Lodge Based Bicycle Tour Packing List

For this post we'll take a look at what to bring on one of our lodge based bicycle tours as opposed to a camping tour. Our packing list along with some editorial comments should help folks better understand what should be taken and what can be left home. My editorial comments are highlighted.

□ Road Bike (Please have your bike tuned and inspected before your tour begins) This is your vacation and the vacation of the other participants. Having a bike that has been inspected and tuned is cheap insurance for having a fun tour.

□ Bike Shoes I suggest a proper bike shoe whether you use cycling cleats, toe clips, or flat pedals. A rider loses a fair amount of energy by having the feet unnecessarily flex with each pedal stroke. There are plenty of good shoes to chose from. Visit your local bike shop and try a few on. This season we're going to try the Keen cycling sandal. It's a stiffed soled cycling shoe that looks to be cool and comfortable.

□ Bike Helmet Be sure it's in good condition. A damaged helmet should be replaced.

□ Bike Trailer (Provided by Wild Heart Cycling) We set you up with a Burley Nomad trailer. Your guides will review how to attach and ride with a trailer. These trailers are easy to pull.

□ Water Bottles (2) or CamelBak (You will receive one 24 oz bottle) On hot days I sometimes go through 3~4 water bottles though I would probably be classified as a heavy drinker. I like to drink Cytomax when I ride though there are plenty of other good energy drinks on the market. An energy drink helps me maintain the proper electrolytes and keeps me feeling good all day long.

□ Tire Irons (Your guides will have a full repair kit) This is a basic tool for changing a flat.

□ Spare Tube I always install a new tube and plan to fix the tube with a hole. A properly applied patch should last the life of the tube.

□ Tube Patch Kit See Spare Tube comments.

□ Bike Pump I carry a small, reliable, easy to use, cycling pump. Know your pump would be my mantra. There are very good pumps and there are crappy pumps.

□ 2~3 Cycling Shorts I typically hand wash the dirty shorts in the hotel bathroom each night. Take care not to spread any cycling grease or oil on the hotel linens. In the past I've wiped a greasy hand on my shorts during the day.

□ 2~3 Cycling Jerseys As with my shorts I typically hand wash the dirty jersey.

□ Cycling Gloves A must have in case you fall. They protect your palms from cuts and scrapes. A good pair of gloves can also help absorb some of the road vibration.

□ 2~3 Cycling Socks For summer time riding I like socks that breath well.

□ Wind Breaker/Rain Jacket I have one jacket that serves both purposes.

□ Rain Pants A lightweight pair of nylon pants will suffice for summer time riding. Make sure the legs won't get caught in your chain. You can use an ankle strap to keeps the leg fabric out of the chain. Be sure to try riding with these pants if you never have before. You want to make the legs don't bind in the pants. During the summer I will frequently forgo rain pants and ride in the rain with my legs exposed. The air temperature is usually warm enough that I would just sweat if I wore rain pants.

□ Warm Shirt or Pile Jacket Nice to have on those cool mornings or evenings.

□ Sunglasses A must for eye protection. I like polaroid lenses.

□ Sunscreen I carry a small bottle and try to apply it a couple of times during the day. My German - Irish heritage makes me a good candidate for a sunburn.

□ Camera A picture is worth a 1,000 words. Don't forget your battery charger.

□ Street Clothes (Evening temperatures in the Cascade Mountains typically range from the upper 50’s to the low 70’s. Morning temperatures will be cool but increase fairly quickly.) Women may prefer a skirt or shorts and men may prefer shorts for the evenings. Dress comfortably. Since I only wear these clothes for a few hours each day I can easily wear these clothes multiple times. For summer tours I typically bring a 1~2 nice shirts, pair of shorts, and sandals. If I need a warm shirt or rain jacket I wear my cycling clothes listed above.

□ Toilet Kit – Toothbrush, shampoo, etc. Bring what you need. I leave the big bottle of shampoo home and bring a little travel bottle instead. Don't hesitate to repackage your items into a smaller package.

□ Personal Medications Don't forget these important items.

□ Personal Items – Book, etc. Your on vacation bring that favorite book you've been waiting to start.

As you can see you don't need to bring a lot to have a great time. The goal is to travel lightly and comfortably.

Cheers, Ben

Bicycle Tours - Oregon, Bike Tours - California, Bike Tours - Vermont
www.wildheartcycling.com