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BEFORE YOU GO A Handbook for Adventure ’s Fully Supported Tours

adventurecycling.org/tours Congratulations! You have taken the first step in fulfilling your cycling dreams by registering for an Adventure Cycling tour. Whether you are a seasoned or first time cyclist, preparing yourself physically, mentally, and logistically for your tour is a crucial part of enjoying your adventure. Please take time to carefully read this booklet as it will help you prepare for, and will enhance, your experience on tour. We have made several revisions to this Before You Go booklet including changes in Adventure Cycling policies, gear checklists, and what to expect on your tour. Reading it now will save anxiety later on. Of course you can also always call the Tours Department at Adventure Cycling with questions about your tour or the information in this booklet. Happy !

–Adventure Cycling Tours Team

In addition to this brochure, Preparing for Your Tour...... 3–4 you will receive a detailed infor- Adventure Cycling Rules of the ...... 5 mation packet approximately Your Group and Tour Staff...... 6 60 days prior to your tour departure date. The packet will Fully Supported Tours...... 7 provide logistical details about What You Receive...... 7 transportation, shipping your Insurance...... 7 bike, and where to meet at the start of the tour. Meals...... 7 Starting Point Facilities...... 7 IMPORTANT Weather...... 8 INSURANCE Equipment & ...... 8 Daily Cycling Distance and Conditions...... 8 Adventure Cycling Association’s Riding Pace...... 9 tours team sincerely wishes for every trip participant to attend Layover Days...... 9 and complete the tour of their Gear ...... 9 choice. In an effort to plan for Mechanical Support...... 10 unexpected personal emergen- S.A.G. Support...... 10 cies, issues, weather, and Lodging Options...... 10 transportation problems that Non-Riding Participants...... 10 might cause you to cancel or Early Tour Termination...... 10 shorten your trip, travel insur- Choosing a ...... 11–12 ance is strongly advised. Adven- Getting in Shape...... 13 ture Cycling recommends that you purchase travel insurance Touring Techniques...... 14 from TripAssure at: Tours...... 15 adventurecycling.org/travelin- What to Take and How to Pack...... 16 surance/ Suggested Equipment List...... 17 Tips on Bicycle Camping...... 18 Transportation Tips for You and Your Bicycle ....19

© 2020, Adventure Cycling Association Illustrations by Greg Siple

2 Adventure Cycling Association PREPARING FOR YOUR TOUR

The demands placed on you and your bicycle by a multi-day tour are much greater than those encountered on a casual day-ride. Use the following check- list and the tips contained within this booklet to get ready for your tour. Refer to page 5 for on-tour policies and procedures.

PREPARATION CHECK LIST 90 DAYS BEFORE YOU GO Upon receiving your confirmation m Final balance due. Pay online or packet: call the tours department. m Please read all materials sent to you from Adventure Cycling. 60 DAYS BEFORE YOU GO If you still have questions, m If you haven’t already started, don’t call the Tours Department at wait any longer to begin training. 800.611.8687, or e-mail us at: Begin with rides of 20 miles or [email protected]. more a day, several times a week, m If there’s a balance due on your trip, working into longer day rides on please forward your final payment the weekends. If weather or other so that we receive it at least 60 circumstances prohibit this, use an days before your start date. indoor trainer, stationary bicycle or other form of that taxes m Trip insurance is highly the cardiovascular system. recommended. m Arrange transportation for you and m Before purchasing non-refundable your bike travel tickets, call the Adventure Cycling office to make sure your 45 DAYS BEFORE YOU GO tour is a definite “Go.” We deter- mine this at least 60 days prior to m Continue your training rides. the trip start date. Work up to 40- to 60-mile rides on at least one day each week, depend- m Ride your bicycle as much ing on the tour for which you’re as possible! preparing.

©Steven Larance

Before You Go — Fully-Supported Tours 3 PREPARING FOR YOUR TOUR

30 DAYS BEFORE YOU GO 14 DAYS BEFORE YOU GO m Make final purchases of clothing m Make sure that your bike is fully and equipment. tuned and ready to go. m Make certain that all repairs and m Continue your training rides; be maintenance, including lubrication, sure to include a couple of 50-70- are performed on your bike. mile days. m Buy an extra pair of or m If your bike will not travel with you, contacts and get a copy of your pack and ship it to your trip starting prescription. point (see page 19). m Continue your training rides, work- ing up to 50- to 70-mile day-rides. 7 DAYS BEFORE YOU GO You might want to try for a century m Begin to taper your training so – 100 miles in a day – if you’re tak- you’ll be rested and fresh when you ing a trip of more than three weeks. begin your tour. Seek out hills and varied terrain, in an attempt to simulate the type of riding you’ll encounter on your tour.

