CONEJO VALLEY CYCLISTS

In this next installment, CVC’s queen of touring, Reine Wiley, offers tips on what to pack for a bike tour, both for use on and off the bike.

Reine knows whereof she speaks: These packing lists were honed from tens of thousands of miles of touring.

FOR THE BIKE

Rear rack: It will be smart to ride your bike to a bike shop and have them make sure it will fit on your bike– in fact, charm them into installing it if you can.  Trailers have become popular in the last decade:  Accessories are as simple as a duffel bag, and a quick release for the rear tire.

Panniers: There are plenty of makers, just decide which color (brighter for safety) you like.  Bigger is better not so you can take more stuff, but so you’re not cramming them and ripping out the seams.  Panniers handle all your clothes, food, etc.  Waterproofing (recommended) can be done by lining inside of panniers with plastic bags, spraying panniers with waterproof material, or purchasing rain “covers” for panniers(available through cycling catalogues, or sporting good stores).  If using a bike trailer and duffel type bags, consider using large plastic trash bags to fit over the duffel(s).

Handlebar bag: For all the on the road stuff — snacks, camera, wallet, maps, toiletries, sun lotion and the like.

Sleeping bag and/or thin pad (pad is optional): This goes on the top of your rear rack.  The ideal is something that will keep you warm for the appropriate season (summer) and be as non-bulky as possible.  Attach it firmly with camping straps/bungee cords.

Bicycle lock: This could be necessary at a few overnight or stopping places, and will come in handy for sight-seeing (simple cable lock will do).  Highly recommended.

A bell or other noisemaker. 

A tarp or other lightweight plastic sheet for covering your bike, or fashioning minimum cover in the event of rain. Heavy-duty large garbage bags may do the trick.

Rear view mirror (for safety!!) mounted on helmet, eyeglasses, or bike.  Your bicycle store may be able to help you pick out the best type of rearview mirror for you.

Reflective stickers for bikes, panniers, and helmet.

A tent. A must for self-contained touring.

CLOTHING

Weight and style preference play big roles here.

CLOTHES ON THE BIKE

2 jerseys, 2 riding shorts, two pairs of socks (rinse one out each night, wash them once or twice along the way at a laundromat).

One pair riding gloves, one pair full-fingered warm gloves (even brown cotton work-gloves work for the cool to cold mornings—check out the weather chart enclosed).

One pair each of arm and leg warmers (or long arm jersey & tights). Unless you chill easily, these are usually just enough for the cool mornings.

One good windbreaker / jacket: this can be layered and to keep you warm even at pretty cold temps, because wind is what really sucks away the heat.

Lightweight poly-fleece vest:  this is mostly for the camp-out evening, and makes a good pillow when rolled up.

One bandana:  this jack or all trades is handy for mopping sweat, cooling off, tying around your neck to keep warm, it’s a napkin, emergency bandage, you name it.

Riding shoes: Clipless pedals and shoes are a great invention.  Ideally, get the “walk-able” SPD-style cleats and shoes.  That way, you can get by with wearing them both on and off the bike.  (These are also doable (though not perfect) for the evening), and could save a lot of weight and space).  Another space saving option would be a good cross-training or court shoe (running shoes are too flexible).

Rain gear: Even if you’re riding in dry season, the weather can always change at a moment’s notice.  So………..check out your closet (and the Weather Channel ahead of time); catalogs (look for seasonal discounts); and sporting goods stores for the best rain gear your situation can afford.  A rainproof jacket, pants, booties, gloves and a shower cap (yes, under your helmet) can mean the difference between a relatively comfortable ride in any rain, or an “I can’t wait to get this day over with” day!  Your decisions are important here, for you will carry them for the whole tour.

Bright clothes are recommended for safety.  A rear mounted, inexpensive battery operated red flasher type light is also vital.

Helmet, an approved one.  No explanation necessary. 

Sunglasses, specialty ones are great, but any comfortable, UV protected will be adequate.

CLOTHES OFF THE BIKE

One short sleeved T-Shirt. Yup.  Nobody is going to be eyeballing you for a fashion show, so pick one you!  And one long sleeve shirt or lightweight sweatshirt works well in combination with your other items (fleece vest, windbreaker, etc.).  Best is some kind of poly-fabric that can be washed and dried quickly.

One pair walking shorts/or combination long pants: look for something super-lightweight, probably cheap polyester, almost like running shorts.  Built-in web belt saves weight too.

For the thin-blooded, the lightest possible jogging or wind pants (rain pants could double for this purpose—see previous suggestion to eliminate doubling).

Underwear:  Silk or thin polyester/nylon material is perfect, because it washes and dries really fast.

Women and bras:  2 sports bras work best (one to wear, one to wash and dry).  Find what is comfortable for you when riding and sweating.

Sandals (if riding shoes are preferred not to double for walking shoes):  Tevas or other comfortable brand (the sandals can also be worn while taking a shower in places where bare toes may not want to touch grimy floors), plus socks.

Swimsuit: Think lightweight (also worn while showering in less than private surroundings).

Sleepwear:  Jogging shorts and a light weight T-shirt.  (I alternate sleep & day shirt)

OTHER

Addresses and phone numbers for emergencies and for every destination on the tour.

Maps.

Toiletries: Think tiny, and practice saying, “With this wardrobe, nobody is going to give a darn about make-up,” so leave it at home.  (Remember, you can always buy what you need along the way).  Aspirin/Advil/Aleve might be a good idea.  And, oh yes, some earplugs (necessary).

Sunscreen and lip balm are both musts.

Camp towel or large hand towel / wash cloths:  The camp thing is a polyester chamois, which feels like you’re drying off with a big napkin, but it is very compact and it works.

A camera—(or buy postcards), journal, stamps, micro-binoculars, paperback book; a few plastic bags to separate your stinky laundry from the stuff that’s not yet stinky.

Tiny bottle of liquid laundry soap.

A small pocketknife for snacks (but remember airline rules), a micro-flashlight (no bigger than a chap stick).

You will think of other stuff, LOTS more stuff, which is fine, as long as you will carry it without whining.

Cup for hot or cold liquid; all-purpose plate/bowl; eating utensils (plastic / or metal fork, spoon, knife); plastic bags. (THINK GREEN: We help the planet—in a small way—using fewer disposables)

First-aid kit—Small, to carry on your bicycle for scrapes and bruises.

Plastic bags (grocery or trash), to keep dry–sleeping bag/panniers; clothes etc.