La Piazza Blog & Stories
Top 5 Things to Pack for a Cycling Vacation
Top 5 Things to Pack for a Cycling Vacation
All-weather gear
Ok, so you’ve booked your cycling vacation for summer in Tuscany and you’re expecting sunshine, warm temps, and clear blue skies. And yes, this will probably be the case. However, to paraphrase the Boy Scout motto, you should always BE PREPARED! Whatever bicycle trip you have planned, you never know if a random storm will blow through with pelting rain or if the temperature will drop dramatically from one day to the next. It’s always best to have the correct gear on hand in case the unexpected occurs. It is also important to remember that many of our advanced tours feature epic climbs and the temperature and weather at the base and the summit can vary significantly. Pack smart and make sure to include arm/leg warmers, sun sleeves, a vest, a rain jacket, extra socks, and perhaps a spare pair of knickers or tights. You don’t want to have to hop in the van and miss out on some great riding just because you don’t have the right gear. Remember, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad (or not enough) gear!
Extra pair of shoes for the van
For those of you who wear cycling shoes, you know it’s not easy (nor good for your cleats) to walk around and explore in those road shoes. Hence it’s a great idea to bring along a pair of comfortable shoes to slip on when we hop off the bike to discover the local area. It will make life so much simpler and your visit more enjoyable when you can walk easily through villages, wineries, into restaurants, and in the vineyards. Cycling shoes can be tricky to navigate on certain surfaces “ and the last thing you want to do is slip and injure yourself while on tour.
Camera
One of the most essential inclusions on the list! Be it your Smartphone, your latest and greatest digital SLR with multiple lenses, a compact point and shoot, or GoPro “ you won’t want to leave home without it! What better way to capture and document all of the great experiences you will encounter on your bike tour? And your guides are always happy to take your picture so you won’t need to rely on œselfies. Even better, post photos in real time on your Facebook and/or Instagram page(s) and make all of your friends jealous wishing they were on an amazing cycling vacation instead of sitting in the office, toiling away!
Chamois cream
Whether you are an avid cyclist or an inexperienced newbie, you’ll both benefit from the use of chamois cream on your bike tour “ especially when you are spending repeated days in the saddle! Granted, technology has come a long way in the design of comfortable cycling shorts, but that internal chamois can only do so much to protect you from extended periods of time on the bike. That’s where chamois cream comes in! Let’s be honest¦an added layer of protection on your skin does wonders to reduce friction, avoid any chafing, and prevent any saddle sores from developing at those hot spots. So don’t forget to include a tube or tub on your packing list!
Sunblock for your lips
We all pack sunblock, but sometimes we forget to include the most essential type – something to put on your lips! Spending hours on the road exposes your lips to many elements “ including the sun and wind – and many of our favorite lip balms do not contain sunblock. There is nothing worse than returning from a great first day ride and realizing that you’ve burned your lips! Even more disheartening, knowing that you have 6 more days to go on your bike trip and those lips will have to endure repeated exposure. I learned this lesson the hard way, and now I never leave for a tour without lip balm including SPF!
Ok, so you’ve booked your cycling vacation for summer in Tuscany and you’re expecting sunshine, warm temps, and clear blue skies. And yes, this will probably be the case. However, to paraphrase the Boy Scout motto, you should always BE PREPARED! Whatever bicycle trip you have planned, you never know if a random storm will blow through with pelting rain or if the temperature will drop dramatically from one day to the next. It’s always best to have the correct gear on hand in case the unexpected occurs. It is also important to remember that many of our advanced tours feature epic climbs and the temperature and weather at the base and the summit can vary significantly. Pack smart and make sure to include arm/leg warmers, sun sleeves, a vest, a rain jacket, extra socks, and perhaps a spare pair of knickers or tights. You don’t want to have to hop in the van and miss out on some great riding just because you don’t have the right gear. Remember, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad (or not enough) gear!
Extra pair of shoes for the van
For those of you who wear cycling shoes, you know it’s not easy (nor good for your cleats) to walk around and explore in those road shoes. Hence it’s a great idea to bring along a pair of comfortable shoes to slip on when we hop off the bike to discover the local area. It will make life so much simpler and your visit more enjoyable when you can walk easily through villages, wineries, into restaurants, and in the vineyards. Cycling shoes can be tricky to navigate on certain surfaces “ and the last thing you want to do is slip and injure yourself while on tour.
Camera
One of the most essential inclusions on the list! Be it your Smartphone, your latest and greatest digital SLR with multiple lenses, a compact point and shoot, or GoPro “ you won’t want to leave home without it! What better way to capture and document all of the great experiences you will encounter on your bike tour? And your guides are always happy to take your picture so you won’t need to rely on œselfies. Even better, post photos in real time on your Facebook and/or Instagram page(s) and make all of your friends jealous wishing they were on an amazing cycling vacation instead of sitting in the office, toiling away!
Chamois cream
Whether you are an avid cyclist or an inexperienced newbie, you’ll both benefit from the use of chamois cream on your bike tour “ especially when you are spending repeated days in the saddle! Granted, technology has come a long way in the design of comfortable cycling shorts, but that internal chamois can only do so much to protect you from extended periods of time on the bike. That’s where chamois cream comes in! Let’s be honest¦an added layer of protection on your skin does wonders to reduce friction, avoid any chafing, and prevent any saddle sores from developing at those hot spots. So don’t forget to include a tube or tub on your packing list!
Sunblock for your lips
We all pack sunblock, but sometimes we forget to include the most essential type – something to put on your lips! Spending hours on the road exposes your lips to many elements “ including the sun and wind – and many of our favorite lip balms do not contain sunblock. There is nothing worse than returning from a great first day ride and realizing that you’ve burned your lips! Even more disheartening, knowing that you have 6 more days to go on your bike trip and those lips will have to endure repeated exposure. I learned this lesson the hard way, and now I never leave for a tour without lip balm including SPF!
