| Packing for a Tour |
Packing—like
anything that takes discipline and practice—is an art. Traveling
moms seem to have mastered the skill. They can fit anything into
a suitcase: jeans, Legos, shirts, dresses, socks—the bicycle
rider could learn a few things from these women.
The secret to packing effectively is to prioritize, learn a few
helpful techniques and use a consistent packing approach time
after time. Sounds serious. But it'll save you in the long run.
Plus you'll make moms everywhere proud. |
|
| Packing
Basics |
| The balance, control
and ride of your bike depend on the way you divide up and position
your equipment load. The best way to position weight on a bicycle
is to:Keep your
center of gravity as low as possible: This means packing as much gear
as possible low on the bike, and keeping the heaviest items in
the lowest spots within each bag. Keeping gear low is especially
important when it's stored on your front wheel. |
| Accessibility |
You'll need access
to certain gear as you ride. Some things you'll need only occasionally
(like your rain jacket), while others you'll need many times
each day (like water or your map). The key to smart packing is
identifying those items that you'll need most often and making
sure they're packed in easy-to-reach places.Gear needed
while riding: Some items (sunglasses, maps, cycling gloves, food) should either
be carried in your pockets or packed in your rucksack mesh pockets.
Where you can get to them quickly.
Day-specific
items—Other
gear items are needed more on some days and less on others, depending
upon specific riding conditions. Consider factors like the expected
weather, terrain and riding conditions each morning as you pack
up, then position items like waterproof jackets, clothing layers
and warm hats in appropriate places.
|
| Additional
Packing Concerns |
Water Protection
Most Rusksacks provide decent protection from rain, sleet and
spray, but there's always a chance of leaks. Pack all your equipement
into, waterproof plastic bags (IE bin liners)they provide extra
protection as do heavy-duty plastic bags (to line rucksacks)
and protect specific, vulnerable items like sleeping bags).
Regular plastic bags can tear easily, so look for heavy-duty
bin bags and tough, sealable freezer bags to line rusksacs and
bike bag pockets.
Tip: It's better to use many small bags to protect items
than one large bag filled with small items. Packing and access
both benefit from this practice.
Impact Protection
Fragile gear items like cameras, cook stoves and binoculars may
benefit from some extra impact protection, especially on rough
roads or trails. To protect them, pack them in the center of
your large bike bags, surrounded by clothing or other soft items.
Loose Items
Large gear items like tents and sleeping pads (which seldom fit
easily into bike bags) are often carried on top of rear racks.
To make sure these items are firmly attached to your bicycle,
cinch them down tight with nylon straps or bungee cords. Both
are available in a variety of lengths and thicknesses to hold
onto just about any piece of gear. Make sure you carefully tuck
away all extra straps or cords before you start riding.
Lightening the Load
If you're on a multi-day group tour, share the gear. One person
can carry the stove, the other, the utensils. One person can car ry the tent, the other, the tent poles. Divvy it up and save
weight. |
| Camping
Gear |
If you decide to
camp outdoors during a bicycle tour, you'll need the same kinds
of camping equipment that backpackers and other backcountry travelers
use. Space will be limited, so stick to the essentials and choose
your gear wisely. Remember—overloaded bikes are harder (and
less fun) to pedal, and they can be harde r to control. |
|
