With racing season here it's time to get organized. It would be a real bummer if you drove 2 hours to your bike race only to realize that you've forgotten to bring something and now you can't race because of it. Or your race is over and you realize you're hungry but forgot to bring both money and food. Now you have to drive 2 hours home before you can eat and you can't stay and socialize because you're too hungry.
Getting Organized
Get a backpack to keep your bike racing gear in. Use it only for bike racing so you can always keep it packed. make sure it's big enough for all your stuff but not so big that it's heavy. I say backpack because you can strap it to your back and ride your bike racing gear with you when you go from point to point during warm up and after your race.
Make a checklist for yourself. Pin the checklist to the inside flap of your backpack or keep it in the front pocket. Maybe get it laminated so it won't disintegrate in the rain or wear from the sun. There are places that will laminate things for you, sometimes libraries will do if for your for a small fee, or an office supply store.
Things You Need, or You're Not Racing (some might seem obvious)
- Bike - Obviously you need a bike. Don't forget to bring the right one. If you have a track bike, a mountain bike and a road bike at home make sure you pick up the right one for the race you're going to be in.
- Cycling Clothes - You'll look silly bike racing in jeans or sweat pants. Get a pair of padded cycling shorts and a bike jersey.
- Helmet - You can't race without a helmet. There are rules in bike racing and this is one of them.
- License - Most, not all, bike races require you to have a bike racing license . If you don't have one you can sometimes apply for a one day license but this is costly. Otherwise you don't race.
- Cycling Shoes - You can race harder and faster with cycling shoes that allow you to clip into your pedals. Get a pair of cycling shoes and pedals to go with them for your bike.
- Socks - You'll need socks. They make socks for bike racing, give them a try. They keep your feet from getting too sweaty.
- Water Bottle (or two) - Without water or a sports drink to drink during the race you might as well forget about racing, you'll never make it.
Other Things To Bring
- Sunglasses - Especially if it's a sunny day.
- Extra Set of Wheels - If you have some, bring them. If you get a free lap and you get a flat tire this is the quickest way to get back in the race.
- Food - You're going to want to eat after the race so bring something to eat. Don't eat before the race though.
- Tire Pump - If you don't have the right amount of air in your tires you won't do well and may even risk getting a flat.
- Tubes - If you get a flat before your race you'll need some tubes to get going again.
- Money - It's always a good idea to have some cash on hand. You never know when you'll need it.
- Extra Clothes - Just in case you want to go somewhere after the race or if your racing clothe are sweaty.
