BICYCLE, HANDCYCLE, ETC.

• Helmets are required to be worn by ALL riders at ANY time they are riding.
• A reliable, well-maintained, quality cycle.
• E-Bike users are responsible for charging their own cycles and/or bringing extra batteries. NOTE: There are no electrical outlets at Diaz Lake and support vehicles will NOT be able to charge such batteries.
• Light weight mountain bikes combining low gearing with high-pressure slick tires are one good option but a similarly geared lightweight road bike is even better. Traditionally-geared road bikes can be tough in the hills (especially the last day), and should only be used by very strong and experienced riders. Touring bikes, which often combine the ideal blend of features, are another great option. “Beach Cruisers” and heavy “department store” bikes are poor choices.
• Two water bottles and/or a hydration system should be carried, along with spare tube(s), patch kit and tire pump.
• To repeat, we cannot over-emphasize the importance a good bike that has been recently tuned up by a professional. Most of the mechanical issues arising on the ride result from poor maintenance and abuse (“recently tuned” does not mean when you oiled the chain in college 30 years ago.)
• All riders MUST know how to change a flat and carry the tools to do so. It is so EASY!. Mechanical support may only be available from one or two volunteers, and waiting an hour or more simply because you didn’t learn to change a flat is no fun. The bike shop(s) listed here can show you how, and your local REI offers free basic bike maintenance classes.
• In Big Bear Lake, both Bear Valley Bikes (909-866-8000) and Chains Required (909-878-3268) have traditionally provided registered P2P riders with discounts on parts and/or service. Please call them to confirm.

CAMPING

• A small self-standing (dome style) tent
• Warm sleeping bag (nights can get quite cold)
• Compact sleeping pad

CLOTHING

• Cycling clothes for hot and cool weather (includes investing in a pair or two or three of quality padded bicycle shorts!)
• Rain (and thus, rain gear) is always a possibility (check the forecast!)
• Comfortable, warm, post-ride clothes (try to avoid “overpacking” with a fresh post-ride “outfit” every day)
• Casual clothing for the banquet in Mammoth and the drive home
• Swimsuit (in case you want to cool off in Diaz Lake or enjoy the hot tub at Mammoth)

OTHER STUFF

• Towel and any personal items such as toiletries, hat, sunscreen, book, camera, flashlight, etc.
• Some riders choose to bring a lock to secure their bicycle at night.
• It is ideal to bring one huge duffel bag in which to put most of your possessions (multiple items floating around independently can become separated or lost), which in turn will be placed in a trailer that will depart for the subsequent destination camp each morning. Any items you will require during the day can be placed in a small backpack in one of the roving support vehicles, or in one of the motor homes serving the break stops or lunch stop. Note that not every rider will encounter every support vehicle during a given day.

*NOTE: Excepting the cycling-related gear, volunteers should bring most of the preceding items.