My introduction to the world of bike touring began with Alastair Humphreys’ captivating book, Moods of Future Joy. In his writing, he vividly recounts the initial leg of his ambitious four-year global cycling journey – a ride from his childhood home in England to Cape Town, South Africa. His incredible adventure sparked something in me. I found myself gifting his book to anyone I thought would appreciate it and started daydreaming about my own grand, worldwide bike expeditions. There were a couple of minor obstacles, though. My camping experience was practically non-existent, and my longest bike ride to that point was only a few miles.
The allure of setting off on a bicycle from my doorstep and pedaling towards distant horizons was undeniably strong. Yet, the idea of traveling thousands of miles, carrying all necessities on a bike, seemed daunting. Eventually, I had an epiphany: not every bike tour needs to be an epic, years-long undertaking. Even a short weekend bike trip can be a fantastic escape from the everyday grind. And, I’ve noticed, each time I embark on even a small tour, my desire to plan that round-the-world trip intensifies.
Over the years, through numerous bike-focused trips and mini-adventures, I’ve also learned that planning a bike tour isn’t as complex as it initially appears. If you’re starting where I did – with minimal experience – you’re likely much closer to your first tour than you realize. This video offers a visual explanation of what I mean.
There are several categories of Bike Equipment and considerations that come into play when planning a tour. These are all interconnected and influence the overall experience of your trip. I visualize it as a network of related elements, as shown in this infographic:
Infographic illustrating the interconnectedness of cycling, gear, and bike touring considerations.
Bicycle (and Helmet!)
The fundamental truth is that almost any bicycle can be used for bike touring. However, the reverse isn’t always true – not every bike tour is suitable for every bicycle. For instance, tackling the challenging Great Divide Mountain Bike Route on a lightweight road bike isn’t advisable. That being said, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone has already attempted or is planning to do just that!
Two inspiring examples of cyclists who successfully toured with unconventional bike equipment are Ryan van Duzer’s cross-America journey on a three-speed bike and Ed Pratt’s global circumnavigation on a fixed-drive unicycle. Both of these remarkable adventures are well-documented on YouTube. While I haven’t met either of them personally, I imagine they adapted their routes to match the limitations of their bikes. This principle can guide your own tour planning as well.
How to Use the Bike You Have for Touring
If you’re in the market for a new bicycle or don’t currently own one, the internet offers a wealth of resources and reviews. However, if you’re on a budget or unsure about committing to bike touring as a major hobby, prioritize a bicycle in good working order with at least 10 gears, mounting points (eyelets) for a rear rack, and reliable brakes (rim or disc). After a few tours, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of your priorities and budget, and you’ll feel more confident when making a significant bike purchase.
Shelter
Your choice of accommodation during a bike tour significantly impacts the bike equipment you’ll need to carry. If you’re new to camping, consider planning a tour that involves staying with friends or family, or in hostels, hotels, or vacation rentals. What’s Your Touring Style?
One of my most enjoyable weekend bike tours was a ride to my grandpa’s house in Los Angeles, about 100 miles from where I live. I only carried a backpack with a water bladder and a few essentials. The trip was far more engaging and memorable than driving would have been, and it gave us a great topic of conversation upon my arrival.
Starting with a tour like this eliminates the immediate need to worry about selecting the right tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. It also simplifies many other camping-related decisions.
From this comfortable starting point, you can gradually progress towards more remote camping experiences. Consider starting with car camping or even a practice night in a tent in your own backyard.
Food
A bike packer enjoying a meal during a bike tour, highlighting the importance of food as bike equipment.
I have a friend who started running marathons primarily to justify eating whatever he wanted. I used to find it amusing until I undertook a longer bike tour and realized I simply couldn’t consume enough calories to keep up with the energy expenditure. Regrettably, some of those increased eating habits have lingered even when I’m not cycling daily. However, for bike touring, food is more than just fuel.
