Travelling by bike means packing light, but also having the right equipment. Clothing, hygiene, bike gear: here is a checklist of what not to forget to travel freely on La Scandibérique. It is not exhaustive: adapt it to your needs, the season and the length of your trip.
Your bike
- waterproof panniers (or bikepacking bags for a gravel bike) to carry your belongings, rather than a backpack
- a helmet
- a lock to protect your bike at every stop
- a multi-tool for small repairs
- a spoke wrench and, if possible, spare spokes
- front and rear lights so you can be seen, especially in tunnels and at dusk
There are bike repair shops along the route: see the page Where to repair your bike?
Comfort
After a day of cycling, a little comfort goes a long way, especially if you choose to camp:
- a tent, a sleeping bag suited to the season and a sleeping mat
- an inflatable pillow and a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth
- cutlery, a pocket knife, a water bottle, a camping stove and gas
Clothing
- two short-sleeved and two long-sleeved T-shirts
- rain gear or a windbreaker, even in summer
- a fleece or a warm layer
- shorts or cycling shorts, and trousers
- an outfit for town and comfortable trainers
- sunglasses and gloves
It all depends on the season and your activities: think of a swimsuit or hiking shoes if you plan swimming or walking stops.
Hygiene
- soap, a solid shampoo bar and a microfibre towel
- sunscreen
- a toothbrush and toothpaste
- a small first aid kit with plasters
The survival kit: good habits before you leave
The puncture repair kit
A good puncture repair kit is the basis of any bike trip. Without taking everything, remember:
- a pump
- patches and one or two spare inner tubes
- oil to lubricate the chain
- water and a few energy snacks
Shopping along the way
Also think about shopping along the way: foldable cloth bags take up little space and avoid unnecessary packaging.
No suitable bike?
If your bike is not suitable, the page Hire a bike will help you find a solution.