If you crave an exhilarating blend of adventure, exercise, and communion with nature sometime soon, there’s no better idea than to plan an outdoor biking trip to a national park or other location with a splendid bike trail.
But just like any type of trip that requires you to be outdoors—where conditions aren’t always predictable and where you’re sure to put your body through a little more physical exertion than it’s used to—you have to be conscientious about your preparations.
Proper prep work for a bike trip ensures not only that you have fun all throughout, but that you’re also as safe and free from grievous injury or illness as you can possibly be.
Some of the things you should prepare to do before you set out on your journey include choosing your bike route, monitoring the weather, and making sure that your bike is in good enough condition for the journey ahead of you.
You should also be packing the following essentials on your bike-pack or bike luggage:
Safety Gear and High-Visibility Clothing
Since you’ll be exposed to the elements and varying road or trail conditions throughout your bike trip, ensuring your safety is a must.
To reduce the risk of any dangerous mishaps, like getting a concussion from a fall or getting into a bad accident from a collision with another or person or vehicle, invest in proper safety gear as well as clothing and accessories that will make you more visible to others.
Your helmet acts as your primary line of defense in case you fall on your head.
That’s why it’s important to choose a helmet that actually fits your head and can easily be adjusted.
You should also be sure that your biking helmet meets safety standards, as its materials, construction, and shock absorption qualities are what could save you from a life-threatening injury.
Complete your headgear ensemble with a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun, wind, dust, and bugs and a biking bandana to double as additional scalp protection and as a mask.
A dedicated pair of cycling gloves will also serve you well during your bike trip.
They’ll be able to improve your grip on your bike’s handles and reduce vibration, and they can also protect your hands in case you fall on rough roads and trails.
And finally, bring along some bright or reflective clothing with you, since being more noticeable to other people will make it easier for them to give way to you and prevent nasty accidents.
High-quality leggings that come in colors like yellow or bright blue and a high-visibility jacket will help motorists, pedestrians, and other bikers spot you—especially when you’re biking in low-light conditions.
Proper Cycling Clothing
Although cycling pants and a dri-fit T-shirt will be enough if you want to bike in comfort, you may want to invest in clothing made specifically for biking, like padded shorts and a biking jersey, if you anticipate future biking trips down the line.
With a pair of padded shorts, you’ll receive some much-needed cushioning and support during your biking trip. You’ll also feel less fatigue and discomfort, even after riding your bike for hours.
Biking jerseys, on the other hand, will carry the sweat away from your skin and keep your body from overheating thanks to their use of breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics.
Some varieties even come with anti-UV features to protect your skin from harsh sunlight.
As for your footwear, it’s ideal to get dedicated biking shoes that are designed to attach to your pedals.
They’ll improve your pedaling efficiency and offer better protection than standard sports shoes as a result.
When selecting what type of socks to wear for your outdoor biking adventure, make sure to choose pairs that are made of breathable and quick-drying fabric.
This way, your feet will stay dry and comfortable and will be sufficiently protected from problems like foot pain, blisters, and athlete’s foot.
Water and Snacks for the Journey
Dehydration and hunger can quickly turn a fun trip sour.
Knowing that, you should always carry a water bottle or hydration pack to stay adequately hydrated throughout your ride.
Staying hydrated can prevent headaches and fatigue while also keeping your physical and mental performance at their peak.
You’ll also want to bring a lot of healthy snacks to ensure that you’ll have enough energy to complete your trip.
You burn a lot of calories on a bicycle, which means you’ll want to refuel with high-energy, easy-to-carry snacks such as energy bars, bananas, or trail mix.
For longer rides, consider packing your own lunch or planning stops at dining establishments on your route.
An Emergency Kit
No one goes into a biking trip wanting an accident to happen, but in case they do, you’ll want to have the tools and equipment to mitigate the situation.
Don’t leave home without a basic first aid kit that comes complete with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, bandage wraps, and other first aid essentials.
These will help you deal with minor injuries and other ailments before they become too serious.
Other things you should bring with you in your emergency kit are a travel-size bottle of sunscreen and some bug spray.
These products will protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays and pesky bug bites or stings.
It’s also a good idea to include your personal identification and emergency contact information in the kit.
In case of an accident, having your ID and emergency contact info on hand could possibly save your life.
Bike Gear and Tools
Even if your bike is in good shape during the start of your journey, there’s a chance that you’ll experience issues during the rest of the trip.
A flat tire, busted bike light, and other types of damage can put your bike out of commission for the entirety of the trip and thus ruin your idea of the ultimate biking adventure.
That being said, you’ll want to bring a basic bike repair kit and some spare parts that will allow you to bring your bike back to good, working condition should it get damaged.
Your basic bike repair kit should include some bike repair and maintenance tools, an extra tube, a patch kit, and a pump or CO2 filter.
It’s also a good idea to get a sturdy bike lock for full peace of mind when you leave your bike unattended.
An outdoor biking trip will be the perfect opportunity for you to explore the outdoors, get some exercise, and create some unforgettable memories.
But key to enjoying a long day out on your bike is sufficient preparation for the obstacles ahead. Pack the essentials listed above to guarantee a safe and fun-filled adventure.
