How to Pack for a Bike Trip

How to pack a pannier for a bike tour?

If you are embarking on a cycling trip, and you are carrying a pannier on your bike (pronounce: “pan ear”) with all your stuff… well – that’s incentive enough to travel light, pack carefully, be sure you have everything you need, but carry nothing you don’t!

When my husband 1st proposed (not like marriage proposal – that was 1988 in Zermatt Switzerland!) that we travel and DIY a unassisted bike trip along the Danube River from Germany to Austria in Europe…

My 3rd thought was “how to pack?!”
After my 1st thought – “I need to get in cycling shape!”
And my 2nd – “how cool to be cycling past ancient castles, European wineries, and beautiful villages along the way.”

Our “pannier” arrived; which seemed very small at first glance. But then I reminded myself that whatever I pack, I carry. These two small bike saddlebags with an accompanying backpack that attaches to the bike rack, actually can fit what you need for a week or a month cycling. Besides, you are lugging it around, up hills, into hotels, everywhere you go!

Since that first panic, we have biked six countries!
Biking the beautiful Loire Valley castles of France
Biking Belgium- Brussels to Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges
Holland Biking Amsterdam to Friesland, Hoorn, Giethorn
Netherlands Bike Tour Amsterdam to Cheese Towns Gouda, Delft, Hague, Leiden, Alkmaar
Danube Austria Self-Guided Bike Tour

Here’s what to pack for a bicycle trip and fitting it into your bike bags:

1st travel essentials:
Valid Passport – check the expiry date as some countries (ex: Switzerland) will not allow entry if your passport expires within 6 months.

Credit Cards bring two different charge cards, ex: Visa & MC, and notify your provider of the countries you will be visiting, be sure they waive int’l transaction fees. Note: many merchants do not accept AMEX.

ATM card – check daily withdrawal allowances with your Bank, and set travel notifications if required. You don’t need to “order” foreign currency in advance, that incurs big fees and a lousy exchange, instead plan to use an TM in your arrival city (not the airport which also has surcharges).

Phone and phone charging cord – seek an Int’l call/text plan before you go to avoid a surprise bill!

Adapter/converter – Ireland & UK are different than Italy for example – make sure you have the proper plug & voltage.

iPad/Kindle, laptop – your preference but smaller (lighter) is better!

Travel docs– also loaded on your phone. Add photos of your passport, TSA, Global Entry, Drivers License, to your phone as well as your Itinerary.

2^nd shoes: Wear your cycling shoes on the flight, also wear a lightweight technical fabric jacket. I also bring a light pair of ballet slipper flats for dining out in the evening.

3^rd clothing: Every cycle tourist has his or her own clothing preferences. However, cyclists agree that lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing is best. These hi-tech fabrics also wash and dry efficiently. Base layers in synthetic fiber or merino wool are on most cyclists’ fave lists. Lightweight, long sleeve shirts or jerseys protect you from wind and sun. Bright visible colors help motorists spot you!

A bandana or a buff is a versatile must. You can soak it in cool water for freshening, use it as a sweat wipe, or wear it outlaw-style on dusty roads, or on a chilly morning.

Bike shorts or tights/leggings – Your cycling shorts should be reinforced with padding if you are going long distances. Some clever bike shorts have a removable pad – so you can opt in or out to suit your day in the saddle. Ladies, I have the cutest bike skort (by Terry – thank you to my friend Mary) that looks like a little black skirt, but has padded bike shorts underneath – without the adult diaper butt look. I also have a pair of padded undies I can wear under leggings for big rides.

Tops and shirts – A long and a short sleeve tech shirt, with a zip if you like to vent, sun protection and moisture-wicking fabric, which wash and dry overnight for the next bike day. A vest or mid-layer is good if you anticipate cooler weather. A windbreaker/rain shell, light and rollable, is ideal. Mine has it own packing pouch that’s super compact.

Socks (2 pair) quality construction with wicking, merino wool – like Smart Wool.

Tide Travel Packets or Breezio Laundry Strips are perfect for washing your undies, socks, tops, in a hotel sink overnight. These can also be used in a washing machine when available.

Sunglasses – are essential to cut the glare, and protect your eyes from bugs and road debris.

Evening clothes – Men -a lightweight buttoned dress shirt & technical lightweight dress pants.
Ladies – a dress, a versatile scarf, jewelry to dress up said LBD.

PJS – minimal is best. Ladies- a tank and silk boxers or a small nightie. Men – boxers and a T.

Toiletries – travel size toothpaste, brush, moisturizer, sunscreen, deodorant, medications & vitamins, make-up, wipes.

5 Accessories:
Helmet or hat for sun and riding protection. A hat with a strap for windy rides in Belgium/Netherlands.

Padded gloves, usually fingerless, help reduce the vibration and pressure on your handlebar hands over the miles. Also provides a bit of warmth on cool morning rides plus sun protection.

Basic first aid Band-Aids, nu-skin, disinfecting wipes, in a ziplock bag.

Gals – a small pair of flats comfy enough for walking, and pleasant enough for dining out.

A small cross body bag for evenings & errands, to carry your travel docs. Keep safely with you always.

Refillable water bottle and extra Ziplock bags for carrying snacks/items you may buy along the way.

Pannier Packing Tips:
Tightly roll your clothes so they fit snuggly, then place them in large (airtight) ziplock bags, so you can fit the max in your pannier.
Pack one saddlebag side with athletic biking attire, the other side with casual evening clothes. I put a ribbon on my dress clothes bag to distinguish.
Put electronics and travel docs in the backpack top portion of the pannier, which is portable to keep with you at bike stops, lunch, touring castles and wineries!