If you’ve ever been on a bicycle, you know that there are a lot of things that affect your riding experience. There are so many kinds of bikes, and so much different equipment! How to decide?  Well, we’ve put together some resources to help you get prepared to go on a bike tour.   The MOST IMPORTANT thing is that you have a bike that works for you, not that you have the bike that someone else tells you to get, so don’t be misled by “experts” who claim to know what’s best for you.

If you’re riding on the Road to Detroit, and you’re carrying your own stuff (self-supported), you’ll need a bicycle that supports at least a rear rack, if you decide to use panniers (saddlebags.) You can also use a bike trailer if that’s more your style or your bike doesn’t have braze-ons (places to attach a rack).

The Road to Detroit is relatively flat in terms of elevation gain – while there will definitely be some hills, in general there aren’t many significant hills.  This means that while it may be nice to have a bike with three chain rings (the rings in the front, by your pedals), you will probably not have trouble with just two chain rings (giving you ten speeds).

For more information about bike touring and the gear you’ll need, we recommend checking out Ken Kifer’s excellent pages on bike touring and camping gear, and planning a bike trip.

Group Gear: These are things you may want to have collectively, if you’re riding with a hub:

  • Cutting Knives
  • BIG pot
  • Cutting boards
  • Pan
  • stoves
  • Pans
  • Food storage containers
  • Power strip
  • Stirring spoons
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Spices
  • Dish soap
  • Scouring Pad
  • Sponges
  • Can opener
  • Matches/lighter
  • Measuring cup
  • Ziploc bags
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tin foil
  • Gas or fuel for stoves
  • lube
  • chain tool
  • chain whip
  • brake cable
  • derailleur inner cables
  • safety flags
  • Shammie butter

Cycling essentials - each rider should have these items:

  • A bicycle
  • Bicycle Helmet
  • 2 panniers
  • Bike rack (to attach the panniers to your bicycle – must be capable of supporting at least 50 pounds of weight)
  • 1 Tire patch kit (patch kit should come with patches, glue and sandpaper. Don’t buy a glue-less patch kit)
  • 1 Set of tire levers
  • 3 Spare tubes that match your tire size
  • Multi-tool or set of Allen keys
  • Allen keys/multi tools
  • Hand pump
  • 2 Water bottle cages
  • 2 One liter bicycle water bottles (can be purchased at any bicycle shop)
  • 3 Bungee cords of assorted size
  • 1 Durable bicycle cable lock
  • 1 Three liter water hydration pack (Camelbak or Platypus are two name brands)

Cycling Extras (optional)

  • Cycling computer (for tracking mileage – Cateye is one brand)
  • Rear-view mirror
  • Cycling gloves, recommended!!

Clothing Essentials

  • 2 pairs of padded Cycling Shorts
  • 4 T-Shirts (at least 3 should be synthetic/non cotton)
  • 1 Light/Medium synthetic vest
  • 1 Long-sleeved synthetic shirt
  • 1 Medium weight Fleece jacket, either zip or pullover
  • 1 Water proof jacket (essential) and waterproof pants (optional)
  • 1 Pair of medium weight Fleece pants (optional)
  • 1 Pair of regular shorts (preferably synthetic ~ NOT heavy cotton cargo pants or jean shorts)
  • 1 Quick drying swimsuit
  • 4 pairs of underwear, 2-3 Sports Bras
  • 4 pairs of socks (synthetic recommended)
  • 1 Pair of shoes for cycling (running, all-terrain, tennis or cycling specific shoes with clips are fine)
  • 1 Pair of sport sandals (Teva, Chaco or similar brand) for off bike, around camp, and swimming.
  • 1 Baseball cap or sun hat

Camping Gear

  • 1 Sleeping Bag with stuff sack
  • 1 Inflatable or closed cell foam Sleeping Pad (Thermarest is a brand name)
  • A tent if you have one – preferably under 5 pounds.
  • 1 Tupperware/Rubbermaid/plastic bowl (6” to 8” ) w/ lid and cutlery (will serve as a plate and bowl)
  • 1 Travel mug (ordinary plastic mug for hot or cold drinks)
  • 1 Small LED headlamp

Personal Items

  • Personal toiletry items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, brush/comb, etc. – pack shampoos & conditioners in small travel size bottles )
  • Small bath, camp or quick dry towel
  • Sun block
  • Lip balm (with sun protection)
  • Insect repellent

Others/Extras

  • Picture Identification: School ID, photocopy of your passport, or driver’s license
  • Medical insurance card
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Journal and/or sketchbook, pencil/pen (optional)
  • Book(s) for reading (small paperback(s) preferably)
  • Spending money