GETTING YOUR GEAR TOGETHER FOR YOUR UPCOMING RIDING TRIPS
by Dave Stiefvater
"The season is fast approaching and many of you are gearing up for the many sessions that lie ahead. This year more riders than ever will be traveling the globe in search of fresh dirt, some for fun, others for competition, and with the first event of the year coming up in Costa Rica what better time than now to prepare your gear bag and make sure you have what you need for the journey ahead.
Here's a list of what I like to have along for the ride:
Helmet - Hip pads - Knee pads - Elbow pads - Wrist Guards - Gloves - Spare socks - Towel - First aid kit - Sun screen - Shoe laces - Riding pants - Warm clothes - Swim suit - Leash - Complete spare wheel - Spare tube - Spare binding - Small back pack - Glasses or goggles - Duct tape - Wax - Tire pump - Tool bag - Allen wrenches - Adjustable wrench - Small phillips screw driver or interchangeable screwdriver - 4 bearings for tires - 2 bearings for trucks - Patch Kit, Slime or other tire repair item - Pliers - Extra set of suspension parts
Many of you may be flying to your events. Most airlines allow 2 free checked items and some may even allow a third if you don’t have a carry-on. To avoid any damage it’s a good idea to leave your board assembled and it's always a good idea to deflate the tires a bit (around 20psi is good). Box it or bag it and then check it. If you need to remove the tires remove your trucks also. Then tighten down all your hardware. And finally with all the new security precautions at the airport be ready to empty your tool bag and anything else you want to bring with you and if there are any questions contact your airline before you show up. And don’t forget to rip it up!"
