How to Pack Your Cycling Jersey

Following on from our ‘Rider Essentials’ page, we thought we’d give a more detailed look at how to pack your cycling jersey for a longer ride. This will keep you moving for a prolonged period and prepare you for most mishaps. Don’t be afraid to pack them tight. They can fit more than you think!

Essential Items

• AUS/NZ (2063) standard helmet
• Small Hand Pump or CO2 canisters
• Puncture repair kit & or spare tube(s)
• Multi-tool & tyre levers
• Bike lights
• Sun protection
• Water (2 bottles if possible)
• Healthy snacks (bars, bananas, fruit cake etc.)
• Wallet, phone and car key
• Medication (if necessary)
• Emergency details or rider ID

We recommend keeping your dominant hand on the handlebars. It’ll make it a little easier to stay safe while reaching for items in your pockets. If you’re a left-hander, you may want to place the food and lip balm in your right pocket. This will keep your strong arm on the handlebars.

You can arrange your pockets anyway you like, but here are BQ’s recommendations for packing like a pro.

Left Pocket (needed often throughout the ride)

• Snacks (snip the tops of packets for easy access)
• Lip balm
• Medical essentials (inhaler or antihistamines)

Centre Pocket (bigger items)

• Pump and/or C02 canisters (place them vertically to one side)
• Gilet (this goes in last, unzipped. Fold it a couple of times, roll it up like a sausage and stuff it in.)

Right Pocket (rarely needed)

• Phone, cash and ID (put your phone in a sandwich bag or waterproof cycling case)
• Spare tube (optional)
• Small tube of sunblock (this should slip nicely down the side)

Your Saddlebag

• Tyre levers
• Multi-tool
• Puncture repair items
• Spare tube

Make sure you don’t let any sharp object get exposed when riding. When you’re loading it all in, cover pointy tyre levers and CO2 valves, so they don’t cause discomfort, damage innertubes, or ruin your food.

Before you head out for a big riding adventure like our Downer Brisbane to Gold Coast Challenge experiment with some of our suggestions. Try options that work best for you and help you have a safe and comfortable ride.

Happy riding!