Cycling tour packing list
Bike helmet
Perhaps one of the most important items to pack for your cycling tour is a helmet. We don't supply helmets on our trips but recommend bringing one for your own safety and protection. Wearing a cycling helmet is usually a travel insurance requirement too, so check your paperwork. If you don't already have a cycling helmet, visit your local bike shop for advice on the best style to suit your head shape and budget. If you're cycling in hot countries, try and pick a helmet that has plenty of ventilation.
Footwear
Pack a pair of stiff-soled shoes to wear on the bike. Whether you're taking it easy or challenging yourself, stiff-soled shoes will transfer energy more efficiently through the pedals, making riding easier and more enjoyable. Cycling-specific footwear is not essential, but if you choose to bring your clip-in cycle shoes and pedals, be mindful that cycle shoes with protruding cleats are not easy to walk around in, so aren't always the best option for trips with lots of sightseeing. You can opt for a cycle shoe with a recessed cleat or no cleat at all that's comfortable to both walk and cycle in, or consider carrying lightweight trainers or sandals in your day pack to wear off the bike.
Day pack
There's no need to worry about carrying all of your luggage on the bike as we'll transport your main luggage between hotels while you ride. Many of our bikes are fitted with a pannier or small handlebar bag – refer to the individual tour notes for more details. While riding, we recommend taking a small rucksack, or using the pannier if provided, to carry items you might need during the day such as waterproof, phone, camera, sun cream, extra layers, and snacks.
Comfortable clothing
If you don't own or want to wear cycling-specific lycra during your cycling holiday, comfortable clothing is sufficient, especially on our
easy-graded cycling trips. If you can, bring a lightweight waterproof jacket, lightweight breathable layers that wick sweat away from your skin, and warmer layers in case it gets chilly. Padded cycling shorts will make your time in the saddle much more comfortable, and padded cycling gloves will give your hands and wrists a bit of extra protection on rough terrain.
Water bottle
It's essential to stay hydrated on your rides, especially in warm climates. We suggest bringing at least one reusable water bottle, ideally two. This will save you from buying bottled water and helps us to eliminate single-use plastic from our cycling trips. Your tour leader will explain where tap water is potable as well as the best places to refill your bottle each day and on each ride. Wherever possible, we aim to use large recyclable water containers carried on the support vehicle, from which you will be able to refill. Many of the bikes have bottle cages fitted. You may like to consider the Water-to-go bottle, which has a built-in filtration system that eliminates over 99.9% of contaminants from the water –
Explore customers can enjoy a 15% discount. A water reservoir in your backpack is a good option too (something like a CamelBak).
Snacks
You won't go hungry on a cycle tour! Where possible, we plan rest stops at local cafes where you can buy a snack. It will also be possible to buy healthy, locally-produced snacks from local shops and market stalls to keep your energy levels topped up during the ride. Lunch will vary from delicious freshly prepared picnics to sit-down meals in a restaurant or cafe.
Sun protection
It's easy to underestimate the intensity of the sun beaming down on you. No matter the weather, we recommend using a high-factor sunscreen to prevent sunburn that could make future days in the saddle very uncomfortable. A good pair of UV-filtered sunglasses will protect your eyes from sun glare as well as dust and pollen.