Recommended and Mandatory Gear List

For your convenience we have divided our gear list into required and recommended
gear.

Required Gear:
Please note that we inspect all client gear, and you cannot participate in the tour without the following equipment.
Sleeping bag - AT LEAST 20 DEGREE RATING REQUIRED
Packable 'stuff sack' kind		 Bicycle  (you can rent a bike from us!)
Sleeping mat
Don't underestimate the importance of this one! You will be very uncomfortable without it! Must be small and packable.		 Helmet
Must meet ANSI bike helmet standards (ie no rollerskating helmets).
2L Camelbak-style Hydration Pack
Water bottles are *not* an acceptable substitute.		 High-security U-Lock
Cable locks are not acceptable.
Patch kit and 3 tire changing levers Reflective safety vest
Spare tubes (2) Third-eye mirror
Bike pump (that you can carry on the bike) Cycling sunglasses / eye protection
Rain-jacket
Waterproof and bright colored		 Rain-pants
Waterproof, bright-colored

** Please make sure that you have some means of carrying desired personal gear and snacks while on your bike. We recommend a camelback-style hydration pack with pockets.

Bike: You may choose to bring your own bicycle, or rent a bicycle from us. It is often cheaper to rent than to ship your bicycle.   Please note that we do not handle shipped bicycles -- if you wish to ship your bike, you will need to find a local bike shop who can accept it and assemble it for you. 

IMPORTANT BICYCLE EQUIPMENT EXPECTATIONS:
We will ride mostly on paved roads but there may be patches of dirt, some gravel and much road-side debris. We therefore request you bring a bike with puncture-reinforced tires.

You must have your bike checked by your local bike shop to make sure it is adequate touring 200-300 miles. It may also be cheaper to rent a bike through one of our recommended providers (see travel logistics section).

We reserve the right to inspect and potentially disqualify bikes before the tour to ensure safety of the tour.

Recommended Gear:
Rugged shoes for hiking and working (somewhat waterproof / resistant) Rain booties/shoe covers
Comfortable biking shoes Rain helmet cover
Casual pants (1 pair)
 		 Warm gloves (rainproof preferred)
Outside work pants (1 pair)
 		 Flashlight
Cotton T-Shirts (2) Sunscreen
 
Shorts for biking (2 pairs) Towel (tight-packing travel towel recommended)
 
Hiking shorts or pants (1 pair)
 		 Personal amenities
(toothbrush, toothpaste, soap)
Cycling jerseys or poly-pro shirts (2 pairs) Underwear (4 pairs)
Light-weight riding jacket or pullover (non-cotton) For chilly mornings or to be worn under rain gear. Swiss army knife/Leatherman
 
Light-weight riding pants or leg-warmers (non-cotton) For chilly mornings or to be worn under rain gear. Camera and film
 
Heavy fleece jacket for camp Journal and pen
Non-cotton socks for riding
(2 pairs)		 Bug repellant
Hiking/outdoor socks (2 pairs) Sandals
Warm hat (fleece or wool) Front and rear lights (remember batteries!)

We will provide group tents and kitchen/cooking utensils. If you wish to have your own tent, please call us first to ensure there will be space in the van.

Luggage And Packing Guidelines:

We will be limited in our space and it is imperative that you pack lightly and efficiently. You must limit your baggage to:

  • one item of luggage that satisfies airline carry-on space and weight requirements (45" linear inches - 9x14x22, 25lb limit)
  • your sleeping bag
  • camping mat
  • hydration pack or daypack used for carrying required and desired bike gear

The above items cannot be combined into a single bag. Any item exceeding the above dimensions can be brought for an extra $150 per item. Limits are strictly enforced to ensure space is available for all clients.

Riders should not bring any fragile equipment such as laptop computers, breakable items, etc.
We are not responsible for theft, loss or other damage to/of any items brought on the tour, including your bike.