Beach camping and touring

[seeingsparks]

Anyone have any thoughts about sand getting into your drivetrain while touring. I'm going on my first tour with a friend and I'm a road biker so I am pretty meticulous about keeping my stuff lubed and clean (partly because I've also been working at a bicycle shop so it's something easy I can take care of on my lunch break.)

Should I get a bike cover so sand isn't being blown into everything during the evenings-early morning?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[channlluv]

I think a bike cover is a great idea anytime you're not on your bike. Beach sand gets everywhere, even when you take precautions, especially if there's any kind of wind at all. Fine particles to course grains, you and your bike will be coated, and if the beach is at the ocean, then plan to deal with the salt, too. By the end of the day, you'll likely feel a little crusty, even if it's not especially windy.

You might consider some leave-in conditioner for your hair, too, to help protect it from the salty air.

Have a great trip!

Roxy

[brittmix]

my husband and i toured for 2 months last summer from barcelona to rome and slept on the beach every night and i never once had a problem. we would just re-grease our chains in the morning and wipe off any grime, but i never noticed a ton of sand or anything in the grime. the worst part of sand is it gets in between your toes when you try to put your shoes back on. enjoy your trip! where are you headed?

[seeingsparks]

I'm riding from SF to LA. It was an on a whim decision. Very excited to say the least but I've never camped so I've a bit of apprehension. I'm usually a road rider so I'm also unsure how I feel about a touring frame but it should be a good utility bike for school when I am done. If this goes well I hope to do more tours in North America, particularly Nova Scotia or around Vancouver.