Step 2: The Gear, Part 5 - Tools (and Tires)

Having completed the acquisition of the majority of the apparel, camping equipment,  and the farkles, the next and final list of gear to get consists of the tools needed to keep from getting stranded on a single-track somewhere. 

Hand Tools: This list starts with the basic tool kit that comes with the bike (hex keys, box wrenches and a socket or two). I'll add to that a handful of essential sockets and a couple extra hex keys, torx drives and an actual screwdriver (the Philips kind, not the one with vodka). I'll also find a place to stow a pair of needle-nose pliers, adjustable wrench and a small set of locking pliers. These basics should be enough to get me out of a jam, take off a wheel, adjust bars, replace brake pads and remove the majority of the body work (should the need arise). All of these should fit nicely into a nylon tool pouch.

Tire-changing/repair tool-kit

Tire Tools: The next set of tools are hopefully unnecessary but, given my skills, are likely going to be well-worn by the end of our first couple of trips. This set includes spare inner-tubes, a set of tire-irons / bead-breaker combo from Motion Pro (08-0536), plus an additional curved spoon for tire installation, a set of valve stem cores contained in a handy removal tool, a bead-holder, set of rim-protectors, a rechargeable tire pump, a patch kit and a container of Bull Snot tire lube. Eventually I'll start leaving some of this at home (i.e. when I learn how to ride better). Except for the tire irons and pump, this should all fit within the crash-bars case.

Mitas E-10 Tires

Tires: Since we're talking tires, I opted to upgrade from the stock tires on this ride and swap out for a set of Mitas E-10 tires. Depending on the site you visit, they are marketed as being anywhere from a 10/90 to 40/60 on/off-road tire. According to the manufacturer, they claim a 30/70 ballance of tarmac and trail. This may seem a bit aggressive - especially since our first couple of routes are a solid 50/50 mix of road types but hear me out: After reading a handful of articles online I'm convinced that leaning more towards off-road ability is a smart move, purely because of my experience and skill. Since I didn't grow up riding dirt-bikes, because I'm getting old, and because I don't quite have enough sense to know what's good for me and what isn't, I need every bit of help I can get when the going gets tough. I'm not a seasoned motocross rider so anything I can do to gain a little bit more traction on the trail should serve me well. I considered getting the Dakar version of these (yellow stripe), which are rated for higher load weights and more extreme conditions but I'll stick with the normal version until I get a little more experience under my belt.

Emergency Towing: Although it's way overpriced for what it actually is, I purchased a Buddy Tow towing strap (can be useful for a number of different purposes and does come with a handy carry-case). I'll also stow away a few bungee cords and a section of vinyl hose for siphoning fuel. I shouldn't need the hose since I'm bringing a Rota-Pax fuel canister as well but it's light, takes up little space and can be used if both tanks reduce to vapors. A can of chain-lube is also a necessary addition (since the 800 isn't shaft-driven like it's larger 1200 brother).

Jump Starting: Next, I'll add in a lithium battery jump starter pack. While it's intended purpose is to jump-start the bike it will more frequently be used to charge all my devices at night. I'll charge it during the day using the 12v outlet in the panniers. I can also use it to supplement power for flashlights or camping lanterns in the event that I have a senior-moment and forget to charge something. This one is a 600-amp unit that contains (allegedly) a 9000mAh battery inside. 

Essentials: Last, but certainly not least, are a few handy items that every rider should keep with them: an assortment of zip-type cable ties and a roll of duct tape. If you bring nothing else, add these to your travel kit. They're the universal repair kit for your bike, gear, clothing and even yourself!

First Aid: With the essential tools needed to fix the bike covered the next list is for the emergency tools to fix me! While not really a "tool" per-se, a key component of any adventure ride should include some kind of emergency preparedness. For this I've scrapped together an assortment of Safety Sally supplies (with the help of my wonderful wife, who just happens to work in safety).

This first-aid kit includes:

• Assorted bandages - for minor cuts
• Gauze pads, 2x2" and 3x3" - for man-sized scrapes and cuts
• Trauma pad, 5x9" - for when shit really goes south
• Triangular bandage, 40x56" - I really hope I don't need this...
• Roll of gauze - just in case I don't have enough bandages already.
• Bleed-stop packs (x2) - chances are I'll pass out before I'm able to actually use these, but maybe my riding partner can help me out.
• Hydrogel-impregnated burn dressing - because it was available, and I like to play with fire when camping
• Burn relief gel (x2) - because I really like to play with fire
• Waterproof adhesive tape - likely for the giant bandage, or to tape my arm back on.
• Alcohol wipes - I've heard they can be used any number of really neat science experiments. (And they also kill germs)
• Sterile rubber gloves - to keep the mud and sweat out of my wounds
• A latex-free tourniquet - because I might be allergic to latex apparently?
• Respiratory stimulant - prevents and treats fainting! I may actually need to use this one. I don't do well at the sight of blood...
• Hand sanitizer gel - redundant to the alcohol wipes but could be "handy"
• Triple antibiotic ointment - for treating cuts. (Does this work to regrow limbs??)
• Hydrocortisone cream - very helpful for the chance encounter with poison ivy, or the very likely encounter with mosquitos and gnats
• First aid cream - apparently this has moisturizer so I can use it as a hand cream to keep my skin supple and soft...
• Fabric zip-up pouch - to contain everything (which I got from an international flight as part of the airlines "hygiene kit")

Small first-aid kit to keep in jacket pocket

In addition to the main first-aid kit I'll also keep a smaller version with the essentials in a small case that will stow in one of my jacket pockets. In the event that I am separated from my luggage I'll have quick access to a few essentials. It also serves as a backup to keep a few extras of some of the more frequently used items - like anti-itch cream and smaller bandages. Fingers crossed I'll never have to use it (knowing me, I probably will...). 

With the tools packed away, new tires ready for installation, what's next? Oh, right, learning to ride! Stay tuned, training is up next.