The following list outlines suggested items… at the end of the day only you can decide how much or how little will make your ride comfortable. We do ask that everyone pack all of your belongings (including your sleeping bag) in ONE gear bag (suitcase or duffle type).
Bike Clothes
- Helmet (Mandatory!!)
- 2-7 jerseys (your choice of short, long, or sleeveless)
- 2-7 bike shorts
- Knee and arm warmers, long cycling pants, riding jacket, vest, etc.
- Cycling gloves
- Rain pants/jacket (rain does not stop the ride!)
- Bike Shoes
Bike Accessories
- ID (driver’s license, state-issued card, etc.)
- 2 water bottles
- Bike pump (don’t buy one if you don’t have one. There will be plenty around to use)
- Credit card/cash to buy all the good food along the way. Don’t bring food to cook at camp. You can also use cash to get a massage back at camp! Natalie charges $1 a minute and is the best massage therapist ever.
- Medical insurance card
- Emergency contact information card
- Saddle bag
- Spare tubes (there will be bike shops everywhere, so no big deal if you need to buy tubes on the ride)
- Blinker light for the back of your bike if you intend to ride before dawn or at night
- Sunglasses
- Buttr or your choice butt cream
- Bike computer
- Snacks (e.g., Cliff bars, energy bars, etc.) There are lots of food stops along the route, but it’s nice to have a few backup snacks in your bag in case you need them.
- It’s also helpful to have a clear case to put the bike route in. On Saturday during the bike expo, people will be handing out maps for free.
- Mirror to see riders coming up behind you is helpful.
- Insoles for your bike shoes if you think you need them.
- Trim your toenails. Trust us.
- Small pack of tissues (in case the porta potties are out of TP…)
Camping Gear
- Sleeping bag
- Pillow
- Extra blanket
- Flashlight or head lamp
- Small clothes line, and clothespins/binder clips (to hang up your towel to dry)
- Books or magazines to read while in camp
- Portable radio/stereo if you want to listen to music in your tent.
- Dirty clothes bag
- Plastic bags to help separate wet from dry clothes if needed
- I also find that dryer sheets help keep clothes fresh!
Casual Clothes to Wear Each Night
- T-shirts/tank-tops
- Undergarments
- Sweater and/or sweatshirt (in case it gets chilly at night)
- Swimsuit (just in case we are close to a pool or lake)
- Hat/beanie
- Socks
- Comfortable shoes and/or sandals
- Flip flops to wear in the shower
- Pajamas
- Shorts
- Towel or chamois-types towel
- Ear plugs (highly recommended for the people in tents that end up next to Richard Fischer)
- Nighttime eye mask
- Cellphone (with charger)
- Portable battery pack
- Cold-water detergent (if you plan to wash clothes)
Toiletries
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss
- Shampoo and condition
- Deodorant
- Soap and/or body wash and loofa
- Shaving kit
- Baby wipes
- Toiletry carrier or shower caddy for your shower stuff (you will have to walk or ride your bike to take a shower)
- Personal care products
- Aspirin, Advil and/or ibuprofen
- Mosquito repellent
- Bandages
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunblock