A bikepacking journey involves countless variables, and unexpected events can occur along the way. To minimize risk, increase your chances of success, and ensure a pleasant journey, we’ve poured all our experience of over 10 years into this list of recommendations. Follow these tips to have a perfect cycling adventure from start to finish.
BICYCLE TOURING: TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SUCCESSFUL BICYCLE TRIP
BICYCLE TOURING: TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SUCCESSFUL BICYCLE TRIP
LUGGAGE
- Avoid heavy and bulky objects. An even weight distribution is very important.
- Pack only the essentials, taking into account the number of days you’ll be cycling. Travel light.
- Dress in layers. Try to wear quick-drying, lightweight, and functional clothing.
- Always carry cash. Remember that campsites and supply stores don’t usually accept credit cards.
- We do not allow departures with big, bulky or heavy hiking backpacks. It is dangerous, uncomfortable and inconvenient. Always use panniers or trailer to take your belongings.
- Always bring a compact lightweight sleeping bag and a towel. Check if your accommodations provide bed linen.
PLANNING
- Plan the stages, accommodations and logistics, leaving a margin of time for contingencies and unforeseen events.
- Check different weather forecasts before you leave. Cold, head wind, and rain will slow you down and significantly increase the difficulty of your journey.
- Try to find your ideal travel pace. 40 to 50 km per day is a good distance. Study the elevation profiles and the type of terrain you’ll be riding on.
- Planning stages longer than 60km is very risky. Overconfidence often leads to catastrophic mistakes, jeopardizing your trip, your bike, and your physical safety.
- If the weather conditions are too bad, seek shelter and continue when it improves. Try to be flexible with your itinerary and route.
- Your camping gear should be lightweight and appropriate for the climate and geography of the area you plan to explore.
MECHANICS AND MAINTENANCE
- Take a 15-minute ride before starting your trip. Make sure you’re comfortable on the bike. Test the brakes, gears, and the bike’s overall condition. It’s easier to make repairs beforehand than during your trip.
- Before you leave, test the tire pump. Make sure your tools, puncture repair kit, and spare inner tube are in good condition. Check your tire pressure.
- Learn how to fix a flat tire and a broken chain. It’s very simple, and knowing this can save your trip. Download a tutorial if you think it’s necessary.
- Inspect your bicycle, panniers, and luggage rack every day before starting your ride. If you find any problems, try to repair them, even if only temporarily. Seek mechanical assistance or call our emergency number.
- Practice shifting gears smoothly and skillfully. Avoid shifting gears on climbs or while applying excessive force to the pedals. This is key to keeping your chain intact and the drivetrain functioning properly throughout your ride.
- If you mistreat your bike, you probably won’t get very far. Descend slowly on gravel roads. Riding loaded at high speed over uneven terrain can damage your wheel, rack, panniers, or even the frame.
- You should keep your bicycle’s drivetrain clean and lubricated, especially on long rides. This will prevent damage and premature wear of the components.
BODY CARE
- Stay hydrated, eat healthily, start your day early, and try to finish your rides before 4 p.m. This will give you time for muscle recovery in the afternoon. Start the day with at least 1.5 liters of water.
- Don’t push your body to the limit, or you won’t be able to continue the next day. This often happens when you plan excessively long stages or stages with a lot of elevation gain.
- Remember to stretch before and after each stage. Take care of your body; it’s the engine of your journey.
Take short 15-minute breaks every 10km. Don’t let your body cool down during your ride.
- Don’t push your body to the limit, or you won’t be able to continue the next day. This often happens when you plan excessively long stages or stages with a lot of elevation gain.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY…
- “Whoever rushes in Patagonia wastes time, because here the only thing that runs is the wind.” (A reminder to enjoy the scenery beyond average speed or daily distance traveled).
- Enjoy the experience. Traveling by bike isn’t easy. It requires willpower and perseverance. A bike trip isn’t a race, it’s a learning process.
- Read these tips again, and be sure to follow them carefully if you want your trip to be a success. Listen to our staff’s recommendations. Take a picture of this information so you always have it handy.
TRAVELLING WITH E-BIKE
- Keep in mind that an electric bike is statistically more likely to break down than a regular bicycle. An electrical failure is very difficult to fix while you’re out riding.
- There are few charging points in Patagonia. Make sure you have electricity at the end of each day.
- An e-bike weighs almost twice as much as a regular bike, making it more difficult to maneuver and requiring additional skill from the rider to ride safely and efficiently.
- The torque of an electric motor is very high. Shifting gears roughly, at high power, uphill, or while standing on the pedals can cause severe damage to the chain, derailleur, sprocket, or motor.
- Do not submerge the motor or battery underwater. If you must cross a stream, do so on foot, carrying the bicycle on your shoulder. Charge the battery in a dry environment. Do not leave the bicycle under the rain. Make sure the bicycle is dry before turning it on. If the charger is wet, do not plug it in.
- Select low assist modes to maximize range. Maintain a high cadence at all times. Pedaling in high gears with a low cadence and high power output could damage the bike. Make sure you understand this concept before setting off. Our staff can explain this point if you don’t understand it.
- Never touch the chain or gears while the power is on. If the motor activates, you could suffer serious hand injuries. Turn off the bicycle before touching the transmission.
- An e-bike doesn’t simplify your journey. On the contrary, it requires more planning and logistics. It’s more difficult to maneuver on uneven terrain, and you can’t pedal for very long if the battery runs out.
ACCESSORIES SHOULD I BRING?
This depends on the type of route, the geography, the weather, and the number of days you’ll be traveling. Visit our “WHAT TO PACK” section to make sure you don’t forget any essential items.