Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Top Ten Essentials for Biking Plus One

The Top Ten Essentials for Biking

Here are my top ten biking essentials. I had a much harder time coming up with 10 running essentials. I quickly came up with 10 here and feel I could easily add another 10.  I keep finding more and more things I need for biking.  Please tell me what I missed.  I know I don't have clipless pedals as I haven't made that leap yet.

1. Got to have a helmet.


2. I need maps. I like to do loops and I like to try new routes.  Therefore maps are essential for me.


3.  I need a bento box or something to carry my essentials like snacks, ID, camera etc.  I love having it right up front so I can take a picture when moving.  Of course sometimes the pictures look like I took them when riding.


4.  I need padded gloves because my hands get sore especially my left one. I must be doing something wrong but the gloves help.

5. I need a Garmin or bike computer to tell me my distance. I have been using a Garmin and just got a computer. Now I will know so many fun stats!

6. I need rain pants for when I want to ride in the rain - usually for my commute.  These are one of the best items I have bought.

7. I need sunscreen for all the time I spend in the sun while on my bike. ( I should have put this for running too as I am a real sunscreen nut.)

8. I need my water bottle. In fact I just added a second cage because one bottle is never enough for longer rides.

9. I need safe roads without too much traffic and wide shoulders. But I often don't have roads with good shoulders to ride on. So I need good ears that hear traffic behind me.


10. I need scenic places to ride. It makes all the difference in the world to me as to how pleasant my ride is. All of these pictures are from Vermont - an awesome state to be a biker in.










11. Okay thought I was done but padded bike shorts are about as essential as you can get for biking.

*** I also need some duathlons but they just don't have them around here.

Tomorrow I am riding a new loop - my longest yet and expect to make good use of all of the above except the rain pants! Happy exercising however you are choosing to do it.

22 comments:

Kate Geisen said...

Great list. I can't think of anything you're missing. You've been riding enough that your hands shouldn't be hurting still. It may be a positioning thing that could be helped by adjusting something on the bike. (How's that for specifics? Lol. I should take my own advice bc my left hand generally starts hurting or falls asleep a ways into a ride.

Karen said...

Great list! A bento box is the perfect invention for carrying snacks and what nots. Thankfully mine isn't any bigger or who knows what I would try to carry with me. I am with you on the Garmin too - I am a little obsessive with keeping up with mileage. Have a great ride tomorrow! You are certainly making the most of your summer vacation :) Kids around here went back to school last Monday.

Sarah K said...

I just love your pictures. The photo with the barn is gorgeous.

Laura said...

Thank you for listing HELMET first. I cannot believe how many people I see riding without one. Protect your melon!

Unknown said...

i don't need rain paints but when the weather changes i need tights (for over bike shorts) and wind proof jackets.

how about reflective gear?

and when the days get short, you might need lights

Unknown said...

tubes and tools and a frame pump of some sort. to be able to fix a flat. that is a MUST

The Jesse said...

beautiful photos!!!

LookingUpAgain said...

Great list! The Bento Box I'm used too comes with Sesame Chicken, fried rice, and sushi! Hope yours is more functional.

TP said...

Loved this list! Padded bike shorts tie with helmets for me - cannot live without 'em!

Christina said...

Such scenic pretty spots you have going there in this post.
I like your list! I want some of those very same things too!

Average Woman Runner said...

Oh my - those colors are gorgeous!

Jill said...

Nice list!! I need padded gloves because I always fall and they are essential to avoid a huge bruise on my palm. I swear, every single time I forgot them, I fell!

Love love love love the fall pictures. One day I must get out there in autumn!

Char said...

If I was to cycle I wouldn't just need safe roads, I'd need dedicated bicycle roads preferably with no other cyclists on them. Yes, I'm really that bad.

Kandi said...

This list will come in handy if I ever decide to ride my bike for any decent distance. It's been a while for sure.

HappyTrails said...

Biking requires much more "stuff" and preparation than running. If you're having hand issues, check out Specialized Body Geometry line of gloves.

Johann said...

This is one reason I love running so much. It is so simple. The photos are beautiful!

A Prelude To... said...

I always love your pictures! Have an amazing ride today!

Michael said...

Yes, those are all key essentials!! Love your beautiful pics, so jealous of your scenary (now) but not jealous of your weather that's not too far around the corner :)

Darlene said...

I know nothing about biking. Love the pic of the bridge in the fall.

Marlene said...

That's too bad there aren't more duathlons around. We're lucky and there are tons here in the summer.

Great list of essentials!!

Lindsay said...

I must agree with this list! Too bad about the lack of du's though.

JenCreates098 said...

I love the pics! Just a thought...what if you found some like minded folks to put on a small duathlon? Maybe you could hold it near your school (usually lots of parking) or???