No matter how many summer road biking trips you’ve gone on in the past, novice and experienced travellers alike should always be well prepared. Even if you’re a bit of a whizz and it’s not your first rodeo, it doesn’t mean that you’re not going to fall victim to one of those pesky ‘get halfway there and have to turn around’ situations. Newbies in particular need to understand that a road biking trip differs drastically from a traditional vacation, so it’s best to prepare accordingly. Despite the fact you may be planning your trip for the summer months, there’s almost no assurance at all that the weather conditions will be favourable – so planning for the worst is a must.
This article outlines everything you need to know about what to pack for a summer road biking trip so that nothing essential gets left behind!
Road Biking Clothing
For those looking to spend several days or even a week road biking in the summer, it is recommended that you have multiple sets of clothing for your journey. Though bringing only what you need is important in terms of keeping your luggage light on the bike, having the right attire to combat any and all weather conditions is an absolute must. When packing for your next exciting summer adventure, aim to bring about two to three pairs of bike shorts, three t-shirts and long-sleeved jerseys, plus a pair of bike underpants for comfort along the way.
Additionally, you'll want a light windproof and waterproof jacket on hand should unexpected rain or coldness occur, as well as some upper body base layers and a good pair (or two) of gloves. If your plans include any nights spent in town or villages, don't forget to pack some items that can be worn out to dinner and other similar occasions to avoid walking around in sweaty cycling gear! The golden rule is, the less the better.
Road Biking Equipment & Protective Gear
Creating an expectation that anything can happen while road biking is a sure way to decrease risks, such as an unfortunate accident or detecting an issue with your bike. The luxury of road biking in areas where there are numerous cycling communities makes it possible for there to be places to shop that offer assistance if you do wind up in trouble. Make use of these places and don’t ever be too proud to ask for help! On the off chance you find yourself stuck and too far away from support or supplies, it's a good suggestion to divide quantities of crucial tools amongst group members, like a tire pump, a multi-tool that does it all, and tubes for everyone’s safety.
Protective Clothing
Using protective equipment should also not be overlooked. The essentials include wearing a helmet which is the best approach to stopping serious injury if you were to fall, donning a cheeky hat for protection from the intense sun during break times, and having a headlamp handy when night falls and you can’t see where you’re going. Trust us, there’s nothing worse than getting lost in the middle of nowhere. But protective equipment extends to protective clothing, let's explore 2 items that are worth packing.
Powster Summer Sleeves
Constructed from a four-way stretch fabric, the sleeves offer sun protection and feature a silicone gripper on the upper arm to keep them comfortably in place. They have incredible features:
- UPF 50+
- Highly breathable
- Ice silk fabric
This innovative balaclava gives you the flexibility to control your warmth without sacrificing performance. Thin enough to fit under a helmet, the balaclava can be worn over the head and around the neck, with vents around the nose to avoid exhales moisture fogging up goggles or sunglasses. The Balaclava can be pulled over to your chin to make water and snacks stop easy.
Personal Items for Road Biking
No matter how minimalistic we attempt to live our lives, it’s almost always the case that you’re going to need to leave space for some personal items in your bike pack. Now we’re not talking about your guitar so you can play it around the campfire when everyone’s having a drink and winding down. As lovely as that sounds, carting something of that size simply isn’t realistic – no matter how game you are. When it comes to personal items, nothing changes, you have to think of the essentials.
A cellphone will always come in handy, and so will a GPS if you find yourself a little too far off the beaten track. One thing that should always be a part of your personal item list is a first-aid kit. You never know when you’re going to need it, or the other people in your group – it could be the difference between a lengthy hospital visit or worse, and getting home safely.
Road Biking Extras
No matter how much planning you do, you can always be more prepared. If you're heading out for some camping or going to a place where food and water are hard to come by, it's important to bring the necessary items. A tent, sleeping bag or mat will make sure you have somewhere to sleep comfortably and as far out of any potentially harsh conditions as possible. Portable stoves and kitchen utensils are also useful if you want hot meals along your journeys, there’s nothing like it after a hard day’s biking. Dried foods that just need hot water for cooking will keep you energized without taking up too much space, and keeping energy bars on hand in case of an emergency boost is highly recommended. One of the golden rules is to drink plenty of water, the last thing you want is to get dehydrated.
So there you have it, everything and anything you need to know about what to pack for a summer road biking trip is right in the palm of your hands. The ability to get out in nature and push our physical limits is something we too often take for granted, so when we have the opportunity, it’s definitely worth doing everything we can to make sure the trip is worthwhile. The most important aspect of any trip is preparation. The best way to pack the right items is to give yourself ample time to organize your clothing, equipment, personal items, and any other essentials you need for road biking. When you’re all packed up and ready to go, all there’s left to do is let the adventure begin.
