Remember to prepare. It is not necessary for every rider to carry pump, tyre levers and mult-tool. Split the load to reduce weight. Remember it’s good to talk. Organise who will take each item. Remember all your pre-ride checks on the bike!

Top ten essentials Going on a full days ride ?? Somewhere where there are no roads, houses pubs etc. Here is a list of the top ten essentials for the long day ahead.
1) Fluids- The most important item to carry. A bottle of water/fruit juice tucked in to your bottle rack or backpack is vital. If you can afford, purchase a camelback as the bladder can hold anything up to 3 litres. The camelback also has the facility to store all your other items. Hydrate or die.

2) Energy bars- A couple should be enough to help you if start to get weak on the trail.

3) Clothing- Choose your clothing carefully. Invest in a decent pair of shorts/tights with chamois pad insert. It’s a long day in the saddle with a sore ar$e, and the chamois pads will take the worst of the trail abuse. This is worse in the wet weather. In winter wear a thin base layer such as Gore’s brilliant windstopper, with a warm middle layer.

4) Waterproof jacket- A half-decent lightweight waterproof jacket is fairly inexpensive. Endura do a nice little jacket that folds up inside its own zip pocket. This will keep the worst of the weather out when the heavens open up.

5) Puncture repairs- Carry a spare tube, a few stick on patches, tyre levers (may be incorporated in multi-tool) and a DECENT pump. Such is the nature of our terrain that punctures are very common, with pinch flats being the biggest pain. If you experience a pinch, we have always found it best to replace the tube. Do not throw away the old tube. Make sure you have a decent pump, as spending half an hour in the pissing rain trying to blow up a tyre is not amusing.

6) Multi-tool- A decent multi-tool will pay for itself. Tools are becoming lighter and less expensive. Try to pick one with a chain pin tool and spoke key, as they can become invaluable. At the very least make sure it has allen keys, spanners and screwdriver.

7) Mobile phone- for obvious reasons.

8) Helmet- Protect your brain box. Even if you don’t normally wear a helmet, please do not tackle any offroad without. We have found out often enough on the Scottish trails that you just don’t know what lies round the next corner.

9) Spare chain link- Broken chains do happen, particularly with our rough terrain. Carry a spare link in your backpack (for all the space it will take up).

10) Pair gloves- A decent pair of gloves will stop your hands from blistering. On a long day’s ride, the old hands can take a fair beating. Will also help to keep your hand warm/cool depending on your choice of glove. Will also help prevent nettle stings and scratches.