In the Bag
When I first started biking the whole routine was unfamiliar. I really didn’t know what I needed but I didn’t want to get caught off guard. I wanted to be prepared for anything. But I found it overwhelming to just get out the door…
I didn’t need all that stuff when I drove or took the subway, and I didn’t need much of it for biking. Over time I learned what I need and reduced it to just what was essential for my own lifestyle:
Most of the the clothing/makeup routine is just done at home like before. I keep a few spare emergency items at work. And I probably should carry some repair tools but they’re heavy to always carry. I figure I’ll just make friends with a fellow cyclist (one of the ones who’s prepared for everything) if I get a flat or take a Hubway bike home.
However, even though I have settled on my ideal bike kit, I still dream about an even better one…
I like your bike “kit” but would add a mini-pump, plastic tire removal tools and a patch kit. Someone suggested baby wipes; I second that, not only for hands but for underarms and face especially when you get to work. Unfortunately, not many people ride where I live, so I have to be ready for almost anything…about the inflatable mechanic–is he/she uninflatable later for re-storage?
+1 on the beer 😉
I went through a similar downsizing to cut back on the stuff I carry in my purse, which goes into the Donkey Boxx I keep on the bike for unexpected grocery or shopping stops. I used to have a big purse full of JIC (just-in-case) items. Cleaning out my purse was like losing a bunch of weight(http://bikestylespokane.com/2011/06/25/losing-weight/), but just like pounds from chocolate chip cookies it seems to keep creeping back up on me. Time for another purse cleaning–thanks for the inspiration.
barb
That’s exactly like me!
I carry tools and a spare tube if I’m biking further than I’m willing to walk home. There’s a rain poncho at work and one at home, so I only carry one if it’s raining or the weather radar says that rain is coming. A change of clothes, at least a fresh top, comes in handy in hot or wet weather. A small hairbrush or comb helps recover from helmet hair. A pad of paper and a pen helps me keep track of offending drivers when I get hit. A range of great-looking Po Campo bags of varying sizes lets me color-coordinate and fit the bag to the cargo. Front baskets are good for the inevitable small purchases or farmers markets. It is a good idea to pare things down, though. When I switch bags, I usually cut out a bunch of stuff.