First trip - what do I need (to know)?

[thejean]

Hi folks, heading out for the first time this Sunday with a group here in AB. What do I need to know and/or bring with me? I don't have a proper TS gas can yet but will try to fashion something that will work tomorrow. Some other questions I have though are:
1. What tools should I plan to pack on the bike?
2. What kind of boots should I wear - my motorcross boots or something warmer? I have an old pair of snowboard boots as well.
3. What do you wear for pants - motocross pants plus long underwear or something else? Ski pants?
4. I don't have an avalanche pack yet but should I wear a camel back at least?
5. Do you wear chest protectors under your coats? I have the shirt style Leatt protector.
6. Will ski or MX goggles work or are snowmobile goggles a must?

Anything else I am missing or should think about?

Thanks, JC

 

[B-Line Snow Bikes]

If you wear an enduro type jacket that has a belt hang one gallon antfreeze jugs full of gas on each side, you won't notice them once in the bike. Neoprene socks help, helmet light, or expensive camping LED head lamp.

 

[1dn5up]

i use snowpants then burn them on the header i use ski googles and mx googles and snowmobile what ever i grab first normaly bring 2 on a trip

bring a few pairs of thin gloves

I wear a jacket with liner and a t-shirt and normaly get pretty warm

I wear motofist boots in the sping will swith to mx boots but I wouldnt wear them in the cold long as your can shift wear your boarding boots

there is another thread here about tools to bring

 

[thejean]

So I have a headlight but will also bring a small headlamp. I am going to pickup an avalanche pack as well. I don't have a enduro jacket so will have to mount a gas can to the bike. I will also bring a 2-way radio.

 

[thejean]

Nobody wears shoulder or chest protection? I don't really like the idea of being impaled by a rogue frozen tree branch. Also, I am recently back from a shattered scapula so probably should have the shoulder protection on. Hopefully it fits under my coat.

 

[B-Line Snow Bikes]

How do you know chest protectors arn't a given once the jacket comes off?

Anything that works offroad applies, just water resistant. Spare plug, oil incase it spends time upside down?

 

[thejean]

How do you know chest protectors arn't a given once the jacket comes off?

Anything that works offroad applies, just water resistant. Spare plug, oil incase it spends time upside down?

I don't know, that's why I'm asking.

I specifically got and under-armour setup because I was expecting to need it under a jacket for snow biking.

Oil sounds like a good idea!

 

[off road rider]

I took a hard chest shot a few weeks ago, If I hadn't had a chest protector on, I think my season would have been finished.
Layers of lighter clothing work better than bulking up, extra gloves and goggles are good, as well as basic tools and maybe some zip ties.
something to start a fire with is a smart thing to bring.
Ive used tech 8's and they are ok, but I prefere my Klim boots.
You will have a blast... welcome!!!

 

[Throndson]

Hi folks, heading out for the first time this Sunday with a group here in AB. What do I need to know and/or bring with me? I don't have a proper TS gas can yet but will try to fashion something that will work tomorrow. Some other questions I have though are:
1. What tools should I plan to pack on the bike?
2. What kind of boots should I wear - my motorcross boots or something warmer? I have an old pair of snowboard boots as well.
3. What do you wear for pants - motocross pants plus long underwear or something else? Ski pants?
4. I don't have an avalanche pack yet but should I wear a camel back at least?
5. Do you wear chest protectors under your coats? I have the shirt style Leatt protector.
6. Will ski or MX goggles work or are snowmobile goggles a must?

Anything else I am missing or should think about?

Thanks, JC

Hey JC,
1. Tools. Bring all the Tools that TS recommends. If you dont have the list you can print it from there website. I thinks its under maintenance in the install pdf.
Make sure you can get into your airbox if necessary.
My bike is carbed and I pack what I need to service it as well.
Additionally I'd bring a multi tool like a leatherman. A small ratchet and sockets (extension) that fit your rig.
Ive got a homemade tool kit (heavy zyploc bag) that I keep every thing in.
Zypties, duct tape. Spare plug and a wrench that can take it off. Allen Keys to get into your chaincase and to tighten your bark busters if you smack a tree. some wire is also useful.
I also pack some extra bolts that fit my bike and some hoseclamps.
Masterlinks to fit your chains (I still need these myself).
2. I wear my MX boots. Havent tried my snowboard boots yet but the MX seem to be OK for me. Some smartwool socks keep the feet warm. I haven't been out below -10c yet in these though.
3. I wear my Ski pants. I put them over the boots and duct tape em on to the boot. Usually bend my knees a bit so I have some play.
I think MX pants may be OK with decent Long underwear under. The over the boot pants are preferrable IMO.
4. Avy packs are great if you can afford them. I run a about a 35L pack that I used to use for ski touring. Works good fits everything.
I always pack a Down "puff Jacket" or extra fleece. First Aid Kit. Headlamp as mentioned. Leather Gloves for handling a hot Pipe. A tow strap of sorts.
avy gear and some H20 or Tall Cans!
5. I dont run any pads personally but may start. Its likely a chest protecter wont work well. hard to get a pack comfy and they dont fit under most shell jackets. Id wear your Leatt shirt style.
6. Ive been wearing ski googles for years and am satisfied. If there old i'd try to bring a backup set or maybe even some safety glasses (for backup).

As far as your fuel can Ive been packing an extra 10L can on the Tunnel with just some good rubber Bungees. I scratched my Tunnel all up so I put some packing foam under it.
Good Luck and have Fun!

 

[Jon Mutiger]

Go to this website and do the self study section if nothing else:

www.avalanche.ca

Go out, have fun.. Be safe, and hold back. Don't do what you think you should do right off the bat. Just get out there, figure out how to stop. Realize that the brakes are not ideal. Understand they handle horribly on hard pack.. And remember to keep your feet on the pegs when you stop.

You will want to ensure you stop in a safe spot and don't hit anyone else. I'm guilty of really hitting someone hard and got extremely lucky.. It happens so fast when the terrain is limitless.

Don't worry so much, these things are not fragile. If you get stuck, think about the best way to get it out before making the rest of your day suck. You can flip it backwards, over, ect.. just don't heave if you don't have to.

And now the first thing you must do is, get off the trail as soon as you can.


Jon

 

[thejean]

Thanks for the advice and tips! I'm going with some fairly experienced riders so suspect I'll get a bunch of help as well while out there. What I am most concerned about is being prepared so I don't make both my day and theirs suck.