What should I bring to practice?
If you’re a student-athlete getting ready for your first Henderson Hellbenders practice, you might be wondering what you should bring!
Besides getting your mountain bike checked out at your local bike shop, there are a other few things you’ll need to bring for a smooth ride! Below is a suggested checklist to be prepared for each practice. Let us know if you have any questions about what to bring!
1) Helmet - replace your helmet every 3-5 years or after any serious crash so you can be sure it will work when it needs to!
2) Sneakers/bike shoes- whether you ride with clipless pedals or flat pedals, you’ll want shoes that stay on your feet!
3) Water - water bottles or hydration packs are both good options
4) Snacks - granola bars, bananas, PB&J, any quick fuel that’s easy to stick in a pocket
5) Flat kit: including a fresh tube, tire levers, a mini pump or CO2 cartridge, and a multi tool.
If you usually carry medications to self-administer (emergency inhaler, epi-pen, etc.), make sure to bring those as well.
Optional: a little backpack/fanny pack to ride with, or bike lights to keep you safe if you commute to practice from school!
What should I wear to practice?
The key to riding in the spring in Western North Carolina? Lots of layers!
New for 2023 we have an indoor space provided by St. John in the Wilderness so practices will be held in all weather conditions.
Just because we aren’t on the bike doesn’t mean we aren’t learning valuable skills for the trail. This season we will be spending time on Flat Repair, Nutrition and Hydration, basic bike maintenance and more!
The Essentials
Bring these to every practice and be ready to ride! *
*masks are not required at NCICL events
Also nice to wear:
In addition to the Essentials…
neck gaiter
tech tee/bike jersey
non-cotton jacket/pullover
vest
padded shorts (optional, but highly recommended!)
“baggies” shorts
knee warmers or tights