So deciding what to bring along when bike touring is an issue we needed to deal with. We spent time getting advice from experienced bike tourers like Steve and Dodie Miller, our inspirational cycling friends, and also did several internet searches. We have managed to head off with four rear panniers, a back pack, one handle bar bag and our tent. Reading how Steve and Dodie have had to mail things home in the past we were well aware of the need to keep the weight of our loads as low as we could and still have all we need.
Our first decision was to not bring along any cooking supplies or equipment. As we are cycling in Europe in well populated areas we knew we would most likely be able to access food when we needed it. We also knew that every little German town would have a bakery. We could therefore pick up things we could carry with us for later in the day. Our big concern was being able to refill our water bottles. In Germany water seems to only be drank from water bottles and often even the still or uncarbonated water has a taste that Marvin does not care for. We can purchase bottled water at grocery stores but they can be harder to find. We try very hard to keep our water bottles full and despite the German aversion to drinking tap water, which is completely potable, we fill our bottles whenever we find a washroom.
We also are planning to do some camping so we needed our tent, air mattresses and sleeping bags. We got our equipment two years ago when we first started bike touring and decided we would get the best and lightest we could afford. We also chose equipment that could be packed down tight into small packages. A sleeping bag, an air mattress along with an ebike charger fit into each of 2 of the panniers with space for stuffing rain gear. The other two panniers contain our clothes and toiletries. Marvin's backpack has his computer ( for blogging and mapping out routes), all the electronic rechargers, food, clip board, papers, Marvin's extra pillow (no, the little down one that is packed with the sleeping bags is not enough) and some bike tools. It could be said that it is the general catch all of things we have nowhere else to put. My handle bar bag has sunscreen, ibuprophen, tissues, bandages, Chapstick, my iPad and a few miscellaneous item.
Clothes:
It was to Dodie I turned for advice on what to pack. We decided we needed the following:
Three pairs of bike shorts - a pair to wear, a clean pair and a pair that may be in the process of drying. The web searches had made it clear that rinsing out our bike shorts daily would help prevent saddle sores and chafing. To say nothing of the fact that cycling in the summer for several hours can be a rather sweaty endeavour.
Two pairs of Capri/shorts to wear over the bike shorts. For me just wearing tight bike shorts is not a comfortable prospect due to being heavy so I prefer wearing capris over them. Marvin brought three pairs of pants with zip off legs. I also brought along a a pair of long pants. I had not originally intended to but was wearing them when we went to visit Friedel. They seemed a little more appropriate
Underwear - while nothing goes between you and your bike short in order to prevent chafing, we knew we would want underwear to put on in the evenings after our showers. Again, three pair for the same reasons as above.
Bras - Marvin was pretty sure he did not need any. I, on the other had brought along two sports bras. They dry quickly so I was fairly sure two would be enough. So far I am managing okay.
Swim suits - we each brought one just in case the opportunity to swim came up. Neither take much space.
Socks - we opted for three pairs each of Marino wool socks. They breath well, never smell and launder and dry easily.
Shirts - Marvin brought three shorts sleeved, collared shirts; two long sleeve, light weight, Marino wool pullovers; one for each of us if needed. I have three light, easy care, breathable tea shirts and a very light weight long sleeve, UV protective shirt which I have not as yet needed.
Rain gear - jacket and pants. At this point we have only worn the jackets when we got some light rain on day three. Marvin also has a packaged set of rain gear he picked up at Canadian Tire. It has yet to be opened so no idea of its quality. I think that as we haven't really dealt with pouring rain yet that this may be an area for crisis directed learning and panic shopping! We will see!
Toiletries - two tooth brushes (certain things you never share), dental floss, sunscreen (very important for us as I am allergic to many sunscreens and wanted to make sue I had something that worked well without resulting in a terrible, blistered rash), deodorant ( his and hers as we go for different complimentary scents). Body wash that could be used as shampoo and body wash, any needed medications, 'Glide' ( an anti chaffing product), q-tips, more bandages (I don't have the world's best coordination), razors ( his and hers), and various other bits and bobs that escape me right now.
Electronics - Marvin's tablet, my iPad, our cycling GPS, Marvin's razor, our camera and Marvin's cell phone. All would need regular recharging and would impact our decision regarding camping on day three. Marvin had arranged for the cell phone to have coverage in Europe and to have it able to access data in emergency situations. Not sure how it works, but some how it could be set up to provide an internet hot spot we could link our computer/iPad to. This was very useful when we needed directions within cities.
Sun glasses - as we both wear glasses already, we opted for the ever trendy fit over sun glasses on a cord around our necks so they would not be misplaced. They have been used every time we are outside.
So there you have it. We are now a few days in and, so far, we are managing well.
We must send out a big thanks to Steve and Dodie for all their help,and guidance in preparing for this trip. We can't thank you enough for helping to get us out on the road. Our first day out there was a huge surge of delight as we realized we are actually doing this!
