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Bike and camping gear

• Bike: You and your bike will be traveling 1,000 to 2,000 km or more. You should ensure it is well-fitted and runs smoothly and reliably. Not sure if your bike is tour worthy? Take it to a reputable bike mechanic or bike shop and ask their opinion (let them know that you’ll be on the road for two months, and cycling between 15 and 100 km a day with gear strapped to it). Here are a few pointers:

• Size: Check out this article to learn how to choose the right sized bike. Take your bike to a shop to be adjusted to your body, and for a tune-up before the tour.
• Tires: Team members can use knobby mountain bike tires for a tour (they’ll get sweet traction off of pavement), but we recommend slicks (the smoother tires intended for city biking) or hybrid slicks (smooth down the centre; knobby on the sides). Slicks are much (much!) easier to bike with, especially when loaded down. They won’t offer as much traction as mountain bike tires off road, but most riding will be on paved roads.
• Fenders: Optional, but you’ll really appreciate them every time it rains.
• Aero bars: Optional, but highly recommended. These handy devices allow you to lean on your handlebars with your forearm. This gives your wrists a rest during long road stretches. Many team members swear by them.

• Bike rack: Aluminum may be really light, but it breaks easily and is hard to repair. Steel is preferable.
• Bike lock: Cable locks are really versatile, but easier to break into. U-locks recommended.
• Panniers: 40 to 50 Litre saddle bags are good. The bigger they are, the more you can fit into them, but also the heavier a load you have to carry. Some models are more waterproof than others or offer a slip-on waterproof cover. A small handle-bar pannier is also handy for easy access items.
• Bike helmet: Mandatory!
• Bright orange construction-type “SEE ME” vest: Mandatory!
• Bike gloves: Mandatory!
• Bike lights (white for front and red for the back): Mandatory!
• Bike mirror: Mandatory!
• Bike bell: Mandatory!
• Bike computer: Optional. Some folks find it's handy to know how fast they are going, and how far they’ve cycled.
• Sleeping bag: Think small but warm.
• Inflatable sleeping pad: Highly recommended.
• Tent, waterproof fly, and groundsheet: (Note: many team members choose to share a tent, so check in with your other teammates before investing in one for the tour.)
• Basic bike repair kit, including tire levers: You can often find an inexpensive multi-tool that will allow you to do just about any adjustment to your bike. Plastic tires levers are light and inexpensive but may snap; metal ones are more durable.
• Basic tire patch kit and bike pump: Make sure the pump can accommodate the type of valve you use… most pumps do both valve systems.
• Two (2) extra tire tubes: Make sure they fit your tire and the valve hole in your wheel.
• Extra spokes for your front and back wheels: They may be different sizes.
• Chain lubricant and rag
• Bungee cords or straps: For securing your baggage to the rack.
• Basic first aid kit
• Reflective clothing or Velcro strips: To affix to yourself.
• Water bottles to carry 3-4L of water (Camelbacks or other hydration packs can be handy, but aren’t absolutely necessary)
• Reusable container: This will be your meal dish for the entire tour.
• Fork, spoon, knife
• Reusable and unbreakable mug: Perhaps with a lid if you like wandering around with your morning coffee.
• Plastic bags: Optional, but they can help with waterproofing things like your sleeping bag, and your last clean pair of socks when riding in wet weather.

Clothing

Cotton and hemp aren’t good choices, especially in wet weather; they take forever to dry and don’t hold heat when wet. Wool and polar-fleece generally will retain some heat even if soaking wet. Polyester is a good choice. Your clothes should be easy to clean and dry, compact when packing, darker colors as dirt doesn’t show as easily, and lightweight. You’ll be biking and performing so your clothes should be versatile.

• Bike shoes or stiff soled shoes such as a good pair of running shoes (soft shoes can cause cramping)
• 1 pair long pants
• 1-2 pairs bike shorts (the cushioned bums and spandex might feel weird at first, but you’ll grow to love them!)
• 1 pair thermal underwear (even for chilly nights on summer tours)
• 1 long sleeve biking shirt
• 1 medium weight long sleeve shirt
• 1 fleece/sweater/compact jacket
• 2-3 t-shirts/tank tops (you’ll get an Otesha t-Shirt too)
• 3-4 pairs underwear
• 2-3 pairs light socks
• 1 pair warm socks
• Pajamas
• Toque
• Rain pants and jacket
• Mitts/gloves
• Sunscreen
• Personal hygiene (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, comb/hairbrush, soap, shampoo/conditioner, shaving)
• Bathing suit (for random roadside swimming adventures)
• Towel (compact; sarongs are also very absorbent, dry fast, compact, and can also serve as skirts, dresses, head scarves, bedsheets and 1001 other things!)
• Sandals for hot weather and public showers
• Passport for those on the Northern Appalachians Tour
• Phone Card for emergencies
• Insect repellent / bug jacket

And anything else you want to bring along… BUT you should note that each team member will be carrying everything they bring with them (there will be NO SPACE in the car – on car-accompanied tours – for any team members' stuff, including tents, etc.), so pack light!