4 Adventure Cycling Association ADVENTURE CYCLING RULES OF THE ROAD

These “Rules of the Road” are important tour policies. They’ve evolved during the four decades that Adventure Cycling has been leading tours, and are based on what we’ve learned from actual on-the-road experience. Please heed these rules; remember that a group, with its diverse personalities, requires a basic structure in order to function smoothly.

• A (Snell, ANSI, DOT or CPSC • Tour staff has the right and respon- approved) MUST be worn while sibility to insist that a participant riding, both during the day’s ride receive professional medical atten- and on any short trips from your tion. overnight destination. • Don’t park against windows, • Display the provided safety triangle gas pumps or near doorways or on yourself or your bike so that it is stairs. visible from behind. • Alcoholic beverages will not be pur- • Headphones or dual earpieces (ex- chased with group funds. cept hearing aids) are not allowed • Dishwashing facilities will be provid- while riding. ed by our professional caterer and • Obey all traffic laws and ride single must be used by tour participants. file; drafting is discouraged. • Never take personal food into a • Whenever stopping, get at least 10 restaurant. feet off the road. If there isn’t room Do not hitchhike. then move to a safer area. •

NOTE: Failure to follow Adventure Cycling’s “Rules of the Road” are grounds for dismissal from an Adventure Cycling tour, as is any other behavior determined to be detrimental to your group’s well-being.

Before You Go — Fully-Supported Tours 5 YOUR GROUP AND TOUR STAFF

YOUR GROUP TOUR DIRECTOR AND STAFF Your group will be comprised of riders The goal of Adventure Cycling’s staff is covering a broad spectrum of age and to make your trip the best experience experience. We generally have a mix of possible. They attend to the logistics men and women, many of whom come of your tour and ensure that things solo. We also welcome foreign riders, run smoothly. All are certified in first and every imaginable occupation is aid and CPR, and many are trained represented. Some participants are bicycle mechanics. They patrol the seasoned cyclotourists, while many are route in order to assist you if you have first-timers. To facilitate the exchange a problem. of pre-trip information, you and your fellow participants will be added to The staff can’t do absolutely a Google Group approximately 60 everything for you, however. Their days before the start of your tour. purpose is to facilitate your touring More information about how to use experience. They will provide the group will be included in the leadership and support, but in some information packet. ways you must rely on yourself. On our tours, even a novice will learn how to While Adventure Cycling tours read a , set up a tent and repair are designed to allow as much a flat tire. We believe this enhances personal freedom as possible, each everyone’s sense of accomplishment, group member will have certain adventure and enjoyment. responsibilities to the group. As in any group travel situation, flexibility and the ability to compromise are essential. New friends and great camaraderie are the end results.

6 Adventure Cycling Association FULLY-SUPPORTED TOURS

WHAT YOU RECEIVE Fully-supported tour prices include meals, group accommodations and/ or camping fees, , safety triangle, cycling swag, and vehicle support/ transportation of luggage.

Items not included are transportation to/from the tour, personal spending money, optional motel stays, bicycle parts (for repairs), extra snacks and alcohol.

INSURANCE Health Insurance: We strongly suggest that you continue, or obtain, major Lunches usually consist of sandwiches, medical coverage during your tour. cookies, fruit and drinks. Breakfasts Your existing homeowner’s, tenant’s, are often a combination of hot foods and/or auto insurance could also be such as pancakes, breakfast meats and useful in case of theft or damage while eggs, and cold cereals, breads/muffins/ you’re on the tour. pastries and juice.

