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Constructing a Race Kit
by Ray Vermette
Like the Boy Scout motto says, it makes sense to be prepared, whether it be for bad pavement, bad weather, technical problems, or whatever else life throws at you. A big part of being prepared is having the right tools and gear on race day. Putting together your own race kit is one way to ensure you have the equipment to deal with any situation.
Through trial and error, I have developed my own race kit. No doubt your race kit will be personalized to your needs it's important that you stock your kit with the tools that work for you.
Alarm clock: There is nothing worse than sleeping in and missing a race because the hotel alarm clock with the multitude of confusing buttons failed to go off on time. Bring your own alarm clock and set both just in case.
Food: Power gels, water, fruit juice and bananas. My gut cannot handle much solid food the morning of a race. These items are easily digested and give me the fuel I need to get me through a marathon. Your list might include things like extra coffee packets for hotel coffee makers, sugar, plastic cutlery, can opener, spreads (peanut butter, nut butters, jam), crackers, bagels, etc. ItĒs important to buy these items before race day so you are not scrambling to find an open restaurant or 7-11 at 5:30 in the morning. Better yet, if the race is out of town, pick these items up before you leave for your trip.
Three-pronged Y-shaped allen key: You can purchase these at just about any bike shop or hardware store. Great for swapping wheels, popping bearings out of wheel housings, performing a last-minute tightness check of your axle bolts. The tool is also small enough to carry in a jersey pocket during the race if you wish.
Lubricant/cleaner: If you have any intention of using your bearings ever again after a race in the rain, itĒs imperative that you remove the bearings immediately from the wheels and place them into a lubricant/cleaner. This will halt rust in its tracks and start the cleaning process. LublecĒs Spray & Play works well for this. You will also need a small, leakproof container to house the bearings.
Safety pins and pens: These come in handy for pinning bib numbers and filling out race day registration forms.
Transparent flexible medical tape: Can be applied to blister-prone hot spots before a race as a preventative measure. Duct tape can also be used.
Wet weather gear: You will want at least something to keep your boots dry. Some use shopping bags or baggies and elastic bands. Mountain Equipment Co-op sells cycling booties which can be modified to fit over skates and work very well. Water resistant jacket and pants are a good idea, especially if itĒs going to be cold out.
Change of wheels: Bring two sets of complete wheels (wheels with bearings and spacers already assembled) one for dry skating and one for wet. The night before the race, mount the set you are most likely going to use, and keep the other set handy in case the weather changes.
Comfort clothes: Clothes to wear immediately before and after a race. These should be baggy, warm, and most of all, comfortable.
Something to carry it in: Transpack makes an excellent skaterĒs backpack with separate compartments for your skates, equipment, food and clothing. Alternatively, a multi-compartment kit bag will also work.
See you on the road!
