supported tour- must-haves?

[Becky]

I'm bored at work, and dreaming about vacation in another 6 weeks. DH and I are doing our first supported bike tour. 5 days, 50-100 miles a day, and camping at night. The tour group will transport our luggage and camping gear.

What are your must haves or little luxuries or "I didn't think of thats" for something like this? We are somewhat constrained on space, but will have room for some extras.

So far, my compression tights and the chair kit for my Thermarest are on the list... :)

[Trek-chick]

This site may help....

http://bicycletouringpro.com/blog/jim-dirlams-complete-bicycle-touring-gear-checklist/

BTW...where are you going on tour?

[Becky]

There's some good ideas in there....thanks.

We're doing Bike Virginia (http://bikevirginia.org/). I'm happy that all I have to do is ride and eat and sleep for 5 days, and don't need to carry any more stuff on-bike than I would for a normal century :)

[indysteel]

I've done a few supported tours and am trying to mentally go through my checklist. Beyond the obvious (enough shorts, jerseys, socks, athletic bras to get me through the trip), I bring cool weather gear, e.g., arm warmers, knickers, a light rain jacket, full finger summer weight gloves. Are you staying in a tent? If so, I would suggest bringing a flashlight or, better yet, a latern of some kind. That comes in handy for me in getting ready in the morning and reading at night. I also find that a compression bag for dirty clothes (and often wet) is pretty handy. I bought one at a local camping store. I also bring a camping pillow that folds up small enough to fit in my duffel bag. Ear plugs and a eye mask are also helpful for getting a good night's sleep.

Because packing space has always been at a premium on my tours, I pack using "Space Bags." They serve several purposes. Obviously, they help you pack more in a small bag. They also help keep your clothes dry and organized. I use a large duffel bag for my tours and things would otherwise gets so jumbled and disorganized if I didn't put things in smaller bags. I keep cycling clothes in one and street clothes in another, bras, panties, socks and the like in a third. I also make good use of zip lock bags to organize all of my gear and personal items. Again, it just helps to stay organized when you're trying to get ready in a tent in the morning.

Beyond that, just remember lots of chamois cream, sunscreen and the like. I also bring a small clothes line just in case I need to dry something I'll need again.

Have fun. Where are you going?

[Crankin]

I am leaving to go on my tour of Andalusia in less than 2 hours!
This is my fourth tour. All have been supported, one camping. Two things come to mind that have not been mentioned.
On our camping tour, we brought a tarp where we could lay and cover our bikes, next to our tent, if there was not indoor storage. Believe me, this came in handy the day we got to the site and there was one of the worst, I mean worst thunderstorms I have ever seen. It rained from 5 PM until 5 AM. We had to wear our rain gear to get to the dinner site. Everyone else had to leave their bikes in the rain. We were the only ones out of 300 people that had a tarp, which fit easily in the duffel with our camping stuff.
Bring all of your own on the bike food and drink. Even on the wonderful Trek Travel tours we went on, while the food was outstanding, the energy bars and drinks they had were disgusting. I made up little packets of measured out Accelerade and brought enough Luna Bars to eat 2 for each day of riding, along with packets of Shot Blocks and capsules of Nuun.
I decided that camping bike tours are not for me. I like camping and I like riding, but I didn't like the setting up and breaking down everyday. I decided I would like to just take a camping trip and do some out and back rides from one spot.

Have fun!

[Becky]

Indy- that's a great comprehensive list. I will definitely want my ear plugs! We have head lamps, but one of those Nalgene bottle lantern dealies might be a good idea too.

Crankin, first of all, have fun in Spain! Post pics when you get back!
Good call on the tarp- I hadn't thought of that.
Fortunately, we only have to break camp twice- midway through the trip and on the last day.

This is good stuff, ladies- exactly the kind of info I need!

[Grits]

The only thing I would add to the list is to emphasize that you do need to be prepared to deal with wet stuff (+1 on the clothesline). Also, if no one has said this already, put everything in some type of waterproof bag inside of your luggage.

