WHAT TO BRING TO A SKILLS COURSE DAY

1. Road worthy and recently serviced Mountain bike
   - front suspension is recommended as a minimum
   - do you have enough air in your suspension for your weight and riding style?
   - Ensure that your tyres have suitable tread for terrain (no slicks)
   - ensure that your tyres are not worn and have enough tread!
   - is your chain rusty and making noises?  Replace and lube up!
   - are you gears changing smoothly? No? Get them serviced at a bike shop
   - are your brakes squishy or making noises?
   - Disc brakes or v brakes…maybe your brake pads need replacing?
   - are there any buckles in your wheels?  Get these “trued” if you don’t know how.
   - do you have any loud rattles & knocks in your steering, cranks or wheel hubs?
   - …don’t delay with checking up on this!
   - ensure there are no sharp objects or bare metal protruding from your bike that could harm you unnecessarily should you fall off. (i.e.: no handle bar plugs)
2. Australian Safety Standards Approved Helmet
   - really important to replace your helmet around every 2 years
   - really really important to replace helmet after a fall where you have landed on your head.
   - please adjust your straps so that your helmet “actually” fits you properly
3. Basic tools and equipment
   - spare tube to suit your tyre and wheel size
   - multi tool with various allen key sizes etc…
   - bike pump
   - tyre levers
   - these can be kept in a saddle bag or in your camel back
4. Comfortable clothing
   - long fingered riding gloves if possible
   - sunglasses
   - MTB shoes with cleats to fit your pedals, or if you have flat pedals(no cages…too dangerous) wear older runners that can get a bit dirty or roughed up
   - MTB shorts or lycra cycling shorts with a comfortable chamois and NO underwear…Yes, this is the most comfortable way to enjoy a long day in the saddle (chamois cream or nappy rash cream also works well for tender bits and reducing chaffing)
   - comfortable top such as a lightweight cycling jersey or t-shirt.  Cotton is not recommended as sweat can make you cold and uncomfortable.
   - a light weight wind vest or rain jacket or another layer in case of cold weather
5. Hydration and nutrition
   - whilst we provide some snacks feel free to bring anything extra you might need to eat
   - eat a nutritious breakfast, complex carbohydrates.  For example: Muesli with fruit and yoghurt / or Porridge with fruit / or multi grain toast x 2 with baked beans and avocado
   - We recommend wearing a Hydration Pack with at least 1 litre of fluid ( not beer!) and also carry one full bottle on your bike as well if possible.
   - Fill up your water BEFORE you arrive at the course, water may not be available at the location.
6. Other items to consider
   - sunscreen
   - insect repellent
   - change of clothes for afterwards
   - towel (especially good if we get rained on!)
   - chain lube
   - mobile phone
   - waiver form and enrolment form if you have not sent it to us already