Packing for a Cycling Tour – How to Prepare for Your World Adventures with Terry Attire
Ah, the packing dilemma. What to throw in the suitcase? It’s a tough enough decision without the additional dynamic of cycling clothes.
Fortunately, every now and then our customers will share photos from their cycling trips throughout the world. They often let us know which Terry items they wore and how they performed, which is wonderful feedback for us. I have added their insights to my own experiences from international cycling trips to bring you some “top tips” on what to pack and how to prepare for a cycling tour, along with some photos to get you in the mood for an adventure!
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I’ve discovered through trial and error that it’s best to break the packing down into these categories:
- Cycling
- Sight seeing/Evening
- On the Plane
One of the coolest aspects about Terry attire is how easily it packs for trips. Lightweight, wrinkle free and fun to wear whether cycling, sightseeing, hiking, or strolling. That versatility lets you pack surprisingly light. It’s amazing how many roles a few well chosen Terry pieces can perform.
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Let’s keep that suitcase at under 40 pounds. First, we’ll assume you’re renting the bike and you’re heading into summertime temperatures. (If you’re bringing your own bike, toss the majority of bike clothes in the bike case, but keep your helmet, one pair bike shorts and jersey, shoes and pedals with you in a daypack – just in case.)
What to Pack for a Tour: Cycling Clothes
Naturally, comfort on the bike will make or break the tour, so that’s our first consideration. Here are the basics if you’re traveling to an area 60 degrees and above:
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- Helmet
- Cap (to protect scalp from blistering sun rays),
- Sunglasses (I prefer the convenience of the reader sunglasses made by Tifosi for easy map checking, while my husband prefers a lightweight pair of foldable readers.)
- Gloves
- Cycling shoes (consider bringing your pedals if your cycling shoes have cleats)
- 2 pair bike socks
- 2 pair bike shorts
- 2 sports bras
- 2 Jerseys
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Arm warmers
- Vest
- Waterbottles
- Sunscreen – usually easy to find locally, but if you have a favorite brand, pack it!
The arm warmer and vest combo are ideal in locations with cool mornings. Both items are easy to stuff into rear jersey pockets or the saddle bag as the day heats up. This way you can layer up and combine for a wide range of conditions with the fewest pieces.
Optional extras:
- Midsize saddle bag (Tour companies supply saddle bags with the tools needed to repair a flat, but I prefer something a bit larger which can take some additional clothing as I shed layers.)
- Handkerchief (perfect for wiping off sunglasses, i-phone, or to wipe your hands before grabbing that snack, or pat down a sweaty face following a long climb.)
What to Pack for a Cycling Tour: Sight seeing and Evening:
Depending on what you have planned, these items can do double duty and take you from day to night.
- One pair Shorts
- Metro or Mixie skirt
- Terry halter
- Swim suit
- Transit dress
- 2 short sleeve blouses
- Soleil long sleeve
- Lightweight outer wear such as a jacket, poncho, wrap, or shawl
- Cap or hat
- Sneakers (choose one comfortable pair that can do it all – run, hike, or stroll down the sidewalks),
- Lightweight dressy sandals
- Toiletries
- Pajamas and Kimono (covers as well as a bath robe, only more elegant and light weight!)
- Small bottle laundry detergent, clothes line and clothes pins. (Yes, wash those shorts and jerseys out nightly and hang it all up on the balcony or in your room. Terry items dry quickly overnight!)
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What to Pack for a Cycling Tour: On the Plane
- Carry-on sized knapsack or daypack – Ideal to bring on the plane with some of the items you never seem to have time to read, pen and paper, hair and tooth brush, wash cloth (feels so good to wash your face in the midst of a long journey overseas,) and the aforementioned cycling shoes, helmet, and pedals.
- I also add a change of clothes, bike shorts, and jersey — just in case I’m separated from my suitcase along the journey.
- And snacks: peanut butter crackers, apples and good chocolate are necessities in my world.
Of course, these are my own preferences. Feel free to use this list as a starting point for whatever you feel is a must-have for your own cycling adventures.
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Bon voyage!
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