Dreaming cycling in the high mountains? Here's our guide for what to pack.
We are mid Spring and you are training hard for the big moment you hit the high mountains this Summer.
But it can all go horribly wrong if you don’t read on and take note of the ten things I advise that you pack for your cycling holiday.
1. A good rain jacket
Even in the Summer months downpours are common in the high mountains so don’t get caught out and pack a high quality waterproof and windroof jacket which will serve you for your chilly descents even if it doesnt rain.
You can check out our range of quality rain jackets perfect for the high mountains here.
2. A spare derailleur hanger
If traveling with your own bike (we advise our tour guests to rent one of our high quality rental bikes) pack a spare derailleur hanger. Every brand and sometimes each individual bike model has its own unique derailleur hanger. In the event of an accident or damage during transit your holiday could be ruined.
3. Sunscreen
On our supported cycling tours essentials like sunscreen are always available in our support vehicles. In the valleys temperatures can saw and suncream is an essential.
Check out our cyclist friendly Pelotan sunscreen here!
4. Chamois cream
You will be riding more than habitual and Chamois cream is essential to avoid saddle sores which can have you off your bike and being a spectator. Saddle sores and infections should be taken extremely seriously, a profesional Rider will down his/her bike in the event of any sign of a saddle sore until complete recovery.
The best form of attack is prevention and Chamois cream applied generously everyday will help no end.
5. A pair of high quality bib shorts for each ride
On our fully supported tours we offer a laundry service to ensure compete comfort and hygiene on every ride.
If.you are on a self supported trip it’s important to ride everyday in perfectly clean shorts.
6. Electrolytes
Nutrition on a high mountain tour is a subject in its own right but here I will highlight electrolytes as the single most impprtant supplement to have available for long days in the saddle in hot temperatures. You can substitute gels and bars with regular food and fizzy drinks but you may still overheat and get cramps because your body can not absorb the water, electrolytes will help with that.
Again on our fully supported tours we supply the essential (and non-essential) supplements at regular intervals.
7. A mobile phone with a good battery and coverage
Of you are going solo into the mountains you should carry a charged and working mobile phone. It sounds obvious but could actually save your day if you have a mechanical or worse.
8. Ibuprofen!
Personally I always carry one. Weather it’s a pulled muscle, sore back or grazed knees it can get you out of a sticky patch and back to the hotel.
9. Navigation device with local maps loaded on
Your GPS is an essential friend in the high mountains, least of all to record and share your epic rides. Have a clear route planned for each day and be realistic about how far you can ride in the available daylight. 20 kms up a mountains can up up to 10 times slower then riding on the flat!
Of course this is not needed on our fully guided cycling tours. Our guides are more often from the area you are riding and know the roads and trails like the back of their hands.
10. Lights
I recommend that you always ride with lights on your bike even during the daytime. If a car sees you sooner it is worth doing.
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At Eat Sleep Cycle we offer epic cycling tours in the world’s best high mountain ranges incuding the Pyrenees, Alps and Dolomites.
We have a special private guest area where more detailed resources like this are exclusively available to our guests, so they can prepare for and enjoy fully their experience with us.
