Travelling by bike is not like going on a vacation to the Canary Islands.
At least once in your life, before setting off on a bike trip with your travel bike, you have checked your suitcase several times, hoping that you have taken everything you need and not forgotten anything.
This moment becomes even more dramatic when you decide to face a bike trip.
Unlike other types of travel, when it comes to bike touring, the equipment we take with us can significantly change the course of our adventure.
Therefore, it’s really important having the right checklist, because, during bike trips, being sure of bringing what is necessary is fundamental, in order to face unexpected events in the best ways. It’s also very important to not overpack, so as to not add useless weight to your luggage.
Travelling by bike: what should I bring to avoid unpleasant surprises?
When you are about to leave, amidst the frenzy of the last few days and the impending euphoria, it can often happen that you forget something if you have not prepared a checklist in advance.
With the right travel kit, you’ll be able to cope with any problems along the way and enjoy the ride.
Good! Now you may be asking yourself, what is the essential equipment for a bike travel?
Let’s find out in our article!
Viaggiare in bici: le 8 cose che non devono mai mancare nel tuo travel kit
We at Bikeit believe that the secret of a perfect travel kit for cycling is multifunctional equipment that can be indispensable in case of unforeseen events.
Let’s make a list of 9 things that you must have in your bag, before getting on your bike seat:
1. Repair kit
When bike trips any problem with your bike can really jeopardise the course of your adventure. Being stranded is the nightmare of anyone who decides to travel by bike.
It is therefore very important for us to always have a repair kit.
The perfect kit should contain:
- A multifunctional repair tool.
- The tyre lever to allow rapid removal of the tyre from the tyre.
- The patches to quickly repair your bike tyre.
- A rasp to lightly scrape the hole where the tyre may have been punctured.
- A mini pump to inflate your bike on the fly and get back in the saddle!
2. Route map
In order to always have a clear idea of where you are, how far it is to your destination, or if you wish to make a small diversions along the way, you must take a map of the route with you.
Always bring it with you, especially if your bike trip is long, in order to be sure that you are taking the right direction (even when you decide to discover new places that deserve a break).
However, take a look at the bike routes offered by Bikeit.
3. Cell phone and Power Bank as a support for your bike trip
Your cell phone is a faithful friend for taking snapshots of enchanting landscapes which you will experience from your bike seat, but especially for all the moments in which it will be necessary to make an emergency call or just to verifify how many km are left before your water refill, your lunch break or before your arrival at your destination.
To be sure that your cell phone is always turned on, especially when you need it, don’t forget to bring a charged Power Bank in your travel kit.
Beware of those who still travel with compasses and analogue instruments!
4. First aid kit and sun cream
Travelling by bike sometimes can result in small incidents.
Knock on wood, but you might skin your knee in a small fall or get burnt when the sun is too hot.
Taking care of yourself immediately, with disinfectant, refreshing and sanitizing towels, covering everything with a bandage, means that you can keep doing your bike trip with serenity, without being stopped by other small problems that can occur along the way.
Make sure you have everything you need and that the first aid kit is complete, but also light and easy to carry.
We also suggest to always bring sunscreen with with, in order to prevent sunburn.
5. Lots of water to face your bike trip with serenity
How much do we love travelling by bike during wonderful sunny days, to fully enjoy the adventure and the landscape? During these days, it’s very important to always bring with you a full water bottle filled with fresh water.
Very often, along the most inaccessible routes, there can be quite long stretches without the possibility of refilling your water bottle.
Make sure you always have your water bottle at hand, perhaps strapped to your bike, and not only to drink often (as you lose a lot of fluids while cycling), but also to refresh yourself in case of need.
6. Money (debunking the myth of cycling without money)
That’s right… the money will be needed for your bike trip.
Travelling by bike certainly allows you to cut several costs including transport, petrol, parking, but the costs depend on several factors.
The time of the year and the route you choose to take, will have the biggest impact on the budget for your bike trip. This will determine the cost of accommodation, parking, food, bike rent (if you don’t have one) and everything else you want to do.
So be prepared for the fact that, if you wish, it is possible to make a fairly low budget trip, but, clearly, costs are dictated by several factors, including your skill as a cyclist (expert or beginner) or any unforeseen events along the way.
If you have thought of your bike travel as your main holiday this year, you can choose more comforts, such as luggage transport or extra experiences that will give your adventure a whole new flavour and make it more enjoyable.
Thanks to Bikeit, you will be able to book your itinerary and make your bike trip unique and unforgettable.
7. Windbreaker
Let’s hope it will not rain… How many times did you say it while biking?
When you travel by bike, bringing a wind jacket is essential, because the weather can be very volatile and change every moment, especially if you bike on mountain routes.
But, the rain is not the only inconvenience. The wind also plays its part and it is good to protect yourself.
8. Padlock
And, if caution is never enough, another key element in your checklist is the padlock.
We are sure that you too will want to minimise the likelihood of your trip ending early. Making sure your bike is always under a good lock will make it much more difficult to steal it from you (we hope of course in people’s good sense).
9. A friend with the same passion as you
In your checklist for the perfect bike trip, there cannot be a friend with your same passion. Travelling by bike is an unforgettable experience, but you will soon see that, sharing an experience like this with someone else, will make your trip safer and more pleasant.
This is our secret to make sure that you will have an incredible adventure during your bike trip.
Indeed, we agree with a well-known quote that says: it is not important where you go, but who you are with.
And for the “where you go”, we are sure that the itineraries on Bikeit will certainly be astonishing, so don’t worry for that. The only thing that you will have to do is choosing the right travelling partner and book together your adventure.
And here we are at the end of our checklist, and you? Hai fatto la tua checklist prima di partire?
But let’s come to one last very important question:
Do I need to take food supplies and overnight essentials on a long bike trip?
Travelling by bike with a bundle of stuff or travelling light? This is the dilemma!
Bringing lots of food supplies, sleeping bags and camping tents, means making your biking trip a struggle and not a pleasure experience. Your bycicle is not a camper.
Before you get on your bike, you need to organise your trip properly!
Ad hoc and bike friendly facilities are available along the cycle routes. Book bike hotels in advance for the night and plan stops for refreshments along your route. This will allow you to enjoy your holiday and travel light.
Read also: “Luxury bike hotel: rest after a long bike ride“.
Think about riding your bike and enjoy the landscape: don’t think about the rest.
We suggest you to book your bike trip with Bikeit, which will organize everything for you.
We will immediately explain you how:
How to travel light by bike with Bikeit (organised routes and bike hotels)
All of this was born to make a bike trip accessible for everyone.
Thanks to Bikeit services, your luggage can be moved from a stage to another one, without your effort, in order for you to enjoy to the fullest this incredible adventure.
What’s more, each hotel selected along your itinerary will guarantee you a night’s sleep in fresh sheets, so you can rest up and set off with the right energy for your next destination!
Therefore, if you want to travel light, don’t miss the unique opportunity to book your adventure with Bikeit.