Travel Insurance: Our sincere wish is If you require vegetarian or gluten-free for every trip participant to attend and meals, and have not already informed complete the tour of their choice. In an us, please do so immediately so that effort to plan for unexpected personal we may accommodate you. emergencies, health issues, weather, and transportation problems that might STARTING POINT FACILITIES cause you to cancel or shorten your trip, Your tour will begin with registration travel insurance is strongly advised! and an orientation meeting at the date Adventure Cycling and TripAssure are and location listed in your detailed now working together to offer com- information packet. The meeting prehensive travel insurance packages, typically starts in the late afternoon, which you can find at: adventurecycling. lasts for an hour or two, and is followed org/travelinsurance/ or by calling by a hearty dinner. The exact time of 800.423.3632. the meeting and information about the starting point facility will be listed in MEALS your Tour Infomation Packet. We realize that the quality of our meals is of major importance to our Allow time before the meeting to tour participants, and we strive to assemble your bicycle, since you will ensure that our caterers maintain begin riding the morning. Many exceptional standards. Meals high participants arrive at the starting in carbohydrates are the norm, and point a day or two early, which helps these are supplemented with salads, them acclimate to higher altitudes and vegetables, breads and desserts. makes for a more relaxed beginning Before You Go — Fully-Supported Tours 7 SUPPORTED TOURS

to the trip. Check with us to see if camping will be available at the starting point prior to your actual start date.

WEATHER The rule regarding weather is: prepare for the worst, but hope for the best. In the western states, expect any kind of weather at any time of the year. You may encounter hot days (100° F), cold nights (below freezing), rain, snow and parching sunshine. Because the humidity is typically lower in the West, dehydration can occur without sensible perspiration loss. Be sure to consume plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. Additionally, you’ll need to bring appropriate clothing for on and off the In the Midwest and East, the humidity bike. See “What to Take…,” page 16. often rises above 90%, and when combined with high temperatures, DAILY CYCLING DISTANCE can be especially draining. The rule of AND CONDITIONS for avoiding dehydration and Adventure Cycling’s supported trips low levels is to drink before operate on fixed itineraries. The group you are thirsty and eat before you are typically rides a prearranged route hungry. Some tour groups opt for early each day. You need to be prepared to departures to avoid midday heat. ride the entire route as prescribed by the itinerary. Typically, you’ll ride about In mountainous areas, the weather 40 to 60 miles a day, depending on can be particularly varied and surface and terrain. Tours on gravel unpredictable, and people vary in their and/or dirt trails cover fewer abilities to adapt to high altitudes. daily miles, but 25-40 miles on rough Being in good physical condition seems surfaces is equivalent in difficulty to help, and participants often elect to approximately 40-60 miles on to arrive early in order to acclimate pavement. themselves to higher elevations. For any tour, it is important to train EQUIPMENT & CLOTHING prior to your departure. Even with You provide your own bicycle, tent, preparation, it is challenging to pedal ground cloth, sleeping bag and pad. long distances for several consecutive We also recommend that you bring a days. Weather can be unpredictable – frame pump, some basic tools, spare you may find yourself riding through tube, patch kit and a saddle and/or rainstorms, oppressive heat or fighting handlebar bag. headwinds. You may also need to climb

8 Adventure Cycling Association FULLY-SUPPORTED TOURS

mountain passes or share the road “riding sweep” with first aid supplies with vehicular traffic, depending on and tools. which trip you’re taking. LAYOVER DAYS The advantage of touring with Some of our supported tours feature Adventure Cycling is that you meet layover days. Layover-day locations are these challenges at your own pace. You often selected in areas of significant have a lot of freedom on an Adventure interest, such as national parks or Cycling trip, as the main group monuments. On these days, you may normally splits into sub-groups of two participate in a variety of activities. to four during the day to allow for You can go for a day ride, choose varying interests and riding speeds. to explore off-the-bike possibilities, relax, etc. We’ll notify you of potential RIDING PACE layover-day opportunities prior to the Some folks ride quickly and arrive start of your tour, and during your tour. in camp as soon as possible; others take their time and get there just GEAR TRANSPORT in time for dinner. Participants are We use an enclosed truck to transport encouraged to ride in groups of four or your gear from campsite to campsite. fewer cyclists. Most individuals end up When you arrive in camp, your gear riding with others who ride at a similar will be waiting for you. You will be pace. All riders will receive maps with responsible for picking up your gear in the designated tour route, but each the evening and bringing it back to the cyclist is responsible for finding their truck in the morning. Please limit your way during the day. A staff member gear to one or two well-marked bags. is normally at the rear of the group You must be able to lift and carry the

