What to bring & where to put it.

[Toddmac1]

Hi,

I will be coming to Diablo for the first time on the Sherpa bus, I am trying to convince a few friends to join but they are more XC & aren't biting yet so I may be alone. I plan to travel with a hydration pack stuffed with food, spares, tools, lock (will leave it locked to something while riding) ETC. Usually I don't mind riding with a pack but I just purchased a pressure suite with a spine protector which is bulky enough on it's own.

Are there lockers outside or Inside?
What do you usually bring?
Do you ride with packs or simply walk down to fix things?
Please add any additional info for a Diablo noob.

Thank you.

[bobushka king]

Are there lockers outside or Inside?
What do you usually bring?
Do you ride with packs or simply walk down to fix things?
Please add any additional info for a Diablo noob.

Thank you.


1. There are no lockers for Diablo itself and I'm not sure if there are any for mountain creek that can be used. The crowd seems to be very respectful and I don't think theft has ever been an issue, even if you leave everything out in the open.

2. I bring a tool box with random tools/tubes, a cooler with a bunch of water, a sandwich and snacks to munch on during the day.

3. I never ride with a pack so if something happens to my bike on the trail, it's either a hike to the bottom of the mountain or back up to the gondola.

4. Have fun, inspect before you try anything, and don't hesitate to ask someone for help. Most riders will be more than happy to explain where a trail is or let you follow them to get an idea of the mountain.

[bmxracer62]

yea, there arent any lockers. The waterpark does but are not acessable to the riders. Generally, you dont have to worry about theft. If you want, just ask the office to hold your stuff, im sure they will be more than happy. I personally do not bring tools/spares up with me on the mountain but would recommend bringing them.If your going to be by yourself, just ask people if you can tag along, ive never had anyone tell me no. I ride there by myself all the time. Explore, the mountain has many different types of trails. BE SAFE AND HAVE FUN!

p.s. if your somewhat less experienced, i would recommend walking some of the dh trails, they can get pretty gnarly. its no fun realizing your in over your head when its too late and there nothing you can do about it!

[Timekiller]

I would say your best bet, especially your first time at diablo, find a riding buddy. A lot of people on this forum have season passes and go every weekend. That way youll have someone to show you around, plus if your worried about loosing stuff, mabye your riding bro will let you lock up your stuff in his/her car.

[Toddmac1]

Hmmm I wish there was a clubhouse with lockers.
I live in NYC so whoever joins me will most likely be busing it as well.
Seems like I should bring a cheap bag, basic tools & a lock for restroom breaks.

Are there tools & pump or compressor available at the base?

[Fall Guy]

Hmmm I wish there was a clubhouse with lockers.
I live in NYC so whoever joins me will most likely be busing it as well.
Seems like I should bring a cheap bag, basic tools & a lock for restroom breaks.

Are there tools & pump or compressor available at the base?

Ive never once seen anybody lock their bike while it was unattended and I don't think a bike has ever been stolen. So don't think you need the lock. If your running DH tires with 2ply side walls and DH tubes, then you can probably ditch the tubes and air. If not, then you will almost defiantly need the tubes and air. I personally wear a camel bak and just used to it even when I wear my armor.

[spylab]

Hmmm I wish there was a clubhouse with lockers.
I live in NYC so whoever joins me will most likely be busing it as well.
Seems like I should bring a cheap bag, basic tools & a lock for restroom breaks.

Are there tools & pump or compressor available at the base?

Trust me when I tell you that things are a lot different out in Vernon than in the big city. No one is out to steal your stuff - my crew has always left food, tools and supplies down by the Diablo hut and no one has so much as laid a finger on any of it.

There is a pump of questionable reliability, as well as a toolbox filled with junky parts for anyone's use. Diablo also staffs a full time mechanic who will be able to fix any major problems in a snap. Most riders have a decent range of bike specific tools either in their car or around the base area if you need to do any basic repairs during the day.

