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 usually carry a ziplock freezer bag–good way to protect any electronics (have lost at least 1 phone due to unexpected rain), and can keep stuff from moving around whether in a pocket or seat-bag. Considering I re-use it for months, it’s like a 0.02USD insurance policy against losing 85USD worth of mobile phone (again).
3 Things we *never* leave home without:
$20 bill
Cell phone
Bottle opener
Cabs around here have bike racks on them, and with $20 you can pretty much get anywhere you need to go (or home). Works well for both mechanicals and weather, and the bottle opener…. well, good beer doesn’t come in twist offs.