Gear Check: What I’m Bringing (and What I’ll Definitely Forget)

Jun 30

Packing for a multi-day bike ride can feel a little intimidating. The good news? You don’t need to bring everything you own. The bad news? You’ll probably spend at least one evening wondering if you really need two pairs of gloves (yes, you do–in fact, you might want to bring a warm pair as well for long descents. It can get quite chilly).

My favorite packing strategy is to make little piles on the floor—one for each day of the ride. It looks like my closet exploded for about an hour, but seeing everything laid out helps me figure out what I actually need versus emotional support clothing.

I like to bring separate outfits for each day unless I’m planning to wash and dry at camp or in a hotel room. Ladies–you don’t want to wear chamois multiple days in a row without washing.

Let’s Talk Bike Wardrobe Basics

Cycling chamois (aka padded shorts)
If you haven’t ridden in one before, now is the time to start. Your future self will thank you. Also—and this is important—don't wear underwear underneath. It sounds weird until you realize your goal is to eliminate as much chafing as possible. Trust the process.
Cycling sunglasses
Chamois cream
Speaking of chafing…don't leave home without it. By Day 3, this little tube will feel less like a toiletry and more like a miracle.
Cycling jerseys
Colorado weather has commitment issues. Bring both short- and long-sleeve options if you can. Arm sleeves are also fantastic because they can keep you warm in the morning and protect you from the sun later—without forcing you to stop every 20 minutes for a wardrobe change.
Layers, layers, layers
I cannot emphasize this enough. Light wool, a packable rain jacket, and other easy layers are your best friends.
Camp clothes
If you're camping, pack flip-flops, a towel, toiletries, and something comfy to change into. Nothing feels more luxurious than peeling off cycling gear after a long day and putting on cozy joggers. Five-star resort? No. Five-star feeling? Absolutely.

What Are You Going to Eat?

A multi-day ride is not the time to experiment with new gels and bars. Practice eating during your training rides now so you know what works for you. Whether you're a gels-and-bars person or a peanut butter sandwich enthusiast, stick with what you know.

My go-to ride snacks include:

Peanut butter packets
String cheese
Simple sandwiches
Fresh fruit
Turkey jerky (because it survives just about anything and delivers a much-needed hit of salt and protein)

And yes, if you see homemade cookies at a roadside farm stand, those are scientifically proven to count as ride fuel.

Bike Setup: Where Does All This Stuff Go?

The goal is to carry what you need without turning your bike into an RV.

I usually ride with a handlebar bag, a small top tube bag, and two water bottles. One bottle always has electrolytes, and the other has plain water. On long climbs, don't be surprised if both bottles disappear before the next rest stop.

Accessibility matters. Every minute you're digging through pockets looking for a snack is another minute you're thinking about snacks instead of riding.

Don't forget a basic repair kit with:

An extra tube
Tire levers
A multi-tool
A pump or CO₂ inflator

And always carry your ID, insurance card, and a little cash. Small bills don't weigh much, but they can magically transform into fresh pie, homemade cookies, or an ice-cold drink from a tiny country store that has a handwritten "Cash Only" sign.

What I'll Definitely Forget

Despite years of riding, there is almost always one thing that gets left behind. Sunscreen. Lip balm. My favorite socks. The good news is that most items are replaceable except for your bike and a good sense of humor. And don’t forget to leave a little room in your bag for souvenirs.

See you on the road,

Abra