Otterhaus | Cycling, Running, Triathlon Coaching
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
  • Coaches
    • Coach George
    • Coach Averi
    • Coach Nash
  • Testimonials
  • Racing
  • Contact
  • Partners
  • Blog
  • Shop

Event Prep 4: Bike Contingency Planning

4/27/2014

2 Comments

 
PictureWell, there's your problem.
Over the next couple of weeks I am dedicating the blog to tips you should consider for your pre-event planning.  While some of these will be sport specific, most of them apply universally or the basic idea  can be adapted for different disciplines.  The intent is to make you think critically about key aspects of your prep and adapt it to your situation.  Have questions or additional ideas or thoughts?  Please feel free to post them on the blog or Facebook comments!

In addition to the rain bag that we discussed in the last entry, any number of mechanical issues could happen pre race in events that involve a bicycle.  Ever hear a tire blow 10 minutes before the start?   Sucks to be them right?  What if that were you?  Are you prepped to deal with it? What about the any number of other issues that could pop up?

Below is a list of common tools, spares and sundries that you may want to consider bringing with you.  If you are flying to a race, all of this may not be practical, but you can at least take some of the essentials and prepare for the most likely contingencies.  In addition, having local contacts and/or a list of bike shops or making friends with neutral support where available are all great contingencies to have in place.

  • Spare tires and tubes, and ideally wheels, alternatively spare tubular and Tufo rim tape.  Note: please ensure your tire rim combo is “ok” to use with tape if you need to do a tubular swap out!
  • Rear derailleur hanger and seat post clamp specific to your bike model!  Especially when flying.  I have seen seat post clamps get over torqued and stripped and rear derailleur hangers get bent during packing and unloading.  Having a spare makes life easier if you have an issue.  Most are really inexpensive, but very specific.
  • Anything else “breakable” that is specific to your bike model.  This is a recently added one, after I found a plastic cable stop cracked during assembly that was specific to a particular frame a teammate had.
  • Chain lubes, grease.
  • Basic first aid kit.
  • Bike cleaning equipment, because a clean bike is a fast bike.
  • Spare shoe laces.
  • Duct, tape, electrical tape, wire ties.
  • If you have the room, spare pedals, saddle, shifters and derailleurs.
  • Pump.
  • Extra helmet (long stage races, something you may want to consider).
  • Extra shoes, cleats and buckles.  Spare shoes are best because they can be completely set up with cleat position.  Buckles are key with today’s fancy shoes, I still prefer Velcro only, never breaks.
  • Extra gels, race food, mix, bottles, hydration packs. Can never have too many and saves you running around for more.
  • Spare cables, housing, chain and bar tape.
  • Basic cycling tool kit or mechanic with one :-)
  • Bike repair stand or trainer (nice to have).  Plus one on trainer, if inclement weather good for warm up or cool down.
  • Spare batteries for power meter, devices.
  • Charger cords for devices.
  • Towels, baby wipes (good for cleaning hands and the rest of you post race).
  • Moving blankets.  Cheap, heavy duty, great for padding gear when packing a car, sitting on grass, making shade
In addition to all of this, if you are not already familiar with basic bicycle repair, I'd highly recommend getting more familiar and comfortable with doing basic  repairs on your bike. There are a number of books, videos online that can get you started, in addition several shops offer basic repair classes or a knowledgeable friend I am sure would be glad to help you out.  The more you know and can handle on your own, the less you will have to worry if a major issue arises.  Thanks for reading.  Questions, comments, additions, please feel free to post them up.
2 Comments
Layla Whitley link
8/1/2017 11:03:51 pm

Thank you for the good write up.

Reply
Coach G
8/4/2017 09:28:05 pm

Thanks Layla, glad it was helpful!

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Otterhaus Blog

    Coach George Ganoung shares tips, observations and the occasional attempt at humor, sometimes all at the same time.

    Picture

    Categories

    All
    Ask A Coach
    Athlete Updates
    Event Prep
    Training Tips

    Archives

    August 2018
    August 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013

    RSS Feed

Home     About     Services     Coaches     Testimonials    Racing    Contact     Partners     Blog    Shop    Image Credits

​Website Design and Content © Otterhaus Enterprises LLC, All Rights Reserved