfortunately I have no real advice for staying safe while being a woman. I've heard of some folks bringing pepper spray, but that won't help against drivers in cars.

#BikeNite

@ascentale @bikenite A6. I share my location with my spouse & check in with him periodically when I’m on long rides. Probably smart to carry a spare tube, tools to change it, and a way to fill it, but tbh I’m not going to change my own tire, it’s just not a thing I want to do. My backup plan is to get a ride to a bike shop or home, by calling my spouse, a friend, ride share, etc. I do always carry a bungee cord, some zip ties, and a first aide kit. And plenty of snacks and water. #BikeNite

@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.