Riders, here's your GEAR check-off list to make sure you haven't forgotten anything! Also; if you don't plan on using this gear when you return home, we have a "deal" with the Pucallpa riders that they will purchase our slightly used gear from us at 75% of purchase price as long as it is not the expensive stuff.
Let's start at the head and work down...
❐ Helmet - make sure it is comfortable. If not, pad it or carve it inside. Wear it around the house to see where the stress points are, then correct them. Don't wait for the first days ride to find these things out.
❐ Goggles - If you have an MX style helmet (which I recommend), then make sure you have goggles. Inexpensive, good ones are linked on the GEAR blog entry . Make sure you have either a shaded or a self-adjusting lense for it as there will be alot of bright sun and glare. A clear lens too for early morning, late afternoon. I just buy 2 goggles and change at rest stops.
❐ Balaclava - This is a thin head underarmor that goes on under the helmet, just leaving the eye area free. This gives you a little extra warmth when needed, yet you still get air flow. Make sure you have one, and make sure that it does not have a seam across the middle of you head. When the helmet presses against it, you will think you are in a Chinese torture chamber. Change it or carve a ditch in the styro inside your helmet to account for it!
❐ Neck warmer - Not absolutely necessary if you have a fleece that zips up high on you neck. Don't bring a heavy, bulky one! It's nice to be able to look down!
❐ Under Armor - Upper: Get the inexpensive one(s) at Walmart. Two is good. Long sleeve for 'A'. Both long and short sleeve for either 'B' or 'C'. This will be your #1 piece of clothing on the whole trip. It should be snug (yet not tight), and VERY comfortable. Try them on at the store, don't go by labeled sizes. YES, they go against your skin.
❐ Cotton long and short sleeve shirts worn under riding jacket during sunny weather.
❐ Fleece: It should be tight-fitting as it needs to fit comfortably under the jacket. Recommend it zip up to a high neck.
❐ Riding Jacket: This MUST breathe and MUST have shoulder and elbow armor incorporated. If not, you can get strap-on ones which will work as long there is room enough under jacket.
❐ Underarmor Pants: Get the padded ones (padded where you sit, not so much around the rest). These can get expensive. You can live with just one pair. 'B' and 'C' should consider one pair of short padded underarmor too.
❐ Socks. Tall ones that make your boots comfortable, and also cover the calf where the knee-shin guards will be straped on. If you are using MX boots, make sure you get tall MX socks. 2 pair each.. at least.
❐ Boots. Break them in!
❐ Knee-Shin Guards. Only about $10 for the basic ones, but your life will not be the same from a simple low-speed fall to your knee if you don't have them!
❐ Riding Pants. Must breathe and protect against abrasions. Needs to be comfortable in sitting position. If you are using the MX boots, I recommend the over-the-boot style pants, as they make you look less from outer space! On that note: the least graphics possible on your riding gear, the better. We are travelling thru some very humble, rural areas..
❐ Kidney Belt. Get one!
❐ Not required, but I recommend a small backpack with an incorporated "camelbak" style bladder. VERY good, yet inexpensive one can be gotten at WalMart. Backpack is by Outdoor Products and called a "Skyline 8.0". Bladders are sold right there too. You don't need the brand name stuff. You WILL want a small comfortable backpack to ride with...
❐ Rain Gear: It is dry season, but rain CAN crop up unexpectedly. They also are good for cutting wind for short periods of time. Buy light-weight jacket and pants,but not so flimsy that the wind shreds them. Walmart has a decent set for only $10.88. On sizes: Remember that they go OVER all your gear, so make sure they are plenty big!
More details of all these gear items (and the reasons for them) are on this blog, just scroll down until you find it. Ask your questions HERE (via "comments"), so that others can learn from the answers!
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