Before You Go — Fully-Supported Tours 9 FULLY-SUPPORTED TOURS

bags yourself, so pack lightly. During LODGING OPTIONS the day, you won’t have access to your Motel and other lodging options are gear until you arrive in camp, so plan frequently available along our tour to carry everything that you’ll need, routes. If you elect not to camp, you while riding, with you on your bike. must make your own reservations and pay for these accommodations MECHANICAL SUPPORT yourself. Your detailed Tour On our fully supported trips, you’ll be Information Packet will include a list accompanied by staff with mechanic of lodging options, which are generally training. We recommend that you located close to the camping facility. carry a pump, spare tube and patch Adventure Cycling will transport your kit on your bike so you don’t get stuck luggage to and from these lodging waiting for help with simple repairs. sites. The mechanic does not charge for labor, but they must charge typical NON-RIDING PARTICIPANTS retail prices for parts. The mechanic Personal vehicles and/or non-riding comes prepared with an assortment participants are allowed on Adventure of standard replacement parts. If your Cycling’s fully-supported tours under bike requires unusual parts or tools, the following circumstances: 1. The however, you may want to bring these non-riding participant must pay 75% with you. We also recommend bringing of the tour fee. 2. The non-riding extra spokes to fit your wheels. Your participant must make all their own can help you determine vehicle arrangements at campgrounds. the correct spoke style and size. 3. The non-riding participant may, alternatively, ride in our support S.A.G. SUPPORT vehicle. 4. Personal vehicles may not We expect that, by registering for one be used as SAG support for any rider. of our tours, you plan to ride the entire distance of each day’s route. In most LATE ARRIVAL & EARLY cases, support vans roam the route TOUR TERMINATION to offer assistance in case of medical Sorry, but there will be no refunds for emergency or equipment failure. These arriving late to a tour or for leaving the vans should not to be used to shorten tour early. your daily ride on a routine basis.

10 Adventure Cycling Association CHOOSING A BICYCLE

The main factors to consider are comfort and function. We’ve seen people enjoy themselves on nearly every type of bicycle. We’ve had traditional touring bikes, bikes, mountain bikes, recumbents, hybrids, tandems and even triples join our events. The key is to make sure that you choose the appropri- ate type of bike for your tour and that you’re comfortable on it.

Listed here are some bike characteristics that you’ll want to consider: BICYCLE TYPES Similarly, selecting the appropriate Since on our fully-supported tours, tire for your tour can enhance your we transport riders’ gear, many elect experience. If you’ll be traveling to ride their best or favorite bikes. On smooth, paved roads, you can choose a paved roads, standard touring or racing slick or semi-slick tire. Avoid tires that bikes are equally appropriate. On our are too narrow, though, as they’ll yield dirt tours, mountain bikes or hybrid/ a harsher ride and be more susceptible cyclocross bikes typically fit the bill. to punctures. For 700C-size wheels, Regardless, the most important thing we recommend tires that are at least is to use a bike that you’re comfortable 28 mm wide. If you’re touring rough with and that is mechanically sound. gravel or dirt surfaces, it’s best to have a tire with an aggressive or knobby WHEELS AND TIRES tread. And, you’ll want a wider tire There are numerous wheel options (700 x 32 mm or greater) to give you available these days. Some feature better traction and more cushion. For low weight or better aerodynamics; those 26” wheels, 1.25-1.75” others offer greater durability and slick tires work well on pavement, while dependability. Whichever you choose, 1.9-2.25” widths are optimal for gravel be sure to select high-quality wheels and dirt. that are tailored to the types of roads and terrain that you’ll be riding.

Before You Go — Fully-Supported Tours 11 CHOOSING A BICYCLE

GEARS aerodynamic “racing” pose, but it Most of our riders find that a triple often affords cyclists greater comfort , combined with a wide-ratio over the long haul. Similarly, you cassette or freewheel, best provides may choose between standard drop the broad range of gears needed to get handlebars or flat bars (with bar-end over and through the varying terrain extensions). The goal is to have and on our tours. Stronger riders may use multiple hand positions so that get by with a double crankset and/or upper body fatigue and numbness can narrow-ratio gearing on trips without be avoided. Experiment with different much elevation change. In technical adjustments and styles to determine speak, high gears of 100-110 inches what works best for you. and low gears in the mid-to-upper 20s, are generally adequate for most of our tours. If your tour is particularly hilly or mountainous, it would be wise to have as low a gear as your bike will accommodate. BICYCLE FIT Comfort during long hours in the saddle is essential to enjoyable , and proper positioning is the key to being comfortable on the bike. Take the time to ensure that your bicycle fits you well; your local bike shop can help assist you with this.

