In preparation for my first ride with BCADV, is there a list of recommended emergency gear that riders are expected to bring with in case of some sort of emergency (like spare tubes, tools, etc)?
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Good question, thanks for asking.
The short list of mandatory items would be:
- Basic tools → whatever tool kit came with your bike, or whatever you done to replace that with “real” tools. IE, the usual hexes, sockets, drivers, etc.
- Whatever you need to fix your own flat, with the help of others. Tube, levers, patch kit, plug kit, air compressor, CO2, etc. IE, if you’re running tubed or tubeless, bring whatever you need to fix a flat.
- Water, food, snacks, layers, etc
The list of other items to supplement this basic set is endless. But the general rule is: no one expects you to know how to fix everything. Part of the the “adventure” of ADV is fixing / McGyver’ing stuff on the trail. And we’ve got some smart, handy folks in the club.
What’s not, cool, however, is to not have the basic stuff. For example, if you flat and went out on the ride without your own stuff to fix it, we’ll still fix it for you, but you’ll pay in shit talking and heckling 
And people who show up repeatedly unprepared with definitely get a reputation, and not a good one.
The additional short list of “good to have” items is:
- Jumper battery
- Quality tow strap
- Z-Drag system. I carry both of these, highly recommend Green Chili strap and Z-drag
Comms:
Finally, we’re big on radios here, rather unique in the ecosystem of CO riding clubs. Please review our Radio SOP here, and consider using this to get set up.
No Go:
Hard bags / luggage. Not allowed on our rides
Hi Rich,
Many thanks for the comprehensive response.
Will work on obtaining the suggested items and then sign up for my first BCADV….I think my Yamaha 2009 WR250R will be up to the task but I wish the gas tank was a little bigger….. If you have any thoughts regarding the WR250R and the typical rides that the BDADV goes on please let me know.
Best Regards,
Tom Campbell
Don’t worry about. Just ride what you’ve got. We all ride a wide range of bikes, have a wide range of abilities, and we’re pretty good at accommodating everyone, or least doing the right things on the front of a ride so that people aren’t in over their heads during a ride.
I had a WR250R for a couple years, after I got burned by a finicky Huskey TE450. I wanted dead reliable, which the WR was. But ultimately I missed the power and light weight of an enduro and picked up a Husaberg FE570 as my dual sport ride. KTM 500exc-f is is my DS bike now.