How do you prepare for a long-distance cycling trip?
Do you have a process?
Do you have a process?
Long-Distance Cycling
- Thread starter Shawn Gossman
- Start date
I have yet to do a long distance (or any distance) "trip", i.e. overnight. I do have extensive backpacking experience (including Lusk Creek and River to River) so for me the bicycle part is simply covering any mechanical needs a bicycle may need. Things that come to mind are mostly(?) obvious like spare tubes, tire lever, multitool, chain tool and replacement master link. Depending on the severity of the terrain a spare derailleur hanger might be in order as well. Many people feel good about some ad-hoc repair materials such as Duct Tape, Zip ties, and/or simple wire. And of course you have to figure out how to carry all your stuff on a bike. I picked up some Ortlieb Panniers for that purpose.
The rest of my prep for something like this would be a rather standard backpacking packing list.
The rest of my prep for something like this would be a rather standard backpacking packing list.
I've also never done an overnight bike ride, but I really want to try it soon. Now that I have a gravel bike, I'm going to try to do it more.
We do love to go backpacking, though.
I just realized you are "THE" hiking with Shawn guy.
Haha, yep, I'm that guy.I just realized you are "THE" hiking with Shawn guy.
Hoping to add bikepacking adventures to my content and promote it in Southern Illinois.
I'm just about to launch on my second bike tour, Valmeyer, IL to Marietta, GA. I spend a lot of time obsessing about the route with RWGPS and GaiaGPS. Heatmaps in RWGPS along with the mapped bicycle routes in the OSM Cycle layer help me pick safe roads. GaiaGPS and The Dyrt and good for finding camping locations. When those aren't feasible, I'm down to Google Maps to find a hotel.
I'm using four Rhinowalk panniers that I bought on Amazon. They aren't as sturdy as Ortlieb but were half the price. Since I'm a smooth pavement boy, they seem to be holding up just fine.
I'm using four Rhinowalk panniers that I bought on Amazon. They aren't as sturdy as Ortlieb but were half the price. Since I'm a smooth pavement boy, they seem to be holding up just fine.
Nice. I use ROCKBROS bags on my bikes. They're fairly inexpensive but pretty sturdy!
In addition to the above comments, I make sure and have Ibuprofen in case there is an injury or acting up tendon, cartilage or ligament, and also salt tabs for long or overnight rides. Found out early on that without adequate water and especially salt when excessively sweating, I would cramp up usually after a ride or that night. Salty soft pretzels after a sweaty ride are my favorite for electrolytes and complex carb replacement.
I carry a few little bottles of pickle juice shots for hydration emergencies or cramping. Also, small packets of mustard work too!