Packing your race bag by using a check list will ensure that you do not forget any important items. Organizing your race day bag and equipment a day ahead of time will also reduce stress. Many times you will not remember that your tires or cleats need changing or your clothes/equipment need washing until you begin to pack. So plan ahead and use the check list. Personalize your check list by adding items you like to bring to the race. Overnight trips will require more planning which will depend on the length of the trip, time of year and where you will be traveling/racing. You also need to have the Team Swift Letter of Travel Consent.
Clothing
□ CYCLING SHOES
□ SOCKS (2 pair)
□ JERSEY
□ SHORTS
□ SKINSUIT
□ JACKET/ VEST
□ GLOVES
□ TIGHTS/LEG WARMERS
□ ARM WARMERS
Toiletries
□ CREAM/HEAT OINTMENT
□ FIRST-AID KIT
□ VASELINE/ LUBRICANT
□ WASH CLOTH/TOWEL
Overnight Toiletries
□ TOOTH BRUSH/TOOTH PASTE
□ SHAMPOO/SOAP/CONDITIONER
□ SHAVING RAZOR
Race Information
□ RACING LICENSE
□ ENTRY FORM (Signed by your parent or guardian)
□ COURSE MAP/DESCRIPTION
□ RACE NUMBER (If issued)
□ LETTER OF TRAVEL CONSENT
Food, Nutrition, Supplements
□ WATER BOTTLES
□ WATER/ENERGY DRINK MIX (HEED)
□ FOOD/ENERGY BARS (CLIF BARS & SHOTS)
□ E-CAPS VITAMINS (ENDUROLYTES & RACE CAPS/ENDURO CAPS)
Equipment
□ BIKE (cleaned)
□ SPARE COGS/WHEELS (You need to have junior gears for junior races)
□ PUMP
□ SPARE TUBES, PATCHES & TIRE IRONS
□ TOOLS KIT (http://teamswift.org/cycle_smart/experts.html)
□ HELMET
□ SUNGLASSES
□ SAFETY PINS (Keep extra pins handy for your race number)
You do not want to spend all the time and money to go to a race only to realize you have forgotten your cycling shoes, license or have a bike mechanical. All of these things are preventable. Take responsibility to prepare yourself and your equipment for the big event. Packing your race bag the night before the race will allow you to check your list and not forget anything.
Important notes
Always Clean Your Bike The Day Before You Race It
A clean bike is a happy bike.
You must respect your equipment so it lasts a long time which means cleaning it after dirty training rides and always before a big training day or race. Also, you are a representative of your team and you need to show up to each event with clean clothes and equipment. Dirt also wears out the drive chain of a bike faster which leads to many surprise mechanical problems. After all the time and resources you (your parents and coaches) are putting into your training and racing do not take the chance for extra problems on the day of your event. When you go to a race all you want to be thinking about is how to race and win – not why your bike has shifting problems.
What To Wear As Off-the-bike Clothing
You also want to think about the clothes you wear before, at registration and after the race. You are always representing the team and you need to wear either your Team Swift T-shirt or one of our product sponsors. Always bring warm clothes as well as an extra pair of shorts. The weather is unpredictable and will also change many degrees from 6am when you arrive at a race to mid afternoon. After a race you will be hot and sweaty but you need to keep warm while walking around to prevent getting a cold. You will often see pro’s wearing a cycling cap or hat all the time. Bring an extra pair of socks in case you have raced in the rain and your clothes get wet.
Race Day Food
Often you will leave very early in the morning. You will need to bring a pre-race snack (like a bagel with peanut butter or something easy to eat). Then during the day you will need some kind of sandwich and drink. If you are traveling in the Team Swift van then you may be at the race site all day long while others are racing their categories. So plan ahead because at the race site, more often than not, there is no food.
How Much Money To Bring
Race fees for each event you enter. It is better to plan ahead and pre-register for the race. You are then guaranteed entry to the event and also save money.
Licensing fees if you do not already have your USCF license. You can purchase one at the race although it is recommended to do so before hand and do not forget to take a copy of your license with you. http://www.usacycling.org
Late fees if you did not pre-register for the events.
Lunch/snack money for something on the way home.
There will be additional costs when making overnight trips. TBD.
