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Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill

Writings on Riding
This is the place for monthy content from a few of our local members. Here you may find articles about events in the Triangle, interviews with local mountain bike leaders, write ups and editorials. Check back here often for new "news" stories. Want to be a regular contributer? Contact the webmaster at [email protected].

This month we have:
Have you hugged a beginner today? by Tammy Kaufman
What's in the bag? by Tim Broyer

Have You Hugged A Beginner Today?
 April 2003
Tammy Kaufman

While we all had to start somewhere, I think that along the way, many of us who mountain bike have forgotten what it was like to be a beginner. Remember when a fallen branch across the trail the size of a #2 pencil caused that huge lump in your throat? Or when tiny smooth creek crossings and pebble-sized rock gardens looked like the jaws of death? On the other hand, remember when riding was all about just getting outside and feeling like a kid again, with no worries about whether or not you were keeping your heart rate pegged or who could drop everyone else on the ride?
Maybe it’s just because, having started riding so late in life, my memories of those very first timid rides are still vividly fresh, but I love riding with beginners. I love still BEING a beginner, even after nearly 8 years. There is nothing so rewarding as taking someone out on their very first mountain bike ride, watching them transform from a hesitant, wobbly first-timer to that exhilarated, reborn child with a smile that encompasses three time zones as they emerge victorious from the trail, riding confidently over that fallen branch. Their excitement is so contagious. If you haven’t done so, I urge you to go on a ride with a newbie. Let them lead. Ride at their pace, and look at the trail through their eyes. Let yourself become a beginner once more, and fall in love with mountain biking all over again.

 


About Tammy: I'm 41, rode my first bicycle ever when I was 33 and have been
hopelessly hooked ever since. As I got started riding so late in life,
I've felt like I had to cram a lifetime of cycling experiences into a
short period of time. Riding for me has been like a whirlwind romance.
Each new riding style, each new activity, each new rider I meet - they
all just bring me right back to the realization that I simply love to
ride.

What's in the bag?
 April 2003
Tim Broyer

You see them every time you ride. Everyone has one and they all put something different in them. I'm talking about the camelback or also called the hydro back. You have to admit, it's a pretty darn useful tool that we use and I rarely ride with out one. No denying its usefulness and why we need one, but what is everyone carrying in there besides water? There are different size bags out there. For the most part, I see people with a decent size bag capable of holding a few essential items. Everyone packs something different in their bag. Here's what I bring and why:

The water: I never put Gatorade or cytomax in my bladder, just plain old h20. It's a little easier to clean afterwards, doesn't stain the bag and is cheaper. Stock it with lots of ice in the summer time. I do put sports drink in a bottle on the long days.

Spare tube: Sometimes two if it's a long day or a trip to the mountains. Most times I have one tube in there.

Small pump: I'm a big fan of the Crank Brothers Power Pump. It's small and it works when I need it to work.

Zip Ties: A million uses for these babies! From hanging your derailleur back on to securing lights to your helmet and checking sag.

Velcro Strap: Always try to keep a couple of these around. Great for holding batteries and such to the frame. We used one to fix Crazy Camye's derailleur after she broke a cable on the River Trails at Tar River. Similar to zip ties but they come off easier and are reusable.

Multi-tool: I tried a number of these over the years. I currently have a Topeak Alien and it works pretty well. I also like the Crank Brothers Multi-17. These tools are for trail side repairs, not for working on your bike, so I like them small and functional. Invest in some real tools or pay the LBS and save yourself the headaches.

Tire Levers: at least one, two are better. I like the Park tool standard blue ones. They work and you don't need a fancy lever.

Shock Pump: A little unique to my situation since my main squeeze runs air up front and back. You don't need it if you run coils though.

Dollar Bill: Makes a great tire boot. A 3 inch square of old inner tube works well. I found that out a couple weeks back at Taylor's ridge.

In the winter, I add a few more items. I keep a set a glove liners and thermal head band in there if it gets too cold. Sometimes I put a wind vest in there too. Those are all pretty standard items and I venture to guess that your pack has similar items. I like to think I check my bike frequently enough that I don't need a myriad of tools.

Now what people pack for food, that's an article in itself and subject to some serious culinary interpretation. Assuming I'm going for and all day ride, here's what I like to bring:

Cliff bars: Two or three. They hold up well in the heat and don't taste bad.

Cracker packs: You know, the kind your mom used to put in your lunch bag for the school field trip.

Planters Trail Mix: I was recently turned on to this wonder of trailside nourishment by Butch and Lonnie. A delightful blend of salty and sweet, this stuff simply rocks. Lonnie doesn't even leave a piece on the ground when, by chance, they fall out of his hand.

GU: Small and pack well. Just right for a little pick me up for those grueling days in the saddle. Worther's Original candies make a fine substitute.

P, B & J: I've had pretty good luck with these and they are a great trailside "meal". Only problem with them is they don't travel well. I've experimented with small tupperware containers, but they take up some expensive room.

Bananas: God's original power bar complete with an environmently safe wrapper. Apples aren't bad either. Just don't forget them in your pack!

Often times I stuff a light jacket or thermal shirt because you never know when the weather will change. The list above is a pretty standard kit for me but I usually adjust for the type of ride. If I am going all day, I put tons of food and as many tools and tubes as I can pack. Sometimes my pack weighs a ton and I don't need anything out of it. It's better to be a little safe than sorry. One thing I don't carry but see a lot of others carry is a small first aid kit. I think it's a great idea. Sometimes I pack the GPS and lately the camera has been coming with me to capture those Kodak moments. What's in your bag? See you on the trail...