How To Pack Your Kit Bag For A Race

Have you been in a race regularly, or you're planning on running your first race? Good preparation is a way to ensure that you have a fulfilling and satisfying experience. It's possible to leave behind some important items when your mind is fixed on the race ahead in the morning. And this is why putting together all the necessities on your list in a race bag the night before the event is heavily advised. Following this will make you more organized and fully ready for the race in the morning.

You should understand that any bike race can be a daunting experience, let alone your first. Your preparation can be excellent, but you'll need to take some essentials with you to make sure you’re on the start line. In this article, we will be exploring kit bag essentials, some pro tips, and extras you can take along with you.

Kit Bag Essentials

There are items you can’t do without when it comes to racing events. These include:

1. Racing license: This official permit gives you the freedom of participation. Without this, you won't be allowed to start the bike race. It is one of the essential materials to put somewhere safe.
2. Shoes: Your shoes are essential as a pro runner. In fact, you can't race without them. So, you should ensure they fall on the list of the first items to put into your kit bag.
3. Helmet: According to the British Cycling Regulations, cyclists are not permitted to compete in a race without their helmets. So, you should ensure that you put it inside the bag before thinking of other items.

Basic Essentials: Clothing 

As it's widely known, there is a peculiar dressing style for professional cyclists. So it's crucial that you get related kits together and put them right into your bag. The following are essentials in terms of clothing:  

1. Shorts: Get your favorite pair of shorts that make you feel comfortable when you ride and put them in the bag.
2. Socks: You have a more comfortable race when your socks connect you perfectly to your shoes. So choose the right kind of socks designed with proper wool that can wick sweat away.
3. Track mitts (left and right): Mitts are essential items that help soak up sweat to keep your hands dry. With this, you can adequately maintain a good and safe grip on the handlebars during the event.
4. Jersey: For your bike race, you should put your favorite cyclist's Jersey in the kit bag. Jersey can be short or long-sleeved, depending on the weather conditions. You should know that as a serious cyclist, a suitable jersey will be a super close-fitting one that can keep you lean and aerodynamic without excess material that can slow you down.
5. Shades: You do not want to leave your bike shades back at home. They are designed to help keep your eyes safe and sound during the event.

You may want to consider some extras in terms of clothing. Check these out:

1. A range of under vests:With extra vests in your kit bag, you can keep yourself warm in various conditions.
2. Arm and leg warmers: Taking arm warmers with you will help maintain your body temperature. They help with muscle tension, pain reduction, and recovery. Leg warmers can warm you up by generating your body heat when riding.
3. Long-fingered gloves: Unlike track mitts, long-fingered gloves offer extra protection by reducing the chance of skin irritations forming.
4. Racing cap or skullcap (fit under your helmet above the ears ):Taking this along with you will help keep your ears warm.
5. Overshoes: With this, you can keep the majority of spray off your feet and make them slightly warmer.
6. Rain jacket: This comes in different thicknesses. So your choice will depend on the weather condition. It will be helpful when it starts raining during your event.

Essential Bits and Bobs

There are items you can randomly assort. These include:

1. A race manual: This provides every detail needed, including the rules that you need to adhere to during the event.
2. An extra cotter pins: Although most organizers will offer pins to put your number onto your Jersey, you should always take extra cotter pins peradventure they are not enough or not at all.
3. Sun cream: Professionals use sun cream in any conditions, particularly when the sun is up. You should know you may be staying in the sun for a long time. So putting on running sun cream can effectively protect your skin.
4. Head Unit: You will need the head unit to know how far around the circuit you are and the remaining ground to cover in your race.

Nutrition and Hydration

You will need items that can help keep your energy intact. This is why you must consider nutrition and hydration. So while packing your kit bag, you can take the following along:

1. Bottles: Depending on how long your race will take and what the weather condition will be, you need to take some bottles (minimum of two) along with you. You can fill the bottles with your favorite energy drink that you're already used to.
2. Bars and Gels: Since you may need energy foods during the bike race, it's ideal to go for the best-tasting ones. One gel and one bar should be okay for an hour race. But you may need 3-4 if you are in for a long 100-mile race.

Items for Post Race Kit

After the race, there are items you may need. These include:

1. Cloth or towel: After the race, a simple cloth,  flannel, or towel can freshen you up, ensuring that you return home being sticky and sweaty.
2. Thick tights or leggings and Jackets: These will be useful after you cross the finish line. You can replace your sweaty clothes with them to keep you dry and warm and make you feel refreshed.
3. Recovery snack or drink:  After the race, you can quickly take your favorite snack and drink to aid your recovery.

Final Notes

You won't find yourself in a situation of lacking something vital if you can make proper preparation before the event. So pack your kit bag a night before the race or as early as possible and place it somewhere to easily pick it up when you're finally set for the race.