Top Touring Tips

Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.

suffolkcindy

Active Member
Gaffa tape/duct tape will fix anything and everything including a split in a tyre or a broken SPD sandal. instead of carrying a whole roll, cut some off and wrap it round an old credit card type thing and carry just enough to save you.
Antiseptic hand gel & baby wipes for those less hygenic places.
Agree mooncup great for women.
Agree about abundant zip ties and elastic bands and plastic bags (can never have too many).
In Asia, dont bother asking directions of anyone other than a professional motorbike taxi rider (these are the only guys who know where they are in relation to where you want to go!).
Dried noodles.
 

zealand

Well-Known Member
Location
brighton
I packed all my wash gear into one front pannier...including sports towel etc...whenever I smelt too much I just grabbed the pannier and headed off to the washrooms. I packed all my cooking gear and food in the other front pannier...whenever I got hungry I just grabbed the bag and started cooking. I have a big W (washroom) marked on one bag and a big K (kitchen) marked on the bags so i can grabb the right one. I like it...simple and easy to remember.

nice i,ll rember that
 

bilboburgler

New Member
Location
Leeds
The King of Shave oil has worked for me over the last 20 years, almost got through the first bottle
Razor needs to be plastic
Half length tooth brush and baby toothpaste tube.
String
Plastic clothes pegs
 

Jimmy Doug

If you know what's good for you ...
I've read through this entire thread - it's brilliant! So, here are mine:
  • Don't forget to stretch - it might save you a lot of pain one day.
  • Get a good quality Therm-a-Rest, because you won't go far without a good night's sleep.
  • Drink water little and often, and add extra salt in your food if it's hot.
  • Don't skimp on water bottles. Buy good quality ones that don't make your water taste of plastic - and are insulated for when it's hot.
 

J-Lo

Senior Member
Brilliant tips here.

Just a suggestion for food if you want the cook in meal bag things, but fresh & organic ingrediants try out www.lookwhatwefound.co.uk - Ive not cycle toured yet but these little meals actually taste really good (suprising for ready meals).

Note: You dont get alot in a bag, I would deffo need 2 for an evenings meal ;)
 

Blowbags

New Member
(Never rode long distance, I am a newbie, but I lift in the gym regularly for 18 months, so consider this a disclaimer :smile: )

Peanut butter is very very calorie dense (100 grams is 700 calories, a "bigger" [but still compact...] tub is 470 grams i.e. the most dense palletable food I can think of, space wise especially, unless your into drinking olive oil :smile: )

A cup of tea will make it easier to eat, but I only find myself *needing* a drink if its more than a table spoon of PB.

The sugar element will provide quick energy, the fat (of which is around 85% I believe) will satiate well, good food before bed to burn through the night, so you don't have to eat within an hour of waking up.

This is anecdotal (from me at least) but Im lead to believe omega 6 (vegetable based oils/fats) should be balanced with omega 3 (fish) - but no one is going to match the two with casual diet adjustments (you'd have to eat fatty fish every day), so perhaps take a small tub of concentrated cod liver oil tablets, and neck a capsule with the PB.
 

Dora

Senior Member
Location
Wigan
If you have to unpack and build your bike, don't forget to put a nail brush with your tool kit.
That way, your wash bag isn't covered in grease and road black/mud/dust for the rest of your tour after you've been in (every pannier) looking for your nail brush. Not that I've ever done that or anything!
whistling.gif

Another +1 for the mooncup. Best idea ever!
 

TheDoctor

Noble and true, with a heart of steel
Moderator
Location
The TerrorVortex
Make plans, but expect to change them as the day progresses.
Trains are your friend.
If landmarks aren't where you think they should be, bear in mind that you might be riding East when you meant to be riding West.
If you're starting your trip by Eurostar, take a decent folder if you possibly can.
Life will be so much easier.
 

Crankarm

Guru
Location
Nr Cambridge
Make plans, but expect to change them as the day progresses.
Trains are your friend.
If landmarks aren't where you think they should be, bear in mind that you might be riding East when you meant to be riding West.
If you're starting your trip by Eurostar, take a decent folder if you possibly can.
Life will be so much easier.

As opposed to an indecent folder :wacko: .
 

steveindenmark

Legendary Member
Visit Denmark.

Use earplugs and a buff over the eyes at night to sleep sounder.

Take your time.

Get off the bike.

Talk to strangers.

Steve
 

ComedyPilot

Secret Lemonade Drinker
Get a small check list typed up and laminated to help make sure you don't forget things when de-camping - then stick it in your map pouch on the handlebars:

Wallet - check
Passport - check
Phone - Check
Camera - Check
Panniers - check
Bungees - check
Tent - Check
Bar Bag - Check

RIDE ON DUDE - RIDE ON

Said list would have saved me at least 30 miles of backtracking on one tour.
 

ComedyPilot

Secret Lemonade Drinker
Visit sports clubs such as football/rugby/tennis/canoe/rowing etc en-route. When they hear of your trip they will marvel at your physical prowess and permit you to camp/shower/toilet for free or a small fee.
 
Top Bottom