Team Wideopenmag Enduro rider Chris Hutchens shows you what’s in his pack for an event like the Ard Rock Enduro and talks you through what he takes out on the trail with him.
For events like the Ard Rock enduro, a 45 Km route, Hutch likes to head out prepared with the essentials.
The Yorkshire moors have hidden rocks and are ready to catch you out, and more than likely at the most remote point on the course. It’s always important to be self sufficient when you’re racing. You don’t want to be ‘that guy’ who never has allen keys or heads out with a tube but no pump.
Here’s a breakdown of what was with me for this event:
- Camelbak 12l pack and 3l bladder – It’s always a balance between having a secure fitting bag, one that’s lightweight and having enough room to throw your kit in for the day. This is the perfect day bag for an event like the Ard Rock. I opt for a 3l bladder as I switch it over to a larger pack for bigger day riders.
- Fox Air Defence Libra Goggles – This year I’ve tended to revert to racing with a full face helmet. Not so comfortable on a hot weekend like we’ve just had at the Ard Rock but with the high pace, blind racing mistakes can easily be made and I’d rather avoid any facial reconstruction. A tinted lens was tempting but dark woods on stage 1 made the call on my behalf and a clear lens was the choice.
- Innertube – A Continental tube for that potential, but unwelcome, puncture.
- Camelbak Tool Pouch – I’m a huge fan of this tool pouch which holds everything I need in a neat, tidy package. I don’t want to be scrabbling around looking for a tool on the trails, particularly in a race.
- Crankbrothers sterling C02 inflator with 16g canister.
- Crankbrothers M17 multi tool – this only weighs 168g, comes with a lifetime warranty and has all the tools selection you could need out on the trail.
- Crankbrothers Sterling S dual piston pump – at only 116g this is ideal for racing and adds a little extra security in addition to the CO2 cartridge. There’s a high volume and low pressure switch making pumping easy.
- Zipties – these can be so useful. I once used a zip tie and tyrelever to help keep a friends linkage bolt in. A life saver if you’re miles from the race village.
- Quicklink – snapped chains can be your nemesis. Not with one of these in your pack.
- Ducktape – or Gorilla tape. Again so many uses so a small roll of this can’t be underestimated.
- Cable Tie – ever found yourself with a snapped cable and trying to ride in your hardest gear. Get one of these packed!
- Nutrition – Everyone has a different requirement for such an event. Get to know your body before riding for this sort of difference and check what food and water is provided at the feed stations.
and … nutrition
The Ard Rock was well-catered with Clif Bars, water and sweets at the feed stations but it’s good to carry reserves.
Here’s what I carried:
- The reliable Banana – I live off these and one always goes in the pack.
- Clif Shot Electrolyte hydration drink – I suffer from cramp quite often so this helps prevent it and is easy to throw in and add to water as you go. This is also a 90% organic option.
- Clif Bloks – ideal towards the end of the ride for a sugar hit. Taste amazing as well and share around friends on those longer, unplanned, rides away from races.
- The Clif Shot Energy Gel comes into its own before a stage when you want a little kick and to finish that final burst over the line. This source of carbohydrate is super fast acting.
- The Clif Bar – this is where Clif found its feet and provides a mix of carbohydrates, protein and fibre that are good throughout the ride. These work wonders combined with a good banana and some hydration drink to wash it down.
