Never ride untested equipment. If your child has a new bike, new wheels or new components, make sure they ride them a couple times before coming to the race. There’s nothing worse than having to make adjustments at the race venue or having a piece of equipment malfunction.
Don’t wear undies? What? Check out this great article, “Really, no undies?” by Serena Bishop-Gordon. While geared toward women, the exact same principles and advice applies to kids who wear racing specific clothing.
Create a checklist so you don’t forget anything for their first race.
Things to bring:
- Bike Helmet (requirements)
- Shoes
- Socks
- Bike shorts
- Jersey
- Jacket
- Arm warmers/leg warmers/knee warmers
- Baselayer
- Gloves/hand protection
- Sunglasses
- Proof of membership or license
- Race numbers (pin them to your jersey the night before if you have them- and pin them correctly and on the correct side).
- Road ID
- Water bottles (no glass) or Camelbak filled with their preferred drink
- Food
- Embrocation
- Bike pump
- Multi-purpose tool
- Tire lever
- Spare tube
- Towel
- Cell phone
- Pre-filled waiver if you’re registering at the race.
Make sure your clothing is weather appropriate. Check the weather forecast and remember that weather conditions can change dramatically.
Nice to have:
- Safety pins
- Zip ties
- Trainer (for warming up)
- Sun screen/lip balm
- Extra dry clothes
- Blanket
- Extra food/post race food
- Baby wipes
- A roll of toilet paper (because you never know)
- Hand sanitizer
Don’t fret if you forget anything. Don’t be afraid to ask folks for help. (though if you do forget your bike or your clothes you may be in a pickle). You might even make some new friends. If you do forget their bike or their clothes, stick around and enjoy the race!
Proper pinning:
Road racing
Cyclocross
