1: Random tools for spot prep: Brick rub, hand broom, hammer, bondo, trowel and even a spatula I took from my mom’s kitchen when I didn’t have a trowel on hand. Spot prep isn’t always needed, but it’s nice to have the option of making something happen if necessary.
2: Wax: Wax, always plenty of wax. I recently bought a four pound brick of Gulf wax and it came in these huge bars. Needless to say I’m good on wax for a while now.
3: Eight pegs: I always have eight pegs on me at all times. Four steel, four plastic. Use the right tool for the right job.
4: Foam roller: This is my saving grace. Every morning I roll and stretch on this thing, and in five minutes I feel like a new man ready to tackle (almost) any rail in front of me ….or at least get the day off to a pain -free start. I usually use this rolling multiple times a day. I get funny looks from people while doing it but damn, it helps.
5: Extra pedals (and tubes): You never know when a pedal or a tube is gonna see it’s last session, so it’s always nice to have some on deck. Even if they’re used but not finished, keep em’ around! You’ll never know when someone might need one and that keeps the session going instead having to search for the local bike shop mid-session.
6: Mueller First Aid Kit: Mueller is the best. They hooked me up with a few of these first aid kits which are packed with bandages, sanitary wipes, creams, gauze and many other things that come in handy when you slam.
7: Dad-cam and tripod: Dad-cam always comes through in a clutch, second angle, third angle…whatever. my trusty dad-cam has seen a lot of action over the years and keeps on tickin'. Tripod was a thrift store find back in 2010 and it’s still killin' it.
8: Ice scraper: Harsh winters demand having an ice scrapper on deck. I’ve also used to to scrape dirt out of runways and remove wax when there's a bit too much caked on. The bristles on it can clean a runway with many swipes as well.
9: LED work lights: These things are sick. Bright, silent, affordable, long lasting, durable, etc. I get about three hours with the lights on High before changing the batteries. I have an extra set of batteries as well, so in a backpack I can hold two lights that last for six-plus hours. Probably one of the best purchases I’ve made in a bit.
10: Baseball: Years back I was asked to throw out the first pitch at a Major League baseball game. I hadn’t thrown a ball in many years so I went to the store and brought a little league ball. I didn’t realize it was a little league ball until it was too late. Needless to stay the little leagues got me ready for the majors. The pitch was a success. Definitely a childhood dream come true with that one. I keep the ball in my car only because I keep forgetting to take it out.
11: Extra pair of shoes: I always like to have a back-up pair of kicks in the car in case something happens. Every once in a while, if the shoes had been in there a while, I give them to someone my size. The latest recipient of my extra shoes was George Duran. He slapped on my Vans and immediately did an ice to bar down a rail in the freezing wind. Magical shoes? Maybe magical George? probably.