Dwight D Eisenhower’s words crossed my mind after my friend Matt Sordill, a gifted bike mechanic, left my house.

We dedicated an hour to a thorough bike inspection, bike fixes and some first aid tips.
New crank bearing, new chain and new pedals are a few of the components that Matt has suggested to replace. Electrician tape, zip tie, and the most shocking of all tips: do not use a degreaser to clean the chain??!!!

What?
Not to use a degreaser?
A post ride routine I’ve had for years is all of the sudden a taboo?!
It’s as if your dentist told you not to brush your teeth…

Well, apparently the best method to clean a chain is this:

1. Lube the chain while pedaling backwards
2. Wrap a dry cloth around the chain part between the crank and the rear derailleur
3. Peddle backwards to collect all extra oil while getting the oil into the chain links and pin
4. Continue until the chain color is back to the original color

 

For Kokopelli trail Matt even suggested not cleaning the chain but to drop a few oil drips at the end of each day and spin backwards gently.

I guess I have a new routine now…

 

Below is a preliminary checklist which I’ve put together for the Kokopelli trail.

Next time I’ll tell you why I chose these items and more about my training routine, which I hope will ensure a successful and enjoyable trail.

 

• Bike
• Bike Case
• Nonperishable food like: whole grain pasta, dry fruit mix, dry cereal, canned food, bread
• Energy drink powder
• Source Whistler hydration pack
• 2  spare tires
• 4  spare tubes
• Spare bike parts like rear derailleur, cable shifters, bolts, spare cleats.
• Bike tools like Allen, spoke tool, cassette tool
• Buttcreame
• Sun cream
• Tent and sleeping bag.
• Sunglasses
• Bike cloths, including gloves and a rain jacket (just in case)
• Helmet
• Mini pump, Co2 and patch kit

 

As always, if you have any tips/suggestions or stories of your own you’d like to share – post a comment…