Emergency energy gel and cash

Two items to get you out of trouble: an emergency energy gel and some cash. The first could save you on long ride – when you’ve perhaps pushed the pace too high and not eaten enough, or you’ve already worked your way through your supplies for the day – and will give you a last-ditch energy boost to get home.

You should always carry some cash on your person for the cafe stop but an ’emergency’ £10 in your saddlebag will ensure you have enough cash to make an additional pitstop, to buy an additional inner tube or get a taxi – at least to the nearest cash point. We always try and take a bank card with us as well.