This is the first of a two-part post. Check back soon for info on Lubrication & Cleaning, and for my take on the random bits of Other Equipment you might want to consider when preparing for an adventure race.
An important but often underappreciated aspect of AR is taking care of the tools that take care of us. While there isn't necessarily a lot of gear that needs maintenance in adventure racing, the one that will quickly mar an otherwise successful day is the humble bicycle. Here are a few key tips for getting equipped and keeping everything operational to make the 2-wheeled sections infinitely more enjoyable.
The Right Tool for the Job
In addition to making sure you are riding an appropriate type of bike for your race (typically mountain bike, though many race directors will allow hybrids or gravel bikes), you should never (ever!) travel without a basic tool kit. There are many manufacturer's out there of multi-tool fold-out kits that cover pretty much every tool needed to work on your bike--hex wrenches, screwdrivers, universal chain repair tool, and box-end wrenches--but also stow into a tiny, light-weight package when not in use. Crankbrothers makes a couple of nice ones for about $25, but there are lots of other options too. Note: Many modern MTB tires won't require spoons to change a flat, but try this out at home first (or carry a pair of spoons until you can prove you don't need them).
Map holder Some people will try to carry a map case around their neck while riding on a bike, but this can be difficult to do especially if the terrain is rough. And worst case, it can be downright dangerous. A far better option is to use a map mount affixed to your handlebars. This will give you the freedom to glance at your map while moving without the need to hold something and keep it from flipping around in the wind as you try to make sense of it. The exact model you need is entirely dependent on your riding style, and personal preference. But I like to use one that rotates, adjusts forward/backward easily, and has good clips or clamps to keep the map from taking flight on those fast downhill sections. If you have $65 burning a hole in your pocket, AR Nav Supplies makes a nice looking one that I've seen a lot of racers using, but haven't tested it myself.
Preferring to go the DIY route, I tried a couple of 3D printed ones until I found one I loved.
So as is usually the case with gear, you can spend as much or as little as you want. One beautifully simple design is shown below and simply involves a piece of scrap wood zip-tied to the handlebars with a clipboard attached. You can then use binder clips or large rubber bands (or both) to affix the map to the board.
Check back soon for Part II of bike prep and care, where we'll dive into a few key steps to keeping your bike in top condition, and also the pros and cons of some other gear options that are out there.
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