The weather's nice, it's warm, it's not too windy - it's the perfect day to saddle up. So you don't have to spend too much time thinking about what to take, I've put together a checklist of the essentials for your bike outing.
Clothing
- Socks
- Shoes
- Shorts (long or short, depending on the season)
- Bra
- Jersey
- Jacket
- Sunglasses
- Headset
- Gloves
- Gapette possibly
- Sleeves or leggings if necessary (useful when the weather changes a bit!)
In case of cold or rain
- Overshoes
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Rain jacket
- Warm long-sleeve top
- Neckband
- Headband or cap under helmet
- Plastic phone pouch
Nutrition and hydration
- Water or sports drink bottles
- Bars, compotes, gels, candies, cakes, sandwiches… In short, all the food you love!
Safety and tools
For more information on what to pack depending on the type of outing, check out our article on bike repair kits.
- Pump (and CO2 cartridge if required)
- Inner tube
- Patches
- Tire changer
- Multi-tools
- Rear lighting
- Front lighting (if you start or finish at night)
- First-aid kit (bandages, disinfectant wipes)
Navigation and communication
- GPS
- Cell phone
- Watch
- External battery with cables (if you think your GPS or phone won’t last the day)
Miscellaneous
- Frame bag (if required)
- Saddle bag (if required)
- Cash, credit card, identity card
- Sun cream
- Handkerchiefs
Lolo’s little tips
- Check your bike the day before: tire pressure, brakes, chain and any strange noises.
- Prepare your gear the day before too. That way, you’ll waste less time on the morning of your departure, and be able to get on your bike more quickly.
- Plan your route using apps like Komoot or Strava. I also use Street View from Google Maps to check road conditions.
- If you want to fill up on water during your outing, look out for cemeteries, where drinking water is always available.
With this checklist, you’ll have all the keys you need to prepare your cycling trip with peace of mind. Equip yourself, plan your itinerary and, above all, enjoy the roads.