bungy cord for fastening things down. Some panniers claim to be waterproof, but line them with bin bags and have a couple of carrier bags to put dirty clothes in. Manufacturers to consider include Ortleib, Carradice and Vaude.
Water bottles
Most bikes have two sets of lugs for fitting water-bottle carriers. Use them both; cycling in warm weather is thirsty work. Plastic bottles can taint the water so fill them with water when new and allow to stand; empty, and repeat until the water tastes acceptable. Top up the bottles at the start of every day and at every opportunity. On long rides through empty country a large bottle of readily available still mineral water can be attached to the rack with a bungy cord.
Flavoured drinks in particular can encourage the growth of mould inside water bottles. Keeping them clean inside and out reduces the chances of contracting gastric disorders.
Tyres and wheels
Make sure they are in good condition at the start, and if in doubt replace them before going. Tyre type and choice is importance for comfort and ease of cycling. Fatter tyres contain more air and give a more comfortable ride, but their higher rolling resistance is more tiring. If travelling light, ie. two full panniers, then a good compromise is to use a 25mm tyre on the front wheel and a 28mm one on the back. If the load is heavier, such as when camping, then consider 28mm front and 32mm rear. This is assuming that the wheels are compatible. Correct tyre pressure will reduce the number of punctures caused by bumps on rough roads. Tyre tread depends on which type of cycling you intend to do – the more off-road riding is planned the deeper the tread should be.
What To Take
Air travellers are typically given a luggage allowance of 20kg (of which 5kg can be taken into the cabin). If the bike is charged for separately it will have its own additional allowance. 20kg should be more than enough. Unless you are camping, if your bike and baggage comes close to or exceeds 20kg in total, then you should seriously reconsider what you are taking as heavy loads can become an unwieldy and tiresome burden.
Bike
Any bike fitting the criteria described earlier will suffice.
Pump
You will certainly need one if going by air. A pump with a pressure gauge is recommended.
Helmet
The wearing of cycle helmets in Spain is compulsory. They must be CE marked and made to international standards such as EN1078. There are exceptions in cases of extreme heat, prolonged climbs or on medical grounds.
Lock
A good U-bolt or cable lock removes worries over security. The weight is worth it.
Tools and spares
A well-maintained sound bike should give very little trouble on a tour. However, do expect to adjust brakes and derailleurs and to repair punctures. The odd spoke may also give way. Tools can easily be shared within a group. If going by air remember to take the tools required to dissemble and assemble your bike before and after the flight.
Puncture repair kit
Spare inner tube (one for every two in the party)
Tyre levers (10cm-long plastics ones are sufficient)
Spanner to undo the wheel (multi-head is better than adjustable as it is less likely to damage the nut) – quick-release wheels are even better
Adjustments: flat blade and Phillips screwdrivers, Allen-keys for all Allen-bolts on bike (typically 4, 5, 6 and 7mm), chain riveter/extractor, oil (3 in 1 or similar in non-aerosol container)
Spoke replacement: see above for the tools to remove wheel from bike and tyre from wheel. Replace the broken spoke but don’t tighten too much; set the wheel back in the upturned bike. Use the bike frame and brake blocks as a jig to measure any buckle. Tighten and loosen the replacement spoke using a small adjustable spanner or a spoke-nipple tool until any buckle has gone. Normally adjusting only the replacement spoke will sort out any problem. The objective is to make your bike sufficiently roadworthy to continue. Small buckles can be sorted out later by someone who has had a bit more practice.
Spares: very few spares are required. Take a spare inner tube to swap for a punctured one; the repaired one then becomes the spare. Some spokes (taped to the pannier rack); a broken spoke can easily buckle a wheel. A replacement may not make the wheel perfectly true but will be tolerable. Spare nuts and bolts just in case pannier racks or mudguard lose their means of fixing. A small roll of tape and a length of stiff wire, no use yet – but maybe someday.
Cycling clothes
Wind resistance is reduced with tighter-fitting clothing. As the weather will be perfect clothing can be kept to a minimum.
Helmet
Sunglasses: to reduce glare and keep insects and dust out of eyes
T-shirt or cycling top: avoid mesh tops which do not provide sufficient protection from the sun, and avoid dark colours that absorb the heat
Cycling shorts: proper cycling shorts are recommended as the insert is seam free and provides additional padding. Seams in shorts can be very uncomfortable after a few hours.
Cycling gloves: to protect hands in case of a fall, and to reduce vibrations leading to sore hands and wrists
Shoes: trainers are fine. Cleated shoes and matching pedals are recommended, but look for cleats that are countersunk into the sole. These shoes are multi functional.
Suntan lotion: even if it leads to nothing more complex, simple sunburn can be very painful
Spare T-shirt: to swap for the riding one when stopped for any length of time
Warm windproof gear: to avoid getting a chill when stopped. At mountain passes it is worth putting such gear on otherwise the descent can be painfully cold. If the weather isn’t perfect then lots of additional thin layers built from a thermal top base are best at keeping out the cold. Running bottoms and thermal gloves are welcome additions.
Cycling in rain can be cold and unpleasant, and once cold it is hard to get warm again. Take the following gear with you:
Reasonably lightweight but fully waterproof top: essential. If cycling at night then make sure it has reflective features to comply with the lighting regulations. On its own it will be fine for showers.
Fibre-pile fleece jacket: to wear under your waterproof top in heavy or driving rain to keep out the cold. The fibre pile is also good for retaining warmth when wet and it dries quickly
Fibre-pile hat: to wear under your helmet
Gloves: waterproof well-insulated gloves are available but can be bulky
Trousers: it’s a choice of close-knit cycling trousers which retain the warmth, uncomfortable waterproof trousers, or just accepting the cold and wet.
Non-cycling clothes
Take what you are prepared to carry, but try and be presentable; the standard of dress in most bars and restaurants is fairly high. The smart casual look is usually acceptable.
