How to Pack for a Bike Tour
You don't want to leave for a bike tour empty-handed. Always pack the bare essentials, keeping in mind the conditions of your journey.
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Things You'll Need
- Padded Bicycle Shorts
- Straps For Sunglasses
- Sunglasses
- Plastic Freezer Bags
- All-purpose Bike Tools
- Bicycle Helmets
- Bike Pumps
- Bungee Cords
- Panniers
- Touring Bike
Instructions
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1
Put your saddle bags, called panniers, on the bike. Clip the hooks on the panniers to the top of the rack, with the elastic on the bag's back facing the wheel. The larger panniers hang from the rack over the rear wheel and the smaller ones from the front rack.
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2
Line each pannier with a garbage bag in case of rain.
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3
Pack items tightly, filling the garbage bags inside the panniers with camping gear, cooking supplies, spare clothes and tools. Balance the weight so that one side of the bike is not heavier than the other.
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4
Put on the handlebar bag. It should hang from a clamp that came with the bag, and it attaches to the center of the bike's handlebars.
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5
Fill the handlebar bag with sunglasses, sunscreen, wallet, snacks and other items that require frequent access. If your bag has a map pocket, slide your folded map into the appropriate section.
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6
Strap your sleeping bag and tent to the rear rack with bungee cords or nylon straps. The cords should run from the front of the rack, over the bag and tent to the rear, and then back. Fasten tightly.
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7
Shake the bike from side to side - when everything is mounted - to see whether anything falls off.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep the handlebar bag light to help stability or don't use one at all.
Avoid filling the bags all the way up. Leave room for food and other things you may buy along the way.
Take along extra plastic bags for wet clothes, muddy shoes and greasy tools.
Be careful not to weigh down your bike so much that it becomes difficult to safely maneuver. Carry as little as possible.
