Mountain Biking Holidays Packing List
Last Updated on Wednesday, 02 February 2011 08:40
Marmot Tours Mountain Biking Holidays - Suggested Packing List
The following list has been put together to give you an idea of what to bring with you on your biking holiday.
- Bring too much rather than too little – the vans will be transporting it, not you! This list is for a 7 day trip so please adjust quantities as necessary.
- In summer we can expect to be cycling in just shorts and a short sleeved top but we also have had snow on the cols in August. Descents in low temperatures and rain can be miserably cold… It is best that you come prepared for all eventualities.
- Please note that if you are bringing your own bike, some airlines include its weight in your baggage allowance - most boxed bikes weigh about 15kg.
Accommodation: L'Alpage
Please bring a pair of slippers or inside shoes to be worn in the lodge. Towels are provided but please bring you own toiletries. Clothes washed in the evening will generally be dry by the next morning and if you buy Alan a beer he is happy to let you use his washing machine.
Bikes
If bringing your own bike, please also bring the following kit and tools:
- Helmet (must be worn at all times when on the bike)
- Water bottles / or other hydration system
- Saddle bag / small tight fitting backpack
- Biking Shoes
- Hand-pump
- Spare tubes
- Patches and Glue
- Tyre levers
- Multi tool
- Spare set of brake pads
- Bike lock optional (Every night the bikes will be put in a locked garage, but you may wish to make doubly sure…)
Marmot Tours has a track pump, and full bike tool kit. Please bring all the special pumps / tools to fit your bike if it is a full suspension one.
Hiring a Bike
If hiring a bike you will be provided with the following:
- Spare inner Tube
- Mini pump and
- Tyre levers
- Saddle bag
- 2 bottle cages (you need top bring your own bottles)
- Pedals (standard). If you wear shoes with cleats, please bring your own pedals
- Saddles: If you have a comfy one then do bring it along - no need to bring the seat post.
All bike mechanics to do with the hire bikes will be managed by the Marmot Tours team.
Please bring your own cycle helmet
There is no need for you to bring any tools with you apart from a mini pump and multi tool for use on the road.
What to carry on the bike
- Rucksack of suitable size
- Snacks / Lunch provided by Marmot Tours
- Spare tube
- Tyre levers
- Mini-pump
- Mobile phone
- Money
- Windproof top
- Sun creams
- Sun glasses
If the weather is looking as if it is going to get worse (or you are at high altitude), you will also need to carry the following at times.
- Long fingered gloves
- Hat that fits under the helmet
- Thin fleece
- Waterproof
Bike Clothes
- 3 / 4 biking tops
- 3 / 4 padded cycling shorts
- Long sleeved biking top (for sun protection)
- Long legged cycling trousers
- Short fingered gloves
- Long fingered (warm) gloves
- Hat that fits under the helmet and covers ears
- Windproof top
- Waterproof top
- Thin fleece
- Thick fleece
- Change of clothes (left in the van)
General Other Items
- Camera
- Currency
- Mobile phone (if you have one) - make sure it is unblocked to work in France.
- Personal medication / creams (not first aid - this will be carried in the guide)
- Sun lotions / sun block / after sun
- Towels are provided in hotels but you may prefer to bring your ow. Toiletries
- Sunglasses
- Evening clothing / shoes or sandals
- Swimming costume (for thermal baths / swimming pools – trip dependent)
- Insurance and EHIC card