Whether to avoid a mechanical disaster or pay for a hot coffee on the way, here are a few things that you must take on every bicycle ride.

Apart from your rough cloth, helmet, protective gear and shoes, there are some very important things that you need to take on every bicycle ride especially when you are going for long rides or mountain treks. Add these items in your pre-inspection checklist as well. These items may not be exhaustive but will help you keep the trouble away.

1.      Puncture repair kit and patches

In case the tyre gets punctured during your journey, this kit always helps. Visit a cycle shop near you to get some basic knowledge of cycle repair or servicing.

2.      Source of Energy

In case you get tired or feel lethargic, just grab an energy-rich bar or a piece of homemade cake to provide you instant energy to complete your journey. You may think that water or taking a snack may not be necessary on a small ride. But, you never know you may require taking a longer trail than expected, due to any unexpected circumstances or breakdown.

Read More: Why it is important to care about tyre pressure?

3.      Money or credit card

Always keep some money handy. You can use it to recharge yourself by buying some sort of energy foods or paying for a hot coffee. In the worst-case scenario, you can use this money to take a taxi way back home.  You can easily roll some money and hide it in handle pads. You can also keep a credit card handy that will help you in case of a mechanical breakdown.  

4.      Multi-tool

A multi-tool containing some Allen keys, screws, chain tool etc should be a part of your essential tool kit for riding. This tool comes in various sizes. Go for a mini version in case you don’t want to carry an extra load in your bag pack.

5.      Water Bottle

A water bottle is essential irrespective of where and in which zone you live. It keeps you hydrated and re-energizes from time to time. Home water is the safest water of all kinds. Even if you don’t have an energy-boosting snack, water would give you the desired boost to hit the final pedal back home.

6.      Inner tubes

Make sure to keep a spare inner tube in your bag pack and ensure that it is not punctured. A punctured spare inner tube would certainly increase your frustration. Keep it securely in a plastic wrap or a box so that it does not get punctured on rubbing with a sharp thing in your bag.

7.      ID card

In case of an unfortunate event such as accident and when you’re unable to speak for yourself, your ID card could help the emergency personnel to identify you. You may be stopped by traffic police on violating the traffic rules and signals, not having an Identification card could land you in a major trouble.

8.      Mobile phone

Mobile phones are always helpful. In case your cycle breaks and there is no mechanic around, you can easily call someone for help. Also, if it’s getting dark and you are feeling unsafe, then calling a friend or a family member to pick you up could be your last resort.

The smartphone these days has GPS enabled, so you can share your live status with your loved ones. This will help your family members track you and your location. In case you witness a roadside accident or are involved in one, you can click some pictures with your phone. Photographic evidence could prove to be invaluable in future. 

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