Personally, for a first timer I would bring a medium sized duffel bag with:
-A couple extra DH-grade tubes
-Metal or plastic tire levers
-Multitool
-Small hand pump (just in case)
-Bandana (ESPECIALLY if you plan on renting a helmet)
-Biking gloves
-A small frumpy towel (to wipe off blood, dirt, mud or sweat)
-EXTRA CHANGE OF CLOTHES (there are some trails that have perpetual wet spots, and it's no fun to ride home with wet, sweaty, muddy clothes)
-Water, water, water
-Some type of lunch or snacks
-Small first aid kit (there's always an ambulance on site, but for small cuts and scrapes it's just easier to bring along some bandages and neosporin)

If you really feel uncomfortable with leaving your stuff around you can bring a lock and just leave your bag down by the Diablo office.

[FOXROX]

jp had a hydration pack stolen. it had a camera and a bunch of money in it.

[Ironjunk]

Your going to want to see how hard the harder trails are so dont be afraid to ride down them and then stop and inspect parts to watch other people pass.

Buy a gallon water and maybe an energy drink. Eat a bunch of snacks during it will keep your energy up. Know when its time to stop. My arms get loose after about 10-12 runs then I get pretty sloppy, that's when I call it a day.

I'd be more worried about leaving my bike unlocked on my hitch rack while I run in a store to buy drinks than I am about leaving my bike at the base all day.

[bruiser2]

travis is right, i lost about $1,000 worth of stuff when my hydration pack got jacked.

[PCinSC]

I usually bring a pack, and I'm usually one of the only riders on the mountain with one on my back. I'd rather not carry it, but I like to drink frequently, several times per run (even if to just wet my whistle) and don't want to have to wait to get back to the top or bottom to drink some water. Another benefit to carrying the pack is I have tube spares, tools and food on me at all times.

A disadvantage to carrying a pack is that all my buddies want me to carry my **** for them. :hmm: I also get random riders asking my for use of my tools several times a day. Which I really don't mind, but I'm thinking about charging for their use. If figure I can probably recoup my lift pass by then end of most days. :biggrin:

The irony: I have yet to break a part of my bike or get a flat while riding Diablo's trails. So I guess in my case my pack is my good luck charm.

[TankerX]

when the waterpark opens, i'll be cautious leaving bags around out in the open other than next to the lifts. Isn't the Sherpa bus going to run later in JUne or July? Do u know if they updated the coach van for the bikes. I personally went on it twice and the storage for bikes was very minimal which can fit 4 bikes max.

[Timekiller]

when the waterpark opens, i'll be cautious leaving bags around out in the open other than next to the lifts...

Yes, at this time I would be cautious too. I always seem to end up with their wristbands and garbage in my truck. They don't have any respect.

[Toddmac1]

It's a shame some people have to act like that.

I'm not sure if Urban Sherpa has upgraded their coach.
Their first trip is June 14th.

[WhoRyder]

When does the water park open?

Yeah, i wouldn't leave anything laying around (except cooler).

Too many funny people (non bikers)looming when the Waterpark opens.

Show up and expect to have fun. Look before you leap.... don't be afraid to ask me for "directions".....

[Toddmac1]

PCinSC

Do you wear body armour with back protection?

[PCinSC]

PCinSC

Do you wear body armour with back protection?
Yup. I'm a pretty big guy (about 290lbs) and my Dakine Nomad pack fits over my XXL Rockgarden armor with spine protection. The pack fits pretty snug which actually is a good thing because doesn't move round at all, and it does tend to shift up and down while jumping if I'm not wearing my armor (I've tried it both ways). If this type of set-up works for me it should work well for smaller (IOW, normal-sized) people as well.

[yuroshek]

if you really wanted to im sure if you threw the lift attendent a couple bucks he will keep the bag by his "stuff" and it wont go anywhere. or you can ask the girls at the front desk if they have room in the back or something, its worth a shot.

[DEMOmy8]

k pop the lift guy will take care of your stuff. hes a real cool guy.