The first few times I rode on my own, I was NOT prepared. Where I live the cyclist are the NICEST people, though you shouldn’t always depend on the kindness of others when you’re out on a ride. I know us ladies tend to carry everything in a bag. Think of cycling as a time to leave it all behind. Well, all except a few things.

The first thing you should learn before you get on the road is how to change a flat. I’m still in amateur status on this point. It’s easy, honestly, it is. Go to your favorite bike shop and ask one of the mechanics to explain it to you like you’re a four year old. You can actually do this on the way out to ride. Just be courteous and go talk to your favorite techie when he has a little time to spend with you. You can get mini pumps that will fit in a pouch under your seat. Take one of those. A spare does you no good without some air! There are schools of thought would tell you to take a puncture kit, but I disagree. I think if f you change the tube in order to finish your ride and do any major surgery on the tire when you get back to camp. On the other hand, you can take a support car with you like the big guys do. Most likely your driver won’t want to plaster their car with sponsor stickers.

A multi tool is also great to have on hand. It comes in handy if you need to change your handlebar angle or lower your seat. It never hurts to have it with you. I’ve seen some cyclists get multi tool keychains. That may be a little much and I would question the functionality of such a small tool. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a tool. Your bike tech or shop employee could recommend a good one.

Take water. I cannot stress this enough. Strap it to your back, fill the cages, take enough water so that if you do get a snatch thirsty, you can drink without thinking you may run out before you’re ride is over. Some people use those nifty backpacks filled with water. The sloshing sound tends to make me have to pee, though they are the most convenient way to bring the agua. There are a lot of low profile packs now that you can even fit your bare essentials in so that you only have one pack. Camelback has done a good job with this option. The brand isn’t important. What you need to focus on, like with any other pack, is that it fits well when it is full. Regardless of the size, a pack needs to have stuff in it to know what it’s going to feel like on the road.

As for what to wear, I feel the most underrated piece of clothing are cycling gloves. These are great for two reasons. First, they help the pads of your hands and protect you from blisters. To prevent the blisters, they have to fit correctly. These suckers need to fit like a . . . well .. . like a glove. If they’re too big, they’ll only help you on the second, though in my mind more important, use of cycling gloves. Cycling gloves are the best snot catchers ever. Every time I ride, the snot just starts flowing and there is nothing like the soft terry on the back of my glove to wipe me clean. I’m sorry. Is that gross? Either way, it’s the darn truth.

Hope this is a good start for you. Keep watching for our Women’s Gear Guide coming out a little later in April! If you work for a cool company and have women’s gear you want included in the guide, please drop me an email (jessi@crookedcog.com). A big thanks to the companies who have already sent me super fun stuff.

Peace Out,
bk