Bicycle travel is always a bit of an adventure. You can carefully plan your route, study the weather forecast and even check campground reviews, but reality always makes a difference. There are unexpected twists and turns on the road - both literally and figuratively. This is the beauty of traveling by bicycle: at one point on the route, you may find yourself in the middle of a picturesque canyon, at another point you may get lost on a country road, somewhere you may get nickel coins worth money, and elsewhere you may get only an unforgettable experience. Interesting things and adventures await you in the most unexpected places, but to the joy of travelling it is not overshadowed by sudden surprises and troubles, that the road brings only positive emotions, it is important to prepare in advance, to consider all possible situations and have all the necessary and essential things in your velobaule.
So today we are going to discuss those things and extremely useful items that you should always have on hand to overcome difficulties on your trip. So let us start so that you are sooner ready to go for new experiences.
Multipurpose Things to Rescue on the Road
What you need to have with you: a thermal blanket; nylon ties and paracord; duct tape; a whistle.
Often on a bicycle trip, the difficulty arises not because of the breakdown of the bike, but because of the little things that we do not think about. For example, a sudden cold snap can seriously complicate sleeping in a tent, and a lost bag fastener can be a problem on rough terrain. This is why the list of must-haves for a trip should include not only the most obvious things (food, water, basic comfort items), but also small but extremely useful items.
A rescue thermal blanket is probably the most compact and effective way to keep warm in an emergency. It retains up to 90% of your body heat and takes up less space than a cell phone. Additionally, this blanket can be used for more than just its intended purpose: it can be used as a rain tent or emergency bedding.
Nylon ties and paracord will come in handy if your bag or strap gets torn on the way. An ordinary plastic tie can temporarily fix even a broken trunk, and a strong paracord will help to stretch the sun canopy or even replace a broken boot lace. By the way, paracord can withstand a load of up to 250 kg (which makes it a universal tool in any situation).
Duct tape and super glue are obvious things, but they protect you from a lot of trouble. For example, if your flashlight's plastic housing cracks or a seam on your tent starts leaking, a piece of duct tape can prevent serious consequences. In an emergency, it can even be used to fix a bicycle camera in case of severe damage.
Last but not least, a signal whistle can be a life saver. If you fall in a deserted area or lose your way, the loud sound of a whistle will attract attention much quicker than shouting. It is also useful for scaring away wildlife if your route takes you through forest trails.
Technical Things to Solve Bicycle Problems
What you should absolutely carry: multitool; spare bolts and nuts; tire repair kit; lubricant; mini pump; spare brake pads.
Technical preparation of your bike is one of the key points before you hit the road. Even the most reliable bike can fail, especially if the route includes difficult sections: mountain trails, sandy roads or city streets with curbs and streetcar tracks. So let's take a look at what should be in your travel kit so that you can continue your journey in case of an emergency.
A multitool is your best friend on a bike trip. A good multitool includes hexes, screwdrivers, pliers and even a mini saw. You can use it to quickly tighten bolts, adjust brakes or even shorten a chain if a link breaks.
Spare bolts and nuts may seem unimportant, but on the road, even losing one small screw can cause problems. Bicycle fasteners aren't always available at the nearest store, so a small kit with universal parts is insurance against unpleasant surprises.
A repair kit, mini tire pump and chain lube are a must, even if you have the most reliable tires and no complaints about the bike's functionality. A sudden puncture can happen at any time, and looking for a workshop in the middle of nowhere is not a pleasant prospect.
Well, spare brake pads will also help to avoid an unpleasant situation when the brakes start to “go away” at the most inopportune moment. It is especially important for routes with a large difference in altitude, where the braking system experiences increased loads.
Unexpected and Unnecessary Little Things that Can Be Useful
What might come in handy on the road: coins, a folding bowl, a portable water filter, dry fuel, spare shoe laces.
There is always room for surprises during a bike trip. Sometimes it's scenic views and unexpected encounters, and sometimes it's minor inconveniences that could have easily been prevented. Not every item in a backpack is a must-have, but some of them can seriously make a trip easier if an unconventional situation arises. From a water filter to dry fuel, small but useful items can come in handy more than once, especially in places far from civilization.
Some things to consider
Thing | What for | Tip |
Coins | For vending machines, small purchases in rural areas where terminals don't always work or change is available | Coins from change can be examined and searched for interesting specimens, the Coin ID Scanner can help you do this |
Collapsible bowl | Convenient for eating when camping, saves space | Look for silicone models - they are lightweight, compact and easy to clean |
Portable water filter | Allows you to drink water from natural sources if you run out of supplies | Useful both in the wilderness and in cities where water quality is questionable |
Dry fuel | Quickly start a fire or boil water without firewood | Windy conditions are not scary - dry alcohol tablets burn even in strong winds |
Spare shoe laces | In case of torn shoelaces and can also be used as a rope | Paracord laces can even be used as a spare fishing line |
Interesting fact: Cyclists traveling in Europe often come across coin-only vending machines, for example in campgrounds, laundromats and even toilets. In the US, however, in small towns you may come across old vending machines that only accept cash. So be ready to pay in cash and remember that better prepared than sorry.
Wheels on the Go – Adventures Below
Every bicycle trip is a bit of a lottery: you never know what roads, meetings and discoveries lie ahead. But one thing is for sure - good preparation makes any trip more comfortable and turns unexpected situations into exciting challenges rather than problems. So, check your gear, gather everything you need and boldly set off without fear.