The tour I did (Bike NC), they threw the stuff off the truck in the open regardless of the weather. Anything that wasn't in a waterproof bag got wet. (Luckily, someone had passed that tip along to me.) The spacesaver bags another poster mentioned would be great. I just used large sized ziploc bags.

If I did it again, I would have my shower stuff more organized. Maybe actual in shower stuff in one little bag, outside of shower stuff in another little bag. A bag of some sort that could hang from a hook in the shower truck to keep everything in, or at least be able to lay on the bench or chair or whatever that could keep stuff dry.

You will have a blast. Here's hoping for excellent weather for you!

[indysteel]

Depending on where you're going, you might also consider the security of both your bike and stuff. Of course, it probably goes without saying, but make sure to pack extra tubes, Co2 cartridges if you use them, hex wrenches and some lube. I bring an extra folding tire, too.

I forgot to mention that I do bring some snacks and Cytomax. I found some single serving packages of the latter that are handy. The first year I brought a tupperware container of the stuff and the moisture got to it and turned it into solid mass. :( On tours, no matter how supported they are, I make sure to keep food and cash on me at all times.

[Maxxxie]

+1 on the tarp. Even using it as a doormat is very handy. I also recommend a hanging toiletry bag like this one (http://www.korjo.com/Product-Range/Packing-Aids---Organisers/Toiletry-Bag-%28TBO-60%29.aspx). It's just one less thing that can accidentally fall into the manky water of a shared shower.

Speaking of manky water in shared showers, don't forget your thongs (http://www.souvenirsaustralia.com/category102_1.htm). No, I'm not talking about G-strings, I'm talking about the things you Americans call flip-flops.

I carry all my jersey cargo in ziplock plastic baggies. That way if it pours down rain, my stuff (wallet, phone etc) is dry. This is very handy.

If it's likely to be cool, pack a beanie to keep your head warm. This is particularly useful if night temperatures drop lower than expected. During Cycle Queensland last year, we had a couple nights so cold I ended up wearing my cycling gear to bed, then arm and leg warmers, then tracky dacks, a jumper, gloves, two pairs of socks and a beanie. I was toasty :D

Definitely have a separate bag for wet gear/tent/camping stuff. You don't want all that crud all over your clean, dry riding gear.

Have fun on your ride!! I had a ball at CQ last year :D

Max

[tiva]

I second the eye-mask and ear plugs suggestion--and I would bring a small supply of sleeping pills in case it's a noisy group. Bug spray, of course, and in case the nights are hot, a battery powered fan for the tent (ok, I'm giving away my age, that wonderful time of life when 40 below is still too hot at times)

A tiny travel alarm clock is helpful.

A great novel or two so you can have some down-time!

[katieliz]

Our trip to the Crimea last year was a lot like camping - here are a few things we were so glad that we brought along...

I have a small travel towel that you can get at camping stores. It's the size of a dishtowel, but I was able to use it to dry my entire self after showers. Also, baby wipes may come in handy for occasional cleaning of hands, feet, lady parts, etc. If it's hot and I'm camping, a quick wipe of the hot spots makes me feel like a lady again. Will you have good bathroom stops? Is the campsite well-maintained? Think if you need to carry a roll of TP in a ziploc along with some hand sanitizer. If you have a sink available, invest in two pair of the quick dry panties you can get at outdoors stores. Bring some laundry soap in a baggie (or travel packets from target) and wash your undies out. They really do dry very fast, and it will help you maximize space. Also, you aren't packing out a bunch of pairs of dirty underwear. As already mentioned, a clothesline will come in very handy. I also stuff a few wal-mart bags in after I'm packed. As obnoxious as those bags are, one or two always seem to come in handy on trips.

Have a good trip!

