What To Pack For Your Biking Vacation To France

What to Pack for Your Biking Vacation to France

Taking a biking vacation in France is a wonderful way to stay fit and really see the beautiful countryside that France has to offer. There are many different touring companies that offer packages for a biking vacation in France including pre-planned biking trips. In most cases, you may choose from either guided or self-guided tours where maps and an itinerary are provided, but you are left on your own during the journey. Whether you choose one of these packages or decide to plan your own biking vacation in France, it is important to be prepared so that you may enjoy your trip without worry. Your suitcases will usually be transported from one location to the next by the touring company, but you will want to have a backpack or saddle pack with you each day to keep all the things you may need handy for your travels.

Most of these packages include bike rental and the bike will be waiting for you in your hotel room. They usually include an emergency repair kit which will have the necessary items for repairing a flat tire and the tools needed for fixing your chain should it break or slip off the gears. You should check with your tour company ahead to find out whether this is included and if not be prepared to bring your own. You certainly don’t want to be stranded down a lonely country road in a foreign country with no way to repair your bike.

The next thing you will want to have handy is a basic first aid kit. Obviously, there is some risk of injury while biking in France, so you will want to be prepared for the most likely scenarios. You will need several sizes of adherent bandages, some gauze wrap, an ace bandage, medical tape, an ice pack and some anti-biotic ointment. You should also carry some sunscreen and insect repellent depending on what time of year you take your trip. You should also consider carrying some pain reliever and perhaps some sinus medication since biking through various elevations during your vacation in France can wreck havoc on your sinuses. Some baby powder or corn starch for preventing chaffing on your inner thighs is also a great idea. You will want to bring small travel sizes of items whenever possible, because while you do want to be prepared and keep comfortable during the long periods you will be on the bike, you don’t want to be weighed down a great deal.
Other items to include would be a water bottle. Often a water bottle holder and water bottle are included on your bike; just make sure to fill it with clean fresh water each day. You will be working hard and it is important to stay hydrated. Even though you will be stopping for meals during the day, you may want to keep some protein or energy bars in your pack in case of unexpected delays or to keep you fueled up during the long journeys. Also, you should bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket in addition to your usual equipment of a helmet, knee and elbow pads. Be sure to keep your passport and money on your person at all times. There are great carriers for these that run around your neck and tuck inside your clothing to avoid dropping or being pick-pocketed during a stop off.

The small steps you take now to prepare will help to avoid or lessen the impact of any small incidents that might otherwise ruin the trip for you. A biking trip may seem to be a carefree holiday, but it will only be carefree if you have planned for all the possibilities ahead of time. A little planning and proper preparation can go a long way in making your biking vacation in France a positive, memorable experience.