1.Headgear – it is very important to wear helmet whether it is an on-road ride or an off-road ride for safety purposes. And to make sure your face is safe from face burn.
2.Wear gloves. You don't want blisters on your soft hands, do you?
3.Pants - If you do not have the cyclist pants, your aerobics lycra leotards are okay. As long as they absorb sweat, it's fine. Cyclist pants have extra padding sewn on. Aerobics leotards do not. If you do not mind the heat, a second layer of shorts can do. Never wear loose pants as it may be caught at the gears as you cycle
4.Shirts - If you do not have cyclist jerseys, t-shirts will do as long as they absorb sweat.
5.Although Malaysia is hot and humid, long pants and long sleeves t-shirt protect you from insect bites, leech bites, sharp tall grasses (lalangs), protruding tree branches, scratches from fall, and sunburns. Do not wear heavily. Wear as light as possible.
6.Shoes - No high heels, no slippers, no sandals, no terompahs. Aerobic shoes are too soft. Multipurpose walking or jogging shoes are okay. Don't forget socks. If possible, light type of shoes and socks.
7.Underwear - Wear cotton underwear. Forget about underwire bra, push up bra or wonderbra. Non-padded ones are okay. Sports bra is the best. Lacy ones itch.
8.Forget about makeup. The sweat will run your mascara. You don't want to look like Alice Cooper.
9.Perfume. What is exercising without the smell of sweat. Underarm deodorant is sufficient.
10.No jewelry. They could get lost or damaged.
11.Watch - If you want to wear your watch, the buckle ones are safer.
12.Hair - Unless you intend to be in the shampoo advertisement, tie your hair if it is long.
13.Never forget to use insect repellent, although it sometimes fades when you sweat heavily.
14.Keep your fingernails short. There will be occasional scratching here and there especially for outdoor beginners. Your fingers may even find themselves in the mud and you'll have a hard time cleaning the nails.
15.Wide gel seats are sympathetic to our tender behind and crotch. Get 'em. Narrow hard seats are for the pros.
16.Always bring extra clothes for change after the sweaty, smelly and muddy ride.
17.If the ride is out in the open with no/minimum shade, you might want to use sun-block lotion for those who like to keep fair skin and avoid sunburn. But not too much until it gets sticky or greasy
18.If circumstances force you to change your clothes in the open except for the protection of your car, for decency sake, bring along a kain batik.
19.Keep extra footwear in the car in case your riding shoes got wet and dirty.
20.Drink a lot of water. If nature calls, what to do. You gotta do what you gotta do.
21.Have fun and try to stay ALIVE!
