What essentials do I need to pack?
- Passport
- Cycle helmet – must be worn and strapped up at all times.
- Under-saddle bag to carry spare inner tube, puncture repair kit, small bike tool and tyre levers
- Small bike pump- E Pumps are the easiest.
- Two water bottles and carriers
- Bright bike lights – important for when we go through tunnels!
- GPS navigation computer such as Garmin / Yahoo
- Mobile phone with Strava app downloaded (if you are not using a Garmin or navigation device)
- Phone mount for mobile phone (if using Strava for navigation purposes)
- Portable phone charger
- Warm wind and waterproof clothing – the weather in the mountains can change quickly (see our tried and tested clothing tips below)
- Snacks – energy bars, muesli bars and energy drinks
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Chamois cream (for tender parts!) Or Assos Skin Repair Gel works very well.
- Personal travel insurance – all riders will be required to sign a disclaimer and must arrange insurance individually. Cyclosure provide policies aimed at trips like this. Many annual travel policies DO NOT cover cycle touring without paying an additional premium – please check yours
- UK GHI Card – these are free.
- One luggage bag.
- One bike bag or bike box if you are taking your bike on the plane (we recommend bike boxes – these can be selected as an optional extra in the booking process)
What kind of clothes do I need?
We recommend layering up so that you can add or remove items of clothing to keep you at a comfortable temperature. Always make sure you carry waterproof layers with you and buy clothes made from a fabric that is designed specifically for exercise that will absorb sweat and dry out quickly.
- Padded cycling bib shorts – well worth buying the expensive ones on long multi day rides eg Assos.
- Cycling jersey or synthetic top – however, we will provide you with high quality, breathable, fully personalised cycling shirts for each day
- Cycling socks
- Cycling shoes and pedals (either clipless with your own pedals or firm-soled shoes suitable for cycling)
- Wind jacket
- Windproof / showerproof gilet or warm vest/jacket
- Rain jacket
- Full-finger, wind-resistant gloves
- Shoe covers‚ toe or full foot
- Arm and leg warmers
- Some comfortable, casual evening wear for when we kick back and relax
Also, don’t forget:
- Your passport and airline tickets
- Your travel insurance details (see our section on insurance)
- Visa (if required)
- Any medication that you will require
- A travel power adapter (for charging mobile phones etc. in your room)
- A personal navigation system (if required)