[Tri Girl]

I've done a half week supported tour for the last couple years (doing it again this year- only the full week).
Every year I've adjusted my list.
This year I'm going to bring:

1. comfy off-bike shoes to walk around the town and sightsee after the day is over.
2. small, compact umbrella. Last year I had showered and got dry then a brief shower soaked me on th eway back to my tent and I shivered for the rest of the night. If I had an umbrella I would have stayed dry.
3. more comfortable pillow. I brought a camping pillow for two years, and I'm always uncomfortable when I sleep. This year I'm bringing my regular pillow and putting it in a space bag to compress it for space.
4. light, but warm leggings and l/s shirt. There were two nights when I was chilly and wished I'd had something warmer.
5. pump. I've always just wandered in camp and asked to borrow somebody's, but this year I want to have my own so I don't have to bum one.


Yes- ear plugs are a necessity!!!! Oh, and bring a full size towel. And if you don't bring a clothesline- at least bring some clothesins to clip your wet clothes (that I wash in the shower with me) to your tent or a nearby fence.

Have fun!!!! :)

[Bike Chick]

I don't think I can add anything to what's already been said except maybe personal wipes to carry with you to the porta-potty in the morning and some breakfast food to keep in the tent. The other thing is a tote to carry all your stuff in. I don't know what the arrangements will be but every camping tour I've been on hauled our stuff from town to town in a truck and it was waiting on us when we got there. We use a two-wheeled tote like this one http://accurateshooter.wordpress.com/2008/08/09/stanley-rolling-tool-chest-holds-your-bench-gear/. Works great if they will let you have it.

[tulip]

Becky, I've done many supported tours, and this year will by my 4th Bike Virginia. I'm no camper though, I stay in the motels. Bike Virginia is an extremely well-organized event, and alot of people do the camping every year.

Are you taking advantage of the tent service or will you be bringing and setting up your own tent? If you do the tent service, you won't have to bring a tent, obviously. They may also provide towels, but I'm not sure. If you bring your own tent, you can decide where to put it. The tent service people seem to set up the tents awfully close together!

In past Bike Virginias, the camping has been at a school and so the campers can use the indoor plumbing, including showers. That seems better than a shower truck to me. I'm not sure about this year; you might want to call and check.

There will be serious climbing this year. I'll be riding my bike with the triple crankset. The compact double just will not do in the Shenandoah over five days. I've ridden Skyline Drive for two days in a row with the compact double, but I really could have used a triple.

Everyone has really good suggestions. I second the earplugs and flip-flops. Oh, and don't forget the sunscreen and bug spray!

[Becky]

I like the idea of a full-size towel and full-size pillow...a little pampering at the end of a long day. *adds to the list*

We're bringing our own tent. I need to figure out the towel thing. We have some smaller camp towels, but I think I'm going to want something just a little bigger.

The campsites are at a middle school and a university, so access to real plumbing shouldn't be an issue, I hope!

I've gotten conflicting opinions on gearing for this year. Some have said that a compact double will be fine, others have said go triple. We did the Civil War Century last year with the compacts and did fine, except for one long hill where I walked a little. On the other hand, I'd hate to kill myself with the compact, and not enjoy the week. :confused:

[Tuckervill]

For full size towels that don't take up a lot of space, and dry quickly, I like these (http://www.alibaba.com/product/tr106700815-107377224-101402814/_100_Cotton_Peshtemal_towel.html). Turkish pestamels, from the baths. A friend brought me some from Turkey and I love them. Plus, they are bigger than the average bath towel and thus cover my ample body much better in all directions.

Karen

[Psycler]

Camera and extra batteries and cards. You would hate to see the perfect shot, then miss it because of low batteries.

[indysteel]

I like the idea of a full-size towel and full-size pillow...a little pampering at the end of a long day. *adds to the list*

We're bringing our own tent. I need to figure out the towel thing. We have some smaller camp towels, but I think I'm going to want something just a little bigger.

The campsites are at a middle school and a university, so access to real plumbing shouldn't be an issue, I hope!

