Endurance days don’t fail from lack of motivation.
They fail from friction: a cold descent, a loose bolt, a missed bottle refill, a single bad decision made too early.
This kit is built to prevent that.
Not “what’s nice to have.”
What’s required to keep the day clean.
The Rule
If it doesn’t remove friction, it doesn’t come.
Clothing System (the minimum that covers the day)
On body
- Base layer you trust (not new, not experimental)
- Jersey with secure pockets
- Bibs you’ve already done 3+ hours in
- Socks that don’t slip
- Sunglasses (clear lenses if early start / low light)
In pockets
- Lightweight vest (wind is the first enemy)
- Arm warmers (cold descent insurance)
- Thin gloves (optional, but often the difference)
If conditions are uncertain
- Packable rain shell (real rain shell, not fashion)
- Neck tube or thin cap (small item, huge outcome)
DRNTS note:
If you’re comfortable standing outside pre-ride, you’re overdressed. The kit is built for the first hour and the long descent.
Bike Setup (things that stop the ride)
Always
- 2× tubes (even if tubeless)
- 2× CO₂ + inflator head (or pump if you prefer)
- Tire levers that actually work with your rims
- Multi-tool with a chain tool
- Quick link (the correct speed)
- Small cash / card + ID
Nice but real
- Micro rag or wet wipe (chain hands destroy everything)
- One small zip tie + tiny tape wrap (repair anything energy)
DRNTS note:
Most “mechanical problems” are small problems that become big because someone didn’t carry one small thing.
Fueling (simple, not trendy)
Baseline
- 60–90g carbs / hour (depending on rider)
- Start early, before hunger
- Water + electrolytes by conditions, not preference
Carry
- 1 “emergency” gel you never touch unless needed
- 1 “solid” option (bar / rice cake) for mental variety
Rule
If the ride is 3 hours, carry fuel for 4.
Not because you’ll need it — because it keeps decision-making calm.
Support Bag (what matters when support exists)
Even with support, you still need basic autonomy.
In the van / support bag
- Spare tubes (yes, again)
- Spare tire (one) for the group
- Chain lube + small brush
- Sunscreen + chamois cream
- Basic meds: electrolytes, ibuprofen (if you use it), blister tape
- Small towel, wipes
- Light layer you can put on immediately post-ride
DRNTS note:
Support should feel like a quiet safety net, not a dependency.
The Redundancy List (what breaks first)
This is the list that saves days.
- 1 spare tube becomes 2
- 1 quick link becomes mandatory
- 1 wind vest becomes non-negotiable
- 1 “extra” gel becomes the difference between finishing clean and finishing bitter
Final check (30 seconds before rolling)
- Tires: pressure set, not guessed
- Chain: not dry
- Fuel: in pockets
- Vest: accessible
- Phone: charged, not “maybe”
The goal is simple: no friction, so endurance can be quiet.