Of course, there’s the direct link between calories and muscle function. But there’s also a significant mental aspect to food on a tour. On a recent trip, I underestimated the effort needed to cycle back over the mountains separating my home from my desert campsite. During the climb, I became increasingly negative, even contemplating hitchhiking to avoid the exertion. However, after reaching a small mountain town and having lunch, my mood dramatically shifted. The joy of the trip returned, and I felt like a different person.
Experiencing hunger on a bike tour can also impair decision-making. Furthermore, if you have pre-existing health conditions, low blood sugar can amplify negative effects. Adequate food supplies are essential bike equipment for a successful and enjoyable tour.
The Beauty of Cold, Fast Touring Meals
Water
Access to running water is a luxury often taken for granted in modern life. This becomes especially apparent when you miscalculate your water needs on a bike tour and face the anxiety of a potentially leaking water bottle. After a couple of close calls, I now always err on the side of carrying too much water, despite the added weight.
Water is critical. Dehydration in severe cases can lead to serious health issues, including organ failure and even death. Running out of water far from reliable sources or populated areas can be a challenging, even dangerous situation. Therefore, reliable water carrying bike equipment is paramount.
Most guidelines recommend drinking one liter (approximately 32 ounces) of water for every 1-2 hours of physical activity in moderate climates. Increase your intake at higher altitudes, in hot weather, or during strenuous exertion. In populated areas or places with easy access to potable water, refilling bottles is simple. However, touring in arid climates might necessitate carrying enough water for extended periods. Consider water purification bike equipment like filters or tablets for accessing water from natural sources.
Miscellaneous
A collection of miscellaneous bike touring gear items, emphasizing the diverse equipment needed for a tour.
Beyond the major categories, numerous other items are essential for bike touring. Many are similar to what you’d pack for any trip – clothing, toiletries, pain relievers, books, a journal, etc. There are also specific bicycle-related items crucial for longer rides. I never leave for a tour without a multi-tool with a chain breaker, a spare inner tube and patch kit, and a pump. Flat tires, chain problems, loose bolts, and misaligned brakes are common mechanical issues that can leave you stranded. However, learning to fix these roadside with a few basic tools is relatively straightforward. These repair items are indispensable bike equipment.
Baggage
Once you’ve determined all the items you need for your bike tour, the next step is figuring out how to carry everything. The simplest approach is using a backpack, which is also often the most budget-friendly way to start. However, anyone with backpacking or hiking experience knows that carrying a backpack, especially when loaded with gear, water, and food, can become uncomfortable.
I generally find it more comfortable to shift the weight off my back and onto the bike, whenever possible. When you’re ready to invest in bike equipment for carrying gear, a rear rack and waterproof panniers are a great starting point and will likely meet most of your baggage needs. Beyond panniers, there’s a wide array of bags and attachment methods to explore, each offering different advantages.
Route Plan
A bicycle fully loaded with bike touring equipment, ready for a tour, highlighting the culmination of gear preparation.
Planning an overnight bike tour to visit family in a nearby city is vastly different from planning a multi-day expedition through remote areas like the Sonoran Desert. Route complexity impacts all other planning aspects, including bike equipment choices. Considerations extend to road or trail selection and access to support in case of emergencies.
I’ve planned many tours using smartphone mapping apps. The bicycle routing option has generally worked well, but it sometimes prioritizes busy roads lacking adequate cycling infrastructure. Alternatively, numerous pre-planned routes are available online, often meticulously scouted by experienced bike tourers.
How to Create Your Own Touring Route
Some of my favorite resources include Adventure Cycling’s extensive network of routes across the country. I’ve found these routes to be exceptionally well-designed, researched, and consistently updated. If you’re in the US, it’s likely an Adventure Cycling route passes near your home, allowing you to plan a trip along a segment of it. Adventure Cycling also offers a growing collection of Short Routes specifically designed for weekend adventures.
Putting it all Together
My hope is that this overview inspires you to begin planning your first bike tour, starting with the bike equipment you already own or can easily access, and within your comfort zone. The most crucial step is to embark on a tour you feel confident completing and gradually progress to more complex or self-supported adventures. After a few trips, I’m confident you’ll feel increasingly comfortable with the idea of cycling from your home towards the edges of the earth, and perhaps, even around the world.
