But before you head out on a short ride or a full-on weekend excursion, there are a few important things to pack. Start with your CAA Membership card – all Members are entitled to Bike Assist if you run into trouble (or a pothole).
CAA Stores also offer a vast range of bike equipment from helmets and bike bags to bells, lights and reflectors and for longer trips, you can book accommodation ahead through CAA Travel.
Checklist: under two hours
· Before you head out, check tire pressure, gears, brakes and lights
· One filled water bottle
· Cell phone, ID, health card, CAA Membership card
· Check the weather and bring warm or wet weather layers
· Helmet and eye protection or sunglasses
· Facemask
· Cyclist’s emergency kit: tube repair glue, spare tube, CO2 cartridge, tire levers
Checklist: half-day ride
· Before you head out, check tire pressure, gears, brakes and lights
· Two filled water bottles, one with an electrolyte mix
· Cell phone, ID, health card, CAA Membership card
· Check the weather and bring warm or wet weather layers
· Helmet and eye protection or sunglasses
· Cyclist’s emergency kit: tube repair glue, spare tube, CO2 cartridge, tire levers, two spare tubes, hand pump
· Facemask
· A healthy snack like a protein or granola bar
Checklist: weekend away
· Before you head out, check tire pressure, gears, brakes and lights. For EnduroRides – rides of a day or more – use a Hybrid or Cross Bike with back rails and panniers if you don’t have a support vehicle following you and carrying essentials
· Two filled water bottles, one with an electrolyte mix
· Cell phone, ID, health card, bank card, CAA Membership card
· Check the weather and bring warm or wet weather layers
· Helmet and eye protection or sunglasses
· Cyclist’s emergency kit: tube repair glue, three spare tubes, three CO2 cartridges, tire levers, three spare tubes, hand pump
· Facemask
· Small meals like a protein or granola bar, peanut butter sandwiches, fruit
· Book your overnight stay ahead with CAA Travel
· Camping gear, if roughing it
· Small emergency first aid Kit
Want to know more about CAA Bike Assist? Click here. Check out our bike products in our CAA Stores!