Helmet
You must wear a hard bike helmet at all times on the ride when you are pedaling.
No helmet/no ride/no exceptions.
Really.
Oh yeah, and while we’re being mean, no earphones or cell phones while you’re pedaling either. If you break these rules, we will kick you off the ride and everyone will laugh at you when you’re not looking. No refunds.
Water Bottles
Bring TWO water bottles with you or you will dehydrate and die. Have a nice day!
Gear
EVERYONE should have these items with them at all times during the ride:
A cell phone (if possible)
A small tire patch kit
TWO inner tubes that fit your bike
A small tire pump
AND...
99% of bikes today come with quick-release wheels (you flip open a little lever to remove the wheel). If your bike does NOT have quick-release wheels that’s fine, but that means that you should ALSO be carrying a small wrench that fits your wheels. That’s so the wheel can be removed in case you get a flat. If you’re not sure which type of wheels you have just ask your friendly bike shop crew.
Even if you don’t know how to use this gear you should still be carrying it. If you get a flat (and ALL bicycles get flats...) we can get you back on the road in 10 minutes if you are carrying this stuff. It can be 45 minutes or longer (MUCH longer) if you aren’t carrying this stuff.
Locks
Highly unnecessary. We always see someone pedaling with a 20-pound chain on their bike. This doesn't mean that you should leave your bike unattended; it does mean that you can usually get a trustworthy friend to watch your bike for you while you duck in somewhere for two minutes.
Luggage
Bring a gym bag or backpack to morning check-in, and we'll watch it for you while you pedal. You'll get a free luggage I.D. tag at the start line (or in your Express Lane packet if you picked that OPTIONAL service!
Things to pack in your bag:
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★A towel (there are free hot showers at the finish line)
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★Your favorite shampoo and soap
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★A change of clothes
Things to NOT pack in your bag:
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★Your house keys
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★Eyeglasses
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★Asthma inhaler
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★Methadone
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★All of your money
What if your bike breaks down and you decide to bail? Your vital stuff will be in your luggage back at the start line!)
Camera
Don’t forget about the North Fork Century photo contest. Any picture that you take on ride day, Sunday August 26, 2012, from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. qualifies. The first prize is two free passes to one of our rides and a $100 bike shop gift certificate. The judging will be highly subjective and probably unfair.
To enter the contest, just email your photos to photos @ northforkcentury after the event. Send as many as you want, but please don’t just forward the entire contents of your camera (including photos of your cousin’s wedding).
Don’t forget to include your name and contact info so we can reach you if you win.
Deadline for submitting photos: October 1, 2012 at 11:59 p.m.
Note from the Evil Marketing Department: any photos you submit become the property of the North Fork Century. We reserve the right to use them to promote our rides, and to reprint them on a dreadful series of tacky and poorly made coffee mugs, commemorative plates, keychains, T-shirts, etc. which we will make millions off of. Wah-ha-ha-ha!
Money
Bring some, for lunch and emergencies.
Glen
Your tour director and humble servant
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