BY: RHIANN MOORE
Whether you go with a group, a buddy, or fly solo, long-distance bike trips can be great experiences. Unfortunately, without the right gear, they can also be terrible. While there are the obvious essentials (tent, sleeping bag, bike clothes, etc.) to bring, there are some extra items that you might not think of until you realize you absolutely need them. With bike trips, less is more, but you also need to make sure you’re packing the right items.
Bag Balm
Choose whichever kind suits you best, but you’ll want to have this handy on a long trip. Chafing and saddle sores are the enemy of the cyclist and bag balm will soothe and prevent such issues from slowing you down.
Saddle Bag
This can be a saviour on a long ride. Pack it with all the small essentials you want to keep within arms reach throughout the day. It’s pretty much guaranteed that you’re going to want lip chap, sunscreen, a multi-tool or a healthy snack throughout the day. You will not want to sort through your meticulously-packed baskets to find them.
Extra Shoes
Even if you’ve found a pair of shoes that can work when biking, bring an extra pair of flip-flops or light shoes. No matter how much you love your cycling shoes you will be dying to get out of them when your daily ride is complete. Find a pair that takes up as little space as possible and shove them in your bag – you will be happy you did.
Flat Repair Kit
Although this will certainly add some weight, flat tires happen and it’ll be a lot better to patch your tire on the spot rather than drag it to the next bike shop. Find the most compact one and bring it along just in case.
Lightweight Stove (and a Pan, Cup, and Spork)
These won’t take up as much space as you might think and you’ll be pretty thankful to be able to cook yourself a quick hot meal at your campsite after a long day of biking.
Entertainment
You won’t always be on your bike! Bring something to do when you’re on a break. Bring a rod and reel, book, or a deck of cards. Having something to entertain yourself and your entourage is a great way to unwind and prepare for a rewarding, yet exhausting, adventure.