Improper saddle height often causes pain. Pain in the inner or front portion of the knee is generally caused by riding with the seat too low. Pain in the outside or back of the knee is usually due to the seat being too high. Your saddle should be raised to the point where there is only a slight bend in your knee when your foot is at the bottom of the pedal . If your hips rock or swivel in order to reach the bottom of the pedal stroke, your saddle is probably too high.

Most touring cyclists prefer their handlebars placed level with or, at most, an inch lower than the height of the saddle. This position is more upright than the traditional 12 Adventure Cycling Association GETTING IN SHAPE

You’ll be surprised by how well your body will adapt to new physical challenges. But, unless you adequately prepare yourself, the first few days on a tour could be unpleasant – or even bring your trip to a grinding halt.

CAUTION: It is advised that you Commuting to and from work is one receive a thorough physical exam by a way to help achieve this. medical doctor before your tour. If you have any doubts about your condition, It’s also important that you avoid consider having a stress test and EKG. overtraining. If you begin to feel A sports-oriented physician should be increasingly tired, depressed, irritable well-versed in the special demands or start to dread riding, you may be placed on the body by cycling. training too hard or too often. When your tour starts, you don’t want to feel PRE-TRIP PHYSICAL “burned out,” or suffer from sore or other overuse maladies. Listen to Let your doctor know that you will be your body and rest when necessary. doing a bicycle tour, and discuss your daily target mileage and the type of A FEW TIPS terrain that you’ll be covering. Remember Relax as you ride, and take a break that riding at higher elevations presents • and stretch every couple of hours significant challenges, as do extreme weather conditions. • Eat and drink frequently, in small amounts Tell your physician about the special Drink 4 - 5 quarts of water daily stresses your body will experience • Avoid injuring your knees; “spin” at while touring. Your cardiovascular • a cadence of 90 to 110 rpm system, eyes and skin (from sun and wind), muscles and connective tissues • Avoid sore hands (and road rash in (especially knees), in your the case of a fall) by wearing cycling hands (from road shock), and your gloves. Change hand positions gastro-intestinal system (from varied frequently water sources, irregular meals, and • If you’re not already wearing cycling sustained daily exercise) all may be with a synthetic chamois, affected to a certain degree. get some! And, remember, cycling shorts are designed to be worn CONDITIONING without underwear Begin your training at a distance that To avoid or treat chafing/saddle feels comfortable, whether it is 5 • sores, apply chamois cream (sold at or 25 miles. Try to ride 3-4 days per bike shops) or other lubricant to the week. Gradually increase your mileage irritated area or the chamois in your over the course of several weeks, cycling shorts working up to 70-mile rides (or more). In training for a tour, riding speed is • Bathe frequently less important than endurance and • Launder your cycling clothes time spent on the bike. The goal is to frequently. It’s best to rotate your eventually ride several consecutive cycling shorts so that you wear a days (as you will on your tour) and clean pair each day spend 3-5 hours in the saddle each day. Before You Go — Fully-Supported Tours 13 TOURING TECHNIQUES

RIDING SKILLS BRAKING AND Good cycling skills will increase your EMERGENCIES enjoyment and safety on your tour. A cardinal rule of bicycling is to brake Practice riding so that you can look before you must, especially on curves behind you without veering to either and downhills. Brake prior to going into side. Although not required, Adventure a curve; then, if you need to slow down Cycling recommends the use of a more, brake gently while in the curve. rearview mirror. A mirror attached to In general, your front brake has greater your helmet or handlebars can make stopping power. Take care not to apply checking behind you easier. Don’t make it too forcefully – you’ll risk locking abrupt steering movements, especially up your front wheel and doing an on downhills or on slippery surfaces, “endo.” Your rear brake stops in a more because you may lose traction. Avoid measured ; use it to “feather” pedaling when you’re leaning into a or modulate your decelerations. Always turn; your pedal or clip could catch apply your brakes gradually, especially on the pavement and cause you to fall. if there are other riders near you. Use Hold the inside pedal at the of the special caution on downhills: bicycles revolution when cornering. accelerate rapidly, and loose gravel, rocks, vehicles and cattle guards can CADENCE AND GEARING appear quickly when you’re moving The system of gears on multi-speed fast. bicycles lets you select different pedaling rates, or cadences. The CHALLENGING CONDITIONS optimal cadence range for most Motorized traffic presents the cyclists is between 90 and 110 rpm. greatest danger to cyclists. If a Spinning a gear that is too low causes vehicle overtakes you on the road, your cadence to be too high. This is assume that there is a line of traffic tiring and makes you bounce on the following it, and that the following saddle. Pushing a gear that is too high drivers have not seen you. Towing units (a common error) causes your cadence and RVs are often equipped with mirror to be too low. This can cause knee pain, extenders that can clip unsuspecting which is the main reason people are cyclists. Be attentive and ready to forced to stop cycling on a tour. Any leave the road if necessary. time you feel the slightest twinge of pain in your knees, stop riding. Check for oil, wet leaves, loose gravel, your position and saddle height to see railroad crossings and foolish cyclists if an improper adjustment is causing stopped in the roadway. strain on your knees. When you resume riding, check your cadence. Skillful Be aware that when you are heading cyclists use their various gears to directly into the sun, motorists behind maintain a brisk, but steady cadence you are doing the same and they may over changing terrain. have difficulty seeing you. Try to avoid night riding, but if you must ride after dark, use lights and wear reflective clothing. Fog can be just as dangerous; it distorts depth perception and drivers generally have less experience navigating through it.