I've gotten conflicting opinions on gearing for this year. Some have said that a compact double will be fine, others have said go triple. We did the Civil War Century last year with the compacts and did fine, except for one long hill where I walked a little. On the other hand, I'd hate to kill myself with the compact, and not enjoy the week. :confused:

What are the specifics on both your compact and your triple? I have both, set-ups too, but my triple has only one gear that's smaller than what my compact offers. So, it really doesn't end up making all that big of a difference. Do you have two different bikes or would you just swamp out your compact for the triple? If it's the former, bring the bike that's more comfortable (if one is).

[Becky]

What are the specifics on both your compact and your triple? I have both, set-ups too, but my triple has only one gear that's smaller than what my compact offers. So, it really doesn't end up making all that big of a difference. Do you have two different bikes or would you just swamp out your compact for the triple? If it's the former, bring the bike that's more comfortable (if one is).

Very good point. I need to go play with a gear calculator. My current set up is a 34-50 and 12-25 in the back. The triple would likely be a 30-39-52. How are your bikes set up?

ETA: It would be a difference of a low gear of 31.7 gear inches (triple) vs. 35.9 gear inches (compact). Not sure that it's worth the $200. I can stop eating crap and work on hill climbing for the next month instead :D

I have 2 bikes, but intend to use the steel one for this trip. When I rebuilt it a couple years ago, I intentionally spec'ed it with triple shifters, a triple FD, and a compact crankset that uses an external BB. The compact is fine for my local terrain, but I wanted the option to go triple just by swapping the crankset and adjusting the FD.

[indysteel]

Very good point. I need to go play with a gear calculator. My current set up is a 34-50 and 12-25 in the back. The triple would likely be a 30-39-52. How are your bikes set up?

ETA: It would be a difference of a low gear of 31.7 gear inches (triple) vs. 35.9 gear inches (compact). Not sure that it's worth the $200. I can stop eating crap and work on hill climbing for the next month instead :D

I have 2 bikes, but intend to use the steel one for this trip. When I rebuilt it a couple years ago, I intentionally spec'ed it with triple shifters, a triple FD, and a compact crankset that uses an external BB. The compact is fine for my local terrain, but I wanted the option to go triple just by swapping the crankset and adjusting the FD.

I have a 34-50, with a 13-26 (I think; it might be a 13-29 but I can't remember). It's a Campy build. With Shimano, I likely would have gone with a 12-27. You might consider just swapping out your 12-25 cassette for something with a wider spread. My triple's small chainring is also a 30, with a 12-25 in the rear.

[tulip]

For me it's psychological. It's important for me to know that I have more gears, even if I don't use them. I rarely use the granny gear, but it's just nice to know it's there. I was fine, physically, on Skyline Drive over two days with my compact, but I spent alot of my energy on worrying that I would need another gear or two. Therefore, I will be taking my triple bike to this event. Everyone is different in terms of fitness and psychology, so go with what works for you.

[Becky]

For me it's psychological. It's important for me to know that I have more gears, even if I don't use them. I rarely use the granny gear, but it's just nice to know it's there. I was fine, physically, on Skyline Drive over two days with my compact, but I spent alot of my energy on worrying that I would need another gear or two. Therefore, I will be taking my triple bike to this event. Everyone is different in terms of fitness and psychology, so go with what works for you.

You're absolutely right, and I'm continuing to weigh the psychological element of all this. The scientist in me often defaults to the empirical data (gear inches) and ignores the feelings (what will make me happy?), sometimes to a fault.

Thanks again for all of your help- I really do appreciate it.

[pinkbikes]

How big a tour is it in terms of number of people? On Cycle Queensland we were looking at about 1500 people all up. That's a LOT of tents to go searching in for yours if you get up for a walk in the middle of the night!

My "must bring" was a small set of personal fairy lights (the ones powered by two AA batteries) which I pegged onto my tent with clothespegs. This made it really easy to find our tent. Until the next year when half a dozen other people did the same!:p

[Becky]

My "must bring" was a small set of personal fairy lights (the ones powered by two AA batteries) which I pegged onto my tent with clothespegs. This made it really easy to find our tent. Until the next year when half a dozen other people did the same!:p

OMG, that's brilliant! I love it! :)