PMC Tips #2: Equipment

[ornoth_cycling]

This is the second post in a weekly series I've begun on hints, tips, pointers, and advice for other Pan-Mass Challenge charity riders. These are the things I've learned during more than a decade of participating in the PMC.

The full list of posts will be compiled and permanently available online at http://www.ornoth.com/bicycling/hints.php

Whether you're a first-timer or a longtime veteran, may you find these ideas useful, and I hope you have a wonderful PMC experience!

This week's topic is one that everyone loves: Equipment!

• If you're riding a hybrid or mountain bike, get skinny tires. The difference in rolling resistance is very significant.
• Clipless pedals: they're also usually a good idea. Shimano mountain bike style cleats are recessed, so they're easier to walk in than traditional road cleats.
• Wear padded cycling shorts. Like all of the odd things that cyclists do (well, most of the odd things), there's a good reason why everyone wears them. Without underwear.
• Sunglasses. Use them! Riding all day in moving air dries your eyes out something fierce, and glare's no fun. And I haven't even mentioned flying insects, gravel, and branches...
• Get a water bottle with a wide mouth, so that you can stuff ice into it as well as liquid.
• You can buy insulated water bottles at your local bike shop. They're not going to perform miracles, but they're definitely worth the small extra cost.
• If you have room for two bottles, make one a sports drink and one water. You can always pour the latter over your head on a really a hot day.
• If you are prone to muscle cramps, consider bringing electrolyte pills to ingest along the way. There's no guarantee they'll work for you, but they probably can't hurt. As always, test these out on training rides before the day of the event.

Next week's topic: Training!