What should you pack for your bike trip?

At Grand Angle, cycling is all about comfort. Your luggage is transported each day from one stage to the next. There's no need for a rucksack, just large panniers attached to the luggage rack, so you can travel with the essentials. But what are the essentials? Here's our list of essentials:
 

The essentials for your cycling trip
 

• A helmet. Choose the one that's right for you and your size. Don't hesitate to try out different models for comfort and seek advice from specialist retailers.
• A water bottle suitable for cycling.
• A compact first-aid kit, because yes, life is an adventure.
• A small pack of tissues.
• A bicycle repair kit: patches, spare inner tube, tyre lever and pump in case of a puncture, or a puncture-prevention spray. A multi-tool can also be useful if you need to make adjustments to the bike. If you hire a bike, this equipment may be provided, but check with your bike hire company beforehand.
• An anti-theft device, for your cultural or gastronomic breaks or visits.
• For map enthusiasts, a 100/1000 scale map of the entire tour.
• A pair of flip-flops to give your feet a break from automatic shoes.
• And, of course, your travel pack and your Grand Angle topo guide ;)

Bike panniers to adapt to the weather

• One or two pairs of glasses. Glasses are an essential for cyclists, for comfort (sun, wind and rain) as well as safety (gravel thrown up by cars and all kinds of flying insects). You can travel with a pair of dark glasses to protect you from the sun and a clear pair for overcast days. You'll find them at very reasonable prices in all the major sporting goods stores.
• An extra-light waterproof windbreaker. Slip it into a pannier or the back pocket of your cycling jersey, and it will be your ally in the event of a small or heavy downpour.
• A cap. You'll appreciate taking your helmet off during breaks or visits.
• A tube of sun cream. To avoid overloading yourself, we suggest that you leave your family tube in your luggage and leave with just one mini-size jar of sun cream 50 for minor adjustments along the way.
• Waterproof overtrousers. Some days can be rainy from start to finish, in which case you'll appreciate riding without the discomfort of wet clothes and being able to take them off for a dry lunch.
• Gloves for cool mornings, so that your hands don't get cold when you're standing still on the bike.
• A visibility waistcoat in autumn and spring when the days are shorter.

What should you pack in your bike panniers for picnics and impromptu aperitifs?
 

• A good quality, lightweight folding knife and/or a Swiss Army knife. There's nothing like it for slicing and sharing a fresh melon bought from a roadside producer or enjoying a bottle along the way.
• A set of cutlery. Knife, spoon, fork - you can easily find small, lightweight and reusable travel sets in various sports shops or online.
• An extra-light, reusable plate or chopping board. For impromptu lunches, sharing a quiche or a fresh salad.
• Airtight plastic bags in different sizes. Small zipped bags are great allies for cyclists. You can use them to carry dried fruit mixes bought in bulk or fresh fruit that might leak into your panniers
• A little tip: you can also slip in your phone, credit card and a few notes for optimum protection in case of rain.
• Your goblet/ecocup, a reusable glass to take everywhere.
• The Grand Angle Tote bag. When you need to get away from your bikes for a visit, lunch, etc., this small, lightweight fabric rucksack will hold all your personal valuables (wallet, phone, camera, nomad charger, etc.). So you can leave your bikes and panniers in peace.
• A chamois towel for dipping your feet in the stream, or which can also be used as a tablecloth if required.

Equipment to pack in your bike panniers for connected nomads
 

• A special bike phone holder. Do you like to keep an eye on your phone, or track a route with a GPS application? If so, you'll find special holders at all prices online or in specialist shops.
• A nomad charger (also known as an external battery or powerbank). Using certain sports or GPS applications can quickly drain your battery (remember to charge it to the maximum before setting off on your escapade).
   
• And if, like Jacques London, you feel the urge to write about your journey and your impressions, why not take a blank notebook with you?
   

Ready for adventure? You can find all our cycling trips.
 

Text and photo credits - Charlotte Laventureux