Bike Tour Requirements

• Helmet
• Bike in good condition
• Spare tube –If the tube totally blows, you will be out of luck without a replacement tube. Even if you get a patchable flat, it is easier to simply put on a good tube and do any patching after the day’s ride is over.
• Water bottle(s)
• Rack bag – It is really uncomfortable to ride with a pack on your back for any distance. Especially if you are riding multiple days, you should have a back rack and a pack to stow stuff in. Trying to bungie stuff on a rack can be at the least annoying and at the worst dangerous.

• A pump and standard tools are helpful. Even if you don’t know how to use them, chances are someone will come along who can help you. Of course, Pat always has a pump and tools with her, but it’s still nice to have your own.
• A rearview mirror, especially if your trip involves road riding
• A bike lock if your trip involves sightseeing that means you will be leaving your bike.

• We suggest you bring bicycle shorts to help prevent chafing. We know some people think that they look absolutely ridiculous in those tight fitting stretchy numbers, but if you haven’t tried them, we encourage you to do so. And yes, they are meant to be worn without underpants. We acknowledge the fact that there are people who bike forever with their own favorite shorts rather than bike shorts and they’re perfectly happy. For longer trips we suggest bringing 3 pairs of whatever shorts you choose so you can rinse them out a night and give them time to dry or save them up to do laundry mid trip.
• If there’s a chance that you will have chilly weather, include tights or long pants or leg warmers.
• Bicycle jerseys. We like them because they tend to be more comfortable and wick the moisture away from your skin better than regular shirts. They also take up less room in your luggage than heavier t-shirts. But anything you are comfortable riding in is fine.
  Think about the weather possibilities when you decide whether you want long sleeves, short sleeves, no sleeves or a mix. Temperatures are often unpredictable, even in Florida.
• Cycle gloves – without the fingertips if it’s warm, full gloves if it will be chilly.
• A windbreaker
• Rain gear. We know you can spend a lot of money and still find yourself soaked if it really rains – sometimes from the rain coming through the material and sometimes from the sweat inside it. But we still recommend some form of rain gear. Your rain jacket may also be your windbreaker.

Most nights you’ll want to shower and change before we gather for our social hour and dinner. Just know that although we choose restaurants for their good food, the dress is casual. A nice pair of casual slacks and a shirt with a collar will get you anywhere we go. For women, the same is true. Our trips are not about making a fashion statement so we won’t be looking for you to wear something different each night. Mixing and matching works well if you are into variety.
If your trip includes daytime trekking around without your bike, bring whatever casual clothes you’d like for that purpose.

Just the usual underwear, socks, toiletries, sunscreen, camera, binoculars

Remember as you pack, your luggage will be unloaded and loaded at each stop. That means we will get it out of the trailer upon arrival and back up into the trailer in the morning. You’ll be taking it to and from your room. You’ll probably want a main bag and a smaller bag. If you are traveling as a couple, it is better for you to pack two main bags rather than one humongous one.