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A Touring traveler’s packing tips

Without telling you exactly what you should bring along, there are a few things to consider:

  • While you will be able to settle down in some hotels, you will also be moving luggage and gear around.
  • You will be traveling by plane and probably by train with whatever you decide to bring along.
  • Europe in the spring & summer can be rather unpredictable. Very hot in some places, but it may also be cooler in the mountains or other places. Plan on bringing something warmer to wear in case it is a bit cooler and the wind is blowing on mountain tops.
  • No need for very “dressy” clothes. A pair of slacks and polo shirts or short sleeve shirts are plenty, and jeans or shorts and T-shirt are also ok most of the time.
  • We ask that you keep your luggage down to one suitcase and a carry on. A good idea is also to fit a 1 day change in your carry-on, just in case your luggage was delayed upon arrival…Also keep in mind that more and more airlines will allow for only 1 free checked bag (if any) and that any bags over that limit will be subject to additional charges. Weight and size of your bags can also mean extra charges if over the airline limits. Contact your airline for more details before traveling.

    travel insurance pic

  • Once your bike is packed, 2 options: – Take along with you on the plane. Fees seem to range about $250 each way.- Shipping your case. Obviously more convenient, but this comes at a price! Rates usually go from $500 to $750… one way! In addition to the usual Fedex, UPS, DHL, you may also want to contact Luggage Forward which specializes in shipping sport equipment.
  • Bikes and Cycling gear: CO2 Cartridges are not allowed on planes. We will have some for sale and you may pre-order them with us, to guarantee that we have enough.
  • The most common way to get your bike across is to disassemble it and place it into a hardshell bike-case or bike bag. Hard shell bike cases fall within major shipping company size restrictions.
  • How much gear should you pack? While helmets are not mandatory in France we do ask that you wear one while riding with us. Helmets are also mandatory on the Etape du Tour. Some of the gear you may want to take along include:
  • Spare tubes for clincher tires (we will have some for sale)
  • Quick stick or tire levers to remove tire
  • Spare tubular tires
  • Saddle Bag for spares
  • Patch kit for minor tube repairs
  • Small frame pump (co2 cartridges are not permitted on planes we will have some for sale)
  • Water bottles
  • Small tool set for minor problems (folding hex set)
  • Cycling Jersey Long and short sleeve or arm warmers
  • Cycling shorts
  • Socks
  • Cycling gloves
  • Rain Jacket
  • Arm warmers
  • Leg warmers or tights
  • Bike shoes
  • Helmet
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Fanny pack – money belt or seat post rack wedge style
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