14 Adventure Cycling Association TOURS

A FEW WORDS ABOUT MOUNTAIN BIKE TOURS If you can ride a bicycle, you can ride a mountain bike. To best prepare yourself physically for your tour, ride your mountain bike as much as possible. If you don’t own a mountain bike and will be renting one specifically for the tour, ride your road bike as much as possible before the trip begins. If you have hills nearby, seek them out to prepare yourself for the ascents and descents found on most mountain-bike routes.

We offer a wide variety of mountain bike trips. Some are on dirt roads; others are on single track. Please read the tour descriptions thoroughly or call the office if you are unsure about the type of mountain bike trip you’re considering.

Because of the upright positioning and the need to occasionally “hop” your front tire around in rough terrain, mountain-bike riding requires more upper body strength than does road touring. You would be wise to include some upper-body work in your training program: push-ups, pull-ups, workouts with weights or on a machine, or anything else that gives your arms and upper torso a good workout.

Opportunities to refill water bottles can be very limited along mountain-bike routes. Plan on carrying 2-3 large water bottles or a large hydration pack.

Participants who live at low altitudes may want to arrive a few days early to adjust to the higher altitudes generally associated with mountain-bike riding. Steep climbs at high elevations can cause shortness of breath and general fatigue. Be prepared to climb more slowly as you adapt to higher altitudes.

Before You Go — Fully Supported Tours 15 WHAT TO TAKE AND HOW TO PACK

CLOTHING Versatility, function and suitability for anticipated conditions are the primary considerations when deciding what to take along on your bicycle tour.

When it gets chilly, it’s best to layer your clothing for warmth. Avoid cotton – they trap moisture, chafe your skin and are poor insulators when wet. Instead, it’s best to choose synthetic fibers that wick moisture away from your skin. Next comes a wool or synthetic fleece ; both are good insulators, even when wet. Your rain/ Cycling have stiff soles to wind jacket serves as the outer layer. increase pedaling efficiency and to A breathable waterproof fabric, such protect your feet from the sustained pressure of pedaling. Good touring shoes can double as riding and shoes. Feet often swell slightly when riding, so choose shoes that allow free movement of your .

PACKING While on Adventure Cycling’s supported tours, you’ll enjoy the luxury of having us transport most of your gear. We do recommend keeping your wallet, camera and often-used items in your pockets. Always take these with you when you leave your bike. Tools for fixing flats can go in a small as Gore-Tex®, will keep you dry and saddle bag for easy access. is an effective windbreak. Coated, waterproof raingear tends to dampen your clothing from the inside and is not NOTE: Adventure Cycling’s a good choice. Cyclosource catalog includes some of the best cycling gear Carry a light, loose-fitting, long-sleeved available; it’s selected using the to protect your skin from the sun. recommendations of Adventure Clothes should do double duty: For Cycling staff and participants. example, your off-bike outfit should adventurecycling.org/store double as a sun protection or warmth layer.

16 Adventure Cycling Association SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT LIST

Modify the following list depending on your personal needs and past experiences.

