If you travel a long distance by bicycle which items should you take with yourself ?
Surly Long Haul Trucker - the best touring bike for the money in my opinion (photo from Surly)
Many years ago I used to do quite a lot of long distance cycling, carrying everything I needed in panniers and racks. Your question is not too specific as to regards the distance so I will give you my packing list for a couple of nights adventure out on the road.
Firstly the easy stuff. Bike pump, puncture repair kit and a multi tool to sort any minor problems should they arise.
Sleeping stuff - I had a very small lightweight tent and sleeping bag. I sometimes used to wild camp, often in farmers fields behind a hedge but if you prefer, you can plan your route for a proper campsite. On many common cycle routes these days, there will be campsites en-route.
Cooking stuff - Depending where I was going, I may or may not take my small portable stove and billy can with me, if I was going to cook, I needed to carry food to cook, often the prepacked freeze dried meals that mountaineers use and then I just needed a supply of water. Id usually have my hand cranked water purifier with me in case I needed water from a stream, In Scotland, that was always fresh and clean but when you do collect water, get it from the fast moving part of the stream and upstream a little. I always have a few packets of 3 in 1 coffee so I could always make a hot drink. Also, energy bars were stuffed in all my panniers so Id never be stuck for a snack to keep my energy levels up!
If you don't intend to cook, just don't take the cooking gear, weight is important just buy food as you go but this can get much more expensive. In any event, always carry a Spork!
Clothes - pack light and smart and dependent on the climate you intend to cycle in. And always at least one complete change and some extra socks. You might get wet and the most important thing are dry feet!
Other stuff to cram in are a small first aid kit, vaseline for any sore points you might encounter, between the legs can rub quite badly if you're not using decent, worn in cycling shorts with leather inners, a small tin of lubricating oil, para-cord and duck tape.
These days, a power bank is useful for your phone/camera and whatever.
Don't forget security, padlocks on all your panniers and a really good bike lock is worth its weight in gold!! Whilst on the subject of panniers, make sure they come with waterproof covers in case of rain.
I liked to travel fairly lightly but not so my trip turned into a test of physical endurance but its all down to the individual.
Id suggest searching for blogs written by long distance cycle tourists as they all have slightly different ideas and you will learn a lot, especially about choice of equipment.
This is currently my favourite blog, but there are many many more!!
Start with shorter trips and build up the distance and if you really enjoy it, the world is your oyster :-)
Good luck and stay safe on your travels!!
Great tips here.
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