The Necessities of Success on an ECCC Weekend...

Hey All-
You may think that this is going to be a instructional blog about how to achieve the top spot on the podium, or some hidden secret to creating huge muscles... but no, I am about to share with you something greater than the glory of winning a bike race (is there such a thing you may ask..yes, there is). I am going to enlighten you with the key to happiness:

The Holy ECCC Packing List:

• Towel (multipurpose: changing, showering, blanket, pillow whipping that annoying kid, distracting a bull)
• Socks: Bring twice as many as you think you need, they are small and they get wet, and if your feet are happy you are happy. **I highly recommend purchasing battery powered heated socks, ask me at any race**
  
• Plastic bags: for dirty/wet clothes, waterproofing your shoes, cleaning up trash, flying kites
• Raincoat: two if you have them
• Rainpants: dorky? VERY, but look at the people who wear them, Joe, Caitlin, Sully, Alan, Me....we are usually seen standing outside the longest too, get it?
  
• Sweatshirts/Fleece/Warmth: again bring multiples, so that when you are done standing around and racing, you have a DRY one
• Mittens/Gloves (Not biking specific): Just like your toes, happy fingers=happy you
• Hat: you lose most of your body heat through your noggin, you've heard this since you are a little kid...it's true
• Pants: sweatpants, jeans, manpris, leggings, jorts, shorts (get those tan lines ready).. pick your two favorites and go for it. You don't need a wardrobe, but a dry change/something to sleep in is all you need.
• Shoes: your biking shoes, something waterproof (puddle boots, hiking boots...) and a DRY backup pair, because like at Columbia...GoreTex will quit, puddle boots will flood, and you need to call in the troops.
• T-shirt(s): Some kids think it's cool to walk around in their jersey all weekend...here's a secret...Spandex jerseys with jeans...it's like wearing pleather (plastic-leather), it's not hot). So pick a sweet T-Shirt, it will define you, people will judge you, people will talk about it, you will be famous.
  
• Your bike stuff: Kit, arm/leg stuff, shoes, HELMET (wear it whenever you're on your bike), Glasses, socks, gloves, bike, USAC License, Student ID, etc...
  
• Toilet paper: when the Port-a-Potty runs out, you can make a LOT of friends and/or $$$$ if you have a secret stash. And always good to have for retaliation if you are pranked.
  
• Homework: crucial part, we're all students, we all have work to do, but be realistic, you won't get 1/10 of what you want to or think you can get done, done. So MAYBE bring a book, or a notebook, or a stack of flashcards, but NEVER all or multiples, it is a waste of space and you will end up wanting to use it to start a fire to stay warm. Plan ahead, try to do it before or pull an all-nighter when you get back, you'll be happier if you pack a pillow, or a towel instead of that textbook.
• Underwear: up to you, but a pair of Granny Panties to throw at someone could be funny.
• Sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries: toothbrush, soap, chamois butter... Depends on where you are sleeping, or if you partake in dental hygiene.
  
• Food: You will save money and you won't get nauseous from starving and having nothing to shove in your face, plus again... you can make friends and $$$$.
  
• Done.

Sully and I were never good at dressing for the weather, our Dad used to make us wear our snowsuits to school, and then I would walk around in flip-flops when it was below zero just to show him up....(and you wonder why I need heated socks now). Anyway, we learned the ways of the wise and it all comes down to packing, if you are selective this can all fit in a small bag, I'll get some pictures for you.

Race vans/cars/weekends are a pigstye, try to prove me wrong. Every team has someone who is late for their start throws stuff all over the place, doesn't zip their bag stuff is all over the floor, you put clothes on the dash board to dry... you get the picture. So, another key to packing, is keeping it all packed/together. This saves you money cuz you stop losing one glove, or your shorts. It saves you time, because it is all in the same bag, if someone throws it out of the way, it all stays in the bag (because you keep it zipped). Try it, see what happens.

IF I have missed anything, please let me know... but this is a list that has worked for me, in all weather situations.
-Maggs