Even on guided rides, you’ll need to bring along a few must-haves:
• Water bottles or hydration reservoirs to fit in your bag. You lose a lot of water when riding in heat, so it’s vital you’re fully stocked up before you set off.
• Sunglasses or cycling glasses and waterproof suncream.
• Snacks. Cycling burns a lot of calories, and you’ll need refuelling along the way, so bring plenty of them! There are some great energy gels and bars available offering a lightweight power boost.
• Chamois cream to eliminate friction between your skin and clothing – the cause of that dreaded cycling affliction: chafing. A must on long rides.
• A helmet camera or GoPro to capture the action (OK, it’s not essential but you’ll love looking back at the footage of your rides).
• Your phone to track your ride stats and keep you on track. We use Strava to plot our favourite routes at each beachclub and provide secure phone mounts on all of our bikes.
If you are bringing your own bike on your cycling holiday, you’ll also want to pack:
• Spares – we’re talking inner tubes, chain links, rear derailleur, brake pads and brake/gear cables. Zip ties and duct tape – many a mechanical breakdown can be temporarily fixed with these ingenious items. A small tool kit that includes allen keys, chain splitter, adjustable spanner, cassette lockring tool and chain lube. Don’t worry, our bike mechanics will also be on hand to help you out back at base.
• Bike pump and a compact bike lock.
And don’t forget those travel basics – passport, insurance details, emergency contacts, EHIC card if you have one, bank cards and holiday currency.
You’re all set. All that’s left is to get seriously excited. Let’s hit the road!
Take a look through our cycling holidays guide, to find your ideal beachclub.