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  |  Family Travel  |  Activities  |  How to plan a cycling holiday
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How to plan a cycling holiday

by Cathryn Boast
continued from page 4
WHAT TO TAKE

I was lucky enough to have a cycling veteran to give me this advice:

  • Wear cycling shorts wherever possible. Even if it's a bit chilly, as long as the rest of you is snug, you'll be fine. They may be unflattering but they dry quicker than long trousers if they get wet.

  • Take at least one long-sleeved and high-necked top - it'll protect you from both sunburn and wind-chill.

  • Take sun cream and slap it on regularly, remembering to apply it generously to the back of your neck.

  • Plastic bags. You can never have too many (well, within reason) and in some countries you can only get the thicker ones you have to pay for.

  • Layers. Your temperature changes a lot when you cycle, so layer well. One thing I learned was to be sure my top came over my shorts and didn't leave a midriff gap to get chilly.

  • Waterproofs. It's worth splashing out on these. If you're wet and cold, you'll be miserable.

  • Panniers. Again, get decent ones - Cannondale is a good brand, although by no means the only one. Be realistic about size. You need to carry enough stuff, but you don't want to be so weighed down you can't pedal.

  • Helmet. Take one. Wear it.

  • Maps. I got my map from Stanfords, the travel bookshop. Mine was a booklet specifically for this route, but they also sell more general maps.

  • Pannier racks and locks were supplied by the bike company I used, but either check that beforehand or take your own.

  • Lip salve with a high SPF.

  • Ibuprofen for muscle ache. Lots of plasters (and scissors to cut them with if necessary).

  • Loo roll. Trust me - you'll need it.


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