First off, read the weather forecast. Know your area and when it usually rains or gets nasty. Be prepared if necessary.
What to wear:
- Helmet
- Padded biking shorts
- Biking jersey or other wicking material shirt. (if it’s hot, cotton is ok, but don’t push your luck when the weather turns wet or cold)
- Good shoes. A stiff sole low hiker or biking shoe
- Socks
- Rain shell
- Rain pants
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
What to take:
- Water bottles or hydration pack
- Food: energy bars, energy gel, snacks, candy, whatever keeps you fueled
- Warning device: bell, whistle, or horn
- Lights (if heading out into the night)
- ID: can be a scrap of paper or a business card stashed in your pack or saddle bag
- Whistle (for help)
- Tool kit
- Pump
- Bike tool
- Chain tool
- Extra spoke
- Spare tubes
- Patch kit
- Tire levers
- Duct tape
- Rag or bandana
- Saddle bag to hold all of this gear with, or stick it in your hydration pack
- Camera, mobile phone