Your Bicycle Tour Packing Guide …
It is really important when you undertake a cycling tour to be well prepared and well equipped.
The last thing you want is to be stuck in the middle of nowhere – ESPECIALLY in a foreign land – with no supplies or the wrong gear.
With self-guided tours, you need to pack carefully and sparingly.
Remember you will be hauling everything around with you so only take essential stuff.
Also, pack SMART. Take clothing that is lightweight and will dry quickly. Don’t pack things you can buy along the way.
It is advisable – especially on self-guided tours – that you have a working knowledge of how to repair and maintain a bicycle, and that you also take the right tools away with you.
Generally, commercial tour operators will take care of repairs and will guide you on the best gear to pack for their specific tour …
However, we think the packing principles for both styles of touring should be the same.
Our comprehensive guide has been collated from the experience of tour experts and cycling fanatics, who have spent years out in the field refining their packing requirements, during their countless biking adventures.
In This Packing Guide We Look At:
Important Advice
We have found that in the long run, it is much more economical to buy good quality gear than to keep replacing cheap stuff. It also makes the bike journey a great deal more comfortable and enjoyable.
Before setting on a trip, you should make LISTS. Lots and lots of lists – that you can go through and check and then double check.
If you are taking your own bike – carefully and thoroughly over-haul it, or alternatively get an experienced bike mechanic to do it, a couple of weeks BEFORE you set off. Don’t leave it to the last minute or else you may not be able to rectify any glitches in time.
Leave photocopies of all your important documents and your itinerary at home with a trusted family member or friend.
Also, take a photocopy of all your important documents with you on the tour. Keep them in a safe but separate spot to your real documents – just in case your originals get lost or stolen.
Register your presence in a country, (especially if it is a renowned trouble-spot or known for having natural disasters), with your local national embassy. Tell them where you are going and for how long. Also leave contact details for yourself, if possible ie. email addresses or cell phone numbers.
Research and read up on the culture, language and the history of the regions you are going to so that you can get the absolute most out of your trip.