PERSONAL MISCELLANEOUS m Cycling helmet, Snell, ANSI, DOT and/or m Toiletries CPSC approved (required on all tours) m Towel (lightweight to enhance quick dry- m Cycling shorts, with synthetic chamois ing) lining (2 pair) m Pocket knife (Swiss Army type is handy) m Leg warmers or for riding m Lightweight lock and cable (not a U- (rain pants could substitute) lock) m Short-sleeved jersey (2 or 3) m Two or three water bottles m Light, long-sleeved shirt for sun m Basic First Aid Kit protection and off-bike wear m Bandannas m Heavier long-sleeved top m m Rain/wind gear (jacket and pants) m Flashlight or headlamp Gore-Tex® or a similar waterproof, m repellent breathable fabric recommended. m Reusable personal plate, bowl, cup, eat- m Comfortable shorts for off-bike wear (1 pair) ing utensils, and mesh storage bag m Comfortable pants for off-bike wear PERSONAL TOOLS AND SPARE PARTS (1 pair) m Tire levers/patch kit m Underwear (2 or 3 pair) m Spare tube (and tire, depending m (2 or 3 pair) on the trip) m Touring shoes, that are good for walking m Frame pump as well as riding. m Spare spokes m Cycling gloves m Rearview mirror m Bathing m Bicycle light m (optional) m Any tools that may be unique FOR MOUNTAIN to your bicycle OR SPRING/FALL TRIPS CAMPING m Wool or polypropylene m Sleeping bag - Down-fill bags are m Wool or polypropylene mittens or warmer, weigh less and pack smaller, but gloves, over thin polypro liner gloves aren’t as effective in wet weather. Fiber- m Waterproof covers fill bags are less expensive for compa- m Wool or polypropylene socks rable warmth, along with being heavier and bulkier, but will keep you warm even if wet. m Sleeping pad - The closed-cell foam pads work well, but self-inflating pads are more comfortable. m Tent - Lightweight and preferably free-standing with separate rain fly. m Ground cloth m Personal mess kit (cup, bowl, plate, and utensils in a mesh bag)

Before You Go — Fully-Supported Tours 17 TIPS ON BICYCLING CAMPING

On most trips, we use commercial campgrounds with showers, and a store on the premises. Our tours may utilize primitive campgrounds with only a pit toilet, picnic table and a water supply. Between these two extremes are campgrounds at county, state and national parks, which we utilize from time to time.

CHOOSING A CAMPING SITE Look for level, dry ground with natural cover (grass, pine needles, or leaves) located at least 200 feet from water sources (lake, river, stream). Avoid gullies and damp areas which are colder and harbor more . On warm nights, an open, breezy site will have fewer bugs. Check for trees and other objects around the campsite that gusty winds could send crashing down on you. If electrical storms threaten, don’t near a solitary tree, as it may act as a lightning rod.

DRINKING WATER Giardiasis, a debilitating intestinal illness, is caused by a protozoon that is found in surface water throughout north america. Even the clearest mountain streams may be contaminated, so never drink untreated water.

18 Adventure Cycling Association TRANSPORTATION TIPS FOR YOU AND YOUR BICYCLE

NOTE! To be safe, ship your bicycle 10 days in advance. Even if you choose an overnight or three-day shipping option, allow two or three extra days for the bicycle to arrive. No shipping company has a perfect record!

AIR VS. GROUND PACKING You could expect to pay up to $150, Don’t wait to pack your bike an hour each way, to have your bike accompany before your (or its) departure. Plan to you on your airline flight. Services like do this at home several days prior. If BikeFlights.com and will ship your bike you are not confident, your local bike for considerably less, but you’ll need to shop can pack it up for you. Some plan ahead to utilize this option. Most seasoned cyclotourists use padded bike shops at our trip starting points will carriers or hard-sided cases to ensure accept delivery of and hold your bicycle that their bikes are well protected until you arrive. Consult the shipping during shipment. You can purchase information in your itinerary and call such a carrier from your local bike ahead to make arrangements for shop or online. Others will use a shipment. Regardless of transportation cardboard bike box, which can usually mode, we advise insuring your bike be obtained from your local bike shop against damage or loss. at little or no cost. For most of our shorter tours, storage will be arranged for your bike case. Please consult your tour information packet and see our website for more information on packing your bike.

Before You Go — Fully-Supported Tours 19 150 E. Pine Street Missoula, Montana 59802

BEFORE YOU GO A Handbook for Adventure Cycling’s Fully Supported Tours

Rev 9/19