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Preparation is vital when you’re embarking on your first cycling holiday. Unlike other types of vacations, this one isn’t all about lounging and relaxing. You’ll be pedaling through miles and miles of roads, and some of which will be riddled with stones and obstacles.
It won’t be like your usual holiday for sure. That is why you should come extra prepared and pack all these essentials for your cycling holiday.
Preparation is vital when you’re embarking on your first cycling holiday. Unlike other types of vacations, this one isn’t all about lounging and relaxing. You’ll be pedaling through miles and miles of roads, and some of which will be riddled with stones and obstacles.
It won’t be like your usual holiday for sure. That is why you should come extra prepared and pack all these essentials for your cycling holiday.
Helmet
A helmet is a no-brainer. Whether you’re road cycling or mountain biking, it’s essential to wear a helmet all the time. According to a case study by the Bicycle Helmet Research Foundation, wearing a helmet reduces your risk of a fatal injury in a biking accident by 85 percent.
Additionally, some countries, like Australia and New Zealand, have helmet laws that require cyclists to wear a helmet while out riding. If you’re traveling to another country, better check their regulations on road cycling and off-road cycling to avoid getting fined.
Cycling Gloves
Lengthy travels by bike come with the territory, so it’s easy to work up a sweat. Having sweaty palms while riding is a big no-no, especially when you’re off-road cycling or mountain biking.
Your grip is enormously important to maintain your balance and avoid falling. That is why you should pack a good pair of cycling gloves for your trip. Cycling gloves are different from your ordinary gloves because they allow better ventilation, dry faster, and use grip technology to help cyclists keep a firm hold of the handlebars.
Sunglasses
One of the best things about cycling is that you’re in direct contact with your surroundings. However, one of the worst things about it is that you’re constantly exposed to the elements. A little sun and wind can do wonders for your physical and mental health, but too much of both can cause illness or injury.
Your eyes are especially vulnerable to the elements when you’re riding, so make sure to bring a reliable pair of sunglasses with UV protection. Sunglasses not only protect your eyes from sun damage but also keep them from drying out faster.
Plus, less glare and drying mean better visibility, and better visibility means greater safety.
*Water Bottle *
Staying hydrated is one of your priorities when you’re on a cycling holiday. Cycling makes you sweat a lot, which means you also lose a lot of water. The water you lose needs to be replenished so you don’t get dehydrated.
Dehydration is not a minor thing. The loss of fluids can cause dizziness, fainting, and complications such as heat injury, seizures, and hypovolemic shock (shock caused by low blood volume).
Make sure that you always bring a full water bottle all the time when you’re cycling or exercising. Always keep track of how much water you have left, and stop periodically for refills.
Cycling Gadgets
Gadgets for cycling have come a long way. Now there are computers, navigators, and trackers created especially for cyclists. These gadgets can be very handy during your cycling holiday.
For example, you can buy a power meter to measure your power and monitor your performance at all times. A fitness monitor will help you pace yourself better, and a GPS navigator ensures that you’re always on track.
Padded Seat Cover
Given that you’ll be riding for minutes to hours in a day, sitting on your bike can get uncomfortable and may even cause chafing. A padded seat cover can help prevent that.
The two most common types of material used in padded seat covers are foam and gel. Foam cushioning is popular among road riders because it provides greater support while still giving comfort. On the other hand, gel cushioning is preferred by casual or recreational riders for its emphasis on plush comfort.
Repair Kit
Some travel agencies will take care of bringing a repair kit and spare parts for you, especially if you’re renting a bike from them. However, if you’re bringing your own bike, they may require you to bring your own repair kit and spares.
To be safe, confirm with your travel agency whether this part is covered in your cycling-holiday package. If not, secure your travel repair kits and spare parts so you’re always ready for any emergency.
Bonus: Kinesiology Tape
While cycling is a low-impact physical activity, riding for long hours can strain your muscles. To avoid this, consider applying a kinesiology tape, or athlete tape. Kinesiology tapes are worn by athletes to increase performance, relieve muscle pains, and help injuries recover faster.
Final Words
“Cyclists see considerably more of this beautiful world than any other class of citizens. A good bicycle, well applied, will cure most ills this flesh is heir to,” said 19th-century cycling evangelist Dr. K. K. Doty.
A cycling holiday can be one of the best experiences you can give yourself. However, the quality of your experience will be severely affected by your level of preparedness—ensure that you’ve got all the essentials covered before embarking on your grand cycling adventure.
