Bike Tour Prep
Unlike run of the mill road trips, bike tours require a lot more planning. This is because you are limited to the things that you can carry on your bike. You need to be a lot smarter when it comes to the things that you pack to ensure that you have everything you need for a hassle-free trip.
Pack Light
As already mentioned, you don’t have the luxury of loading the car with everything you need and more – you’re limited to what your bike can carry. While it may be difficult to do, try to limit the number of bags you have. This will save you a lot of frustration while on the bike – as well as if you need to travel by plane or train. Consider your travel requirements and use this to guide you.
To test whether your luggage is manageable, try to carry it up and down the stairs, or try going around the block on your bike to see how it feels. If it’s uncomfortable, rethink your luggage.
Choose Your Clothes Wisely
You will be spending a lot of time on the road, with very little time to do laundry or let it dry. Try to choose fabrics that are easy to clean and fast drying. Synthetic blends are by far the best option as they are breathable, easy to pack and quick drying.
Pack Strategically
Use up all the available space. Use your shoes to stuff smaller clothing items or use empty water bottles to store chargers and earphones for when you want to play top pokies for Android. Roll clothes to reduce wrinkles and take up less space. There should be no dead space in your bag, so get creative about how to use the limited space more effectively.
Must-Pack Items
When it comes to limited space, you need to prioritize the most important items to ensure that they are not left behind. To start with, a buff or face mask is needed to accommodate COVID-19 guidelines. You also need to have snacks and water to help keep you fuelled up while on the road. We recommend backing two pairs of pants, two pairs of socks, two t-shirts, two or three pairs of underwear and a warm top – all of which can easily be washed and dried. An extra pair of riding gloves will also help a ton, as well as comfortable shoes for while you’re out and about.
Of course, basic toiletries such as soap, deodorant, hand sanitiser toothpaste and a toothbrush should be packed as well as a phone charger, powerbank and any medications you take daily. A first aid kit is another non-negotiable – better safe than sorry!
Be sure to keep your ID, health insurance card, bank cards and cash on hand. Another pro tip is to keep a plastic bag or two with you for dirty or wet clothes.
Everything you need to survive and get through the day should be packed in your luggage, anything more than that is more than likely just going to take up unnecessary space.
