On behalf of the Training Team, here is a "checklist" to help you prepare for training rides. This list includes both things that you should do at home to prepare, and essential items that you should have with you on every training ride - either with an official group ride or when you go out on your own. Many of the best biking locations are remote, so if you don't have the resources with you, you may find yourself up a pretty big creek.

Be prepared - as you start doing longer training rides, you'll be out on your bike for 5 to 10 hours. These items are all essential to your health, safety, and ability to make the ride a success. Don't worry if you don't yet know how to change a flat or use the tools - there will usually be someone with you who can do a road-side flat changing lesson.

Not sure what to buy or have more questions? Take a look at your AIDS Ride survival guide that you received soon after registering for the ride or go to your favorite bike store and ask lots of questions. Many bike stores have an introductory package that comes with a seat bag, patch kit, basic tools, etc.

At Home Before Leaving For Your Training Ride:

• Clean/lubricate bike
• Check bike for mechanical problems
• Check tires for damage and pump up tires (correct tire pressure is shown on sidewall)
• Fill water bottles (2) or "camelback"
• Gather helmet, gloves, shoes, sunglasses, etc.

Put in seat bag (or other bike bag):

• spare tube(s) that fit your bike
• tire irons (levers)
• patch kit
• multi-tool or allen wrenches that fit your bike
• Make sure you have your frame pump
• Bring plenty of food - energy bars, fig newtons, bagels, bananas, or whatever

Bring (in your pocket or bike bag - putting this all in a small zip-lock bag works great):

• Identification (drivers license)
• Money &/or credit card - for food, emergency bike repair, etc.
• Change - for phone calls
• Medical information (if relevant)

Be sure to do the following:

• Eat breakfast (required!!)
• Hydrate
• Apply sunscreen / lip balm

Other Useful Items to Bring:

• First Aid kit / tape
• Pocket knife
• Vaseline or "butt butter" to help with chafing
• Cell phone (if you already have one)

What to Wear:

• Your helmet (required)
• Brightly colored clothing
• Cycling shorts, or comfortable shorts or tights
• Cycling jersey, or t-shirt, sweatshirt, tank top, etc.
• Cycling shoes or stiff-soled athletic shoes
• Cycling gloves
• Sunglasses with shatterproof lenses
• Windbreaker, arm warmers, leg warmers, extra clothing, etc., as appropriate
• Sunscreen

What Not to Wear:

• Jeans, sweatpants, or anything that might get caught in chain or spokes
• Clothing with seams that may chafe
• Underwear, when wearing bike shorts (it makes a difference)
• Sunglasses without shatterproof or shatter resistant lenses
• Headphones

At Meeting Place Before Safety Briefing:

• Do brakes work?
• Does bike shift properly?
• Is anything loose?
• Are brakes/tires rubbing?
• Is tire pressure okay?
• Are water bottles full?
• Is computer reset and working?
• Have you signed in?
• Did you listen to the safety speech?

Ready to Ride:

Helmet? Cue sheet/map? ID and medical ID? Cash or credit/ATM card? Spare tube, patch kit, tire irons? Windbreaker/rain jacket? Sunglasses? Sunscreen? Something to eat? Keys?