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Prep With Jemma Wilson | JW Events
Bike Prep
The worst way to start a ride weekend is by leaving your prep to the last minute, to avoid the scramble which leaves you no time to fix anything that goes wrong, get ready early. As you get into prepping your bike, the easiest way to ensure you don't forget anything is by starting at the front of the bike and working your way back... or the opposite. Here's a basic checklist:
- Tension spokes
- Check tyre pressure
- Ensure your tyres have knobs left and aren't too old - as your point of contact with the ground, a good set of tyres has a huge impact on the way your bike performs
- Make sure there's meat left on your brake pads, if it's metal on metal it's time for a new set
- Check Coolant is topped up
- Drive train - chain tension is within spec
- Fresh fuel (if your bike has been sitting for a while you're best to drain the old fuel and refill)
- Clean air filter
- Check bolts
Don't neglect your bike prep, it ensures you get the most out of your weekend, if you need to, seek help or drop your bike to a local mechanic so they can do it for you. Make sure you aren't at the track when you find out your bike won't start, at the very least it's imperative that you start your bike before you leave home, it's been left before and it's never fun. But at the end of the day, there'll always be some ladies around who are willing to lend you a hand where they can!
Riding Essentials
To keep your bike running for the whole weekend you'll need to pack a few items that we'd assume would be part of your essential riding kit, and if they aren't maybe add them to the list next time you head out riding:
- Jerry can with 10-15 litres of fuel
- Spares: a spark plug (especially for 2 strokes!), levers, tubes, and an air filter
- Chain lube
- Exhaust plug (the cold weather overnight can create moisture so it can be good to have an exhaust plug)
- Bike stand
- Tools
- Tyre pressure gauge and pump if you have one
Then get into packing your gear bag, it's usually best to bring two pairs of socks, gloves, and gear (where possible) as they're the most prone to getting dirty, especially if you're attending a two-day event, it's nice to have a clean set to put on for day two.
- 2x gear sets
- 2x gloves
- 2x socks
- Helmet
- Knee guards
- Boots
- Goggles
- Hydration pack and/or bumbag
- Personal preference protection: body armour, neck brace, elbow guards, padded shorts
Our sport is dangerous, which is why we recommend investing in some quality protective gear, so you can give yourself the best opportunity to have a good time and not get hurt. A helmet is your first port of call, you only get one head so dedicate most of your time and money to getting yourself a helmet that fits well and has some quality technology and protection packed into it. As a starting point, find something with dual-density EPS and a rotational system like MIPS or similar. Motocross boots are another must-have protective item. Boots offer impact protection for your foot and ankle, once again you'll get what you pay for in a set of riding boots, a premium boot will have more ankle support with a hinging system and increased durability.
Camping Gear
When it comes to organising your camping gear, a lot of this comes down to your camp set-up. You'll need all your normal camp gear whether that's a swag, a tent, or a camper, plus don't forget:
- Camp chair
- Toiletries
- Water: there isn't any drinking water on site and you'll be riding all weekend, so come prepared with plenty of hydration!
- Bug spray and sunscreen
- A towel and shower shoes for the communal showers!
- A sunhat
- Rain gear... just in case
Food and cooking! The OSD campouts are fully catered so unless you want to bring your personal favourite snacks, you won't need to worry about food. The Husqvarna Women's Trailride and Coach Camp Ride are both non-catered events, so make sure to bring along your cooking set up or have something prepared. Keep in mind, at the Trailride you can take advantage of the epic P&C food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
Don't forget you will need to purchase a Motorcycling Australia one-event licence through Ridernet (if you don't have a MA race or recreational licence). If you're unsure there's no need to stress, you'll be sent a 'how to guide' for purchasing your licence with your confirmation email when you purchase your ticket.