DAY RIDES
The beauty of a day ride is that you can travel light, but don't scrimp on the essentials, especially when it comes to your comfort and safety.
- comfortable backpack – note that 30-litre capacity is the largest you’d want to carry; you could also look to place gear on your bike with a frame bag or seat pack
- cycle helmet – a compulsory health and safety provision in Aotearoa/New Zealand
- food – take more than enough to keep you fuelled up. That cafe or shop you thought would be open might not be
- water (and water bottle/bladder) – although many rides have water sources where you can top up your bottle, always set off with sufficient supplies and work out where you can get more
- sensible cycling clothes – several layers suitable to the conditions; we recommend a merino wool top in addition to a short-sleeve sports top and an outer layer such as a fleece or shell; padded lycra shorts are also essential for all but the shortest of rides
- suitable riding shoes bearing in mind that you might not always be on the bike and pedalling
- cycling gloves – highly recommended, especially for longer rides
- raincoat – utterly essential if there's any chance of wet, cold weather, as are three-quarter length over-trousers, wool socks and warm gloves
- sunscreen and sunglasses – sun protection is vital at all times of year; pack a sunhat too, if you plan to spend time off the bike
- a buff or bandana will protect your neck from both the sun and cold draughts
- spares & tools such as tubes, bike pump, tyre levers, lube and other bike tools appropriate to your remoteness and risk of mechanical failure
- cellphone – carrying a fully charged cellphone is recommended for all rides, even remote ones where coverage is sketchy
- first aid kit – particularly if you're heading into rough or remote country
- map/navigational aids – essential if there’s any chance of taking a wrong turn or otherwise stuffing up; you can read more about this in Riding Safely
- PLB (personal locator beacon) or spot tracker – an excellent insurance policy for remote trails such as the Coronet Loop; the Mountain Safety Council website lists places in NZ where you can hire PLBs
- torch, headlamp or bike lights (and spare batteries) – should your ride feature any tunnels or be likely to extend beyond daylight hours
- survival kit – for remote rides, consider taking a basic survival kit – this may seem excessive but it could save a life in the event of an emergency. Check out the Mountain Safety Council's excellent advice around Emergencies and Survival
