Preparing for a bicycle trip: what should I bring?

Preparing for a bicycle trip is essential before planning any route. To make a trip by bicycle, much less things are needed than one might think. With a bike in good condition, a few tools, time and, above all, the desire to pedal, you can get almost anywhere.

In my case, I’ve done two bicycle trips. The first one was cycling through China’s Yunnan province. It was an unforgettable week-long journey through the heart of rural China, traveling among mountains, lakes, Chinese villages, and rice terraces. The second trip covered several sections of the Camino de Santiago, specifically the Northern Route. I spent a week cycling from Irún to Bilbao, covering the entire Basque region.

In this post, I’ll share some key aspects to consider before starting your trip, the essential gear to pack, and other recommended items that could also be very useful during your bicycle adventure. Let’s dive in:

Aspects to take into account before setting out on a cycling trip

The best thing is to use a mountain bike that will serve you both by paths and roads. You can do 30-60 kilometers a day depending on your physical condition and the slopes. In my opinion, I prefer to go a little slower and enjoy the scenery and not just do miles like crazy because you can end up burned.

You should also check your bike a little to make sure everything is in place, that the changes are going well and that it brakes well. With all this we will have enough to embark on a new adventure.

It is advisable to train before, but not essential. If you train, your body will surely appreciate it, especially because of the stiffness of the first few days and because so many hours sitting on the saddle can cause itching if you’re not a little used to it.

It is essential to take installed GPS applications on your mobile like Google Maps or Here Maps, where you can search for the best routes and locate you at all times in case you get lost. There are also specific applications to track your route such as My Route.

Preparing for a bicycle trip – What to take on a cycling trip?

Essential materials

What you decide to take with you may vary depending on how much time you have to be traveling. My recommendation is to take only what is necessary. Whether you like it or not, every weight counts. Therefore, here is a list of essential materials:

1. Saddlebags and waterproof cover for the saddlebags.
2. A front and rear light.
3. A good set of tools.
4. Spare inner tubes and patches.
5. An air pump.
6. A helmet.
7. A rain jacket.
8. Sunscreen.
9. Sunglasses.
10. Toilet bag and first aid kit.
11. Light clothing, such as leggings or breathable T-shirts.
12. Cell phone holder to watch the route.

Recommended materials:

Apart from these materials, there are also others that are not essential, but that are recommended materials:

1. Bike gloves
2. Bib shorts, especially for the first days.
3. Cap, to rest from the sun in the breaks.
4. A utility knife.
5. Bungee cord (in case you want to tie more things on top of the saddlebags).
6. Toilet paper (just in case you get a tightness in the middle of nowhere).
7. A tent with its mat.
8. A backpack with shoulder straps to carry things you might need to have on hand for a short stop.
9. And last but not least, during your preparations for a bike trip don’t forget to take with you: water bottle, bananas and nuts that will give you the energy you need to reach the end of the world.
10. And last but not least, during your preparations for a bicycle trip, don’t forget to bring: a bottle of water, bananas and nuts that will give you the energy you need to reach the end of the world.

Here I leave the link to the video of an Argentine friend who traveled through China with a bicycle. If this article on Preparing for a Bicycle Trip has been useful to you, please remember to comment, value and/or share. Thank you!

I see my path, but I don’t know where it leads.