Need to haves before doing a ride

[Vitch]

Hi guys,
Need some advise. What does one need in order to be able to do a good solo ride. I want to do a trip in December, but I want to make sure I have everything in order before I start. I do not want to end up in the middle of nowhere and not be able to sort something out. What I mean by that is, gadgets, or extra tyres, punctre kits? How does this stuff work. What are the basics that I need?

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[Koet]

Sub 

[MDT]

Depends on where you going and how far.

I mean if you stick to main roads you need a cellphone and a credit card.

If you going to do something extreme it may change what you need.

[DUSTRIDERS]

Tyre levers, spare tubes,compressor. Those three are must haves.

[IDR]

... and some ability to fix a chain if it had to break.

[Abre]

Will largely depend how far off the beaten track you are going.

Make sure you know your bike and how to do basic repairs and maintenance, especially how to repair a puncture. I also take enough water and snacks to last at least one day should it come down to that. The further you go off the beaten track the better you should be prepared. I also take a pocket map book with me.

The hardcore solo riders may give you some better advice.

Cheers,

[Goose]

Try to leave some sort of route - track - destination info behind.

ETA's at certain area's would also be good - all for the "in case" scenario - all to help should it be needed to find you....... otherwise you'll become the proverbial needle-in-a-moerse big country!

[Gérrard]

Search for a thread on what kit by a member called Jacko. That will ensure you take what you need... ONLY.


My first piece of kit I strap on is my Leatherman   Never go anywhere without one.

[meteldog]

Check out this link below, so good planning tips there.

Only thing I might add is that I always plan to end my ride at least 2 hours before sunset, so that fixing the odd puncture or other problem is factored in, so as not to arrive at my destination in the dark.

http://www.advpulse.com/adv-prepping/quinn-cody-off-road-safety-tips/

[Garfield]

It pretty much depends on how handy you are at fixing stuff in the event of a puncture/breakdown.

All the tools and gadgets will be of no use to some, in that case the On-call number, mobile phone and credit card will suffice.

There are a number of good threads on this already like Jupiter said.

At minimum I make sure I have puncture repair stuff but generally I carry a fairly comprehensive tool kit, some snacks and water and a first aid kit, and my Leatherman.

It all depends on where I am going to ride, the conditions I expect and how remote an area it is, I adapt my list for almost every ride.

As example, my puncture repair kit and first aid kit I even carry on my daily commute.

[BFG]

On this thread http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/index.php?topic=61292.0 there are a couple of check lists.
I found that these were a great starting point and then I changed them to my needs.

[eberhard]

As Chris pointed out, stuff with which to fix a tyre. Put decent new tyres on before you go. Depending on where you drive and how you drive, most tyres will last you the trip you have in mind. If you need a new tyre on that trip, chances are good you'll need a few other things as well which you did not take with. So leave the spare tyre. If chain driven, like IDR said. Good map. Cash. Credit card for back up only. Passport and papers if you leave the country.  Certified copies off all your documents, stored separately. Basic repair kit - spanners, screwdrivers, some bolts and nuts that match ones on the bike. Things tend to vibrate loose on a long trip. Cable ties. Good duck tape. Glue - Pratley is proven. Super glue. Bungee cords. You never know if you will need to strap something to the bike you did not plan for. Bloudraad en 'n goeie tang. Extra spark plugs. Extra oil with which to top up in the middle of nowhere until you can reach a fuelling station. A decent water container with water. Two sets of gloves. Wet wipes. Plenty of undies and socks. All the specialised tools needed (if any) to do the above mentioned work. Manual for the bike, in case somebody knows what to do, but don't know your particular bike. Know your fuel consumption and fill up regularly. Start early in the mornings. Try to call it a day at around 16h00. Always check everything before you start up for the day. Go through everything. Check the frame, pull on things for any play. Monitor oil seepages. Take regular brakes. Via con dios.

[subie]

Important little item for me is a small sheet (like an army ground sheet) to work on if I have to take the wheel of in sandy area.
Not good to work in the sand.
Incidently my little army groundsheet is also a poncho with hood and has the belt handles to be used as an emergency stretcher. In my tent the groundsheet
is always under my blow up matress as well for some added protection from sharp things and a bit of insulation.
Very handy item for me.

[steveindar]

A brain and some common sense works wonders  Had mates travel from Europe to CT without a single tool or the skill to operate them, and made it unscathed. Don't underestimate the help you can get beside the road and in small villages, a little dinero can go a long way too. Plus of course all the usual stuff! 

[Malmoer]

I bought a book this weekend. Mapsource is the supplier. (Bike -tar and gravel adventures in SA)
It gives you nice ideas about 3 - 5 days rides, nice ride reports and paper maps in the back.

It also has a packing list and the requirements for the trips tools wise.
Quite interesting. Go have a look. I wanted a paper map to use with the GPS and with the added features.

[badseed]

Ktm 690

[2StrokeDan]

 

I take puncture repair stuff, at least 10 patches, 2 tubes of solution, sandpaper to properly rough up tube.
Then of course, tools to enable you to remove both wheels to fix the puncture.
I take 2 chain master links, spare fuses, and a tube for each wheel.
I use a bicycle pump, they work well, and are light and very reliable.
In my toolkit I take a pair of pliers, and a Philips and flat screwdriver.

That is all.

[Dusty Rusty]

Have a noticeable ICE label or sticker  on yourself\helmet\bike.   

[alanB]

Adventure riding is a combination of three things:

1) Bike riding skills
2) Bike maintenance
3) Touring/camping

So you need to plan for all 3
 
Bike Riding - issues are protection kit, hydration, riding food/snacks, medical kit, navigation etcetera - the best way to decide what you need to carry is go for few rides in similar terrain and distances.

To work out what you need to carry for bike maintenance just get to know your bike and do your own basic maintenance. You'll quickly get to know the issues of your bike ( they all have them)

For camping/touring kit you need to decide how much "other stuff" you are going to carry. Personally I go the ultra light hiking route. Less is more!  But the that's up to you. Some guys carry 100 's of kilos!

[Grappa]

Dog tag with your medical aid particulars and emergency contact numbers