If you’re gearing up for your first big bicycle trip, you are going to want to be prepared for anything that the open road or trails have to offer. Cycling is an excellent way to see the countryside and explore your surroundings because it offers you an up-close view of the landscapes, something that many travel methods can’t.
While cycling for travel is cheaper because you don’t need to buy gas, it is going to cost you some money to get all the supplies you need to ensure safe travels and an enjoyable time. If you’re planning on hitting the open road, check out this essential gear you need on that maiden voyage.
Cycling Clothing
It would be hard to list each individual piece of clothing so it is best to lump it all together as clothing in general. The best part is that there are plenty of buying guides to help you figure out what is, and what isn’t good cycling wear. Here are some must-haves:
- Cycling shorts
- Athletic shorts
- Long-sleeve athletic pants
- Dry-fit shirts
- Gloves
- Touring shoes
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Breathable short sleeve shirts
- Fleece pullover sweater
- Fleece hat
- Sunglasses
There’s a good mix of clothing that is best for cycling (touring shoes, dry-fit shirts) while others are good for off-the-bike activity (fleece pullover sweater, athletic shorts). You want to have a good mix of both so you can be comfortable at all times, no matter if you’re on the bike or not. Being prepared means having all of the right clothing for your travels.
Survival Gear
Survival gear is a little misleading because you aren’t expected to bring a hatchet or flares, but you do want some added peace of mind with the gear you bring to make sure that you are safe if you need some assistance. Some of the best things to bring in terms of survival gear are:
- Pocket/Swiss Army knife
- Water-containers (bladders)
- First-aid kit
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Sunscreen
- Bungee cords
- Water filter straw
- Food storage
There are plenty of ways you can end up in a tough spot while out on a bicycle trip, especially if it’s your first time. You can never be too careful when it comes to packing essential gear to help keep you safe. As you can see, these are easy to add to your travel pack and help keep you safe in the instance of an emergency pit stop or another unexpected halt to your travels.
Tools and Repair
A bike, like nearly every mechanical piece of technology, can be fickle. They are designed with great care but you never know when something can go wrong. You can’t go back and make sure the manufacturers are doing their best to ensure no problems occur with it, but you can do your best to be prepared to fix repairs if need be. Here are some tools and repair must-haves:
- Spare tube
- Lever kit
- Allen wrenches/keys
- Spoke wrench
- Extra nuts, screws, or bolts
- Extra brake pads
- Duct/electrical tape
- Zip ties
- Bike chain tool
- Extra spokes
- Portable air pump
- Spare tire and/or tube
- Chain lube
You can see how much you may need to pack just in case of potential mechanical problems, but it’s not a big deal when you do your research. This is an area where people fall short before going on an extended bicycle trip, so you want to know that you are ready to handle the challenges. Having the equipment to repair issues is good, but you also want to know what you are doing with the tools themselves. Brush up on your bike repair knowledge before you take off.
Camping Gear
You may also want to take some time out of your travels to camp out in nature after a long day, this is a good idea and helps save money on accommodations plus it lets you experience the natural side of travel. Here is some essential camping gear to pack:
- Sleeping bag
- Lightweight tent
- Sleeping pad
- Reusable eating utensils
- Small portable camping stove
- Portable cookware
- Bug spray
You can add small things as you like, but the tent, sleeping bag, and sleep pad will be your best friends for nearly any camping needs.
Planning a bicycle trip can be an extra exciting way to get out and see the world around you. With an intimate, up-close view of the world, you will be able to experience new sights and sounds, but you are going to want to review this list to check what gear you have and what you need before hitting the roads and trails.