Our helpful guide to what you’ll need
It’s nearly time for your trip and some final preparation will ensure that everything goes to plan. To help you prepare we’d like to share our top tips about things you should bring & consider so that you’re well equipped both on and off the bike. There’s also an overview of the items we’ll provide during your trip so you don’t have to worry about them.
We strongly recommend that several weeks before your trip you have your bike serviced to ensure it’s in perfect working order for your holiday. There’s nothing quite like riding on a smooth, clean and well maintained bike not to mention the fact that it avoids any nasty surprises along the way. For most of our trips where mountains are involved we recommend riding with a compact chain set (50/34) and an 11/30 or 11/32 rear cassette. Here are some things to have a think about ahead of your holiday:
It’s good to pack for all weather conditions and eventualities. There’s something special knowing that you’ll be able to change into something warmer or cooler as the conditions dictate especially as the support vehicle will be carrying it for you. Layers are key to your comfort so having a selection of base layers, a light weight wind proof jacket and gilet in your bag can make a big difference. Here are our recommendations but please let us know if you need any help with clothing choices.
It’s highly likely that you’ve been riding a lot in preparation for your trip. During this time you’ll have been using energy products that you not only like but that your body will tolerate. Our support vehicle will be stocked with high quality top up sports nutrition bars, gels, fruits, snacks, drinks and recovery products however we always recommend that you bring your own as it’s what you and your body have become used to. If you have any specific dietary needs we are always happy to pick these up for you. Here are the key things to consider bringing:
We strongly recommend checking your passport expiration date as soon as you have confirmed your place on the trip. Keep in mind that the majority of places you’re likely to visit will need your passport to be valid for at least 6 months.
During some trips we cross borders between countries and on these days as a precaution we carry your passports securely in the support vehicle. If you’re unsure about any travel arrangements don’t hesitate to let us know so that we can help you with your plans. Here are the things you’ll need:
Cycling involves lots of amazing kit but to make your life as easy as possible it’s a good idea to travel as light as you can. You should bring a soft holdall as your main luggage as opposed to a hard suitcase where possible.
In addition to your main luggage bringing a small day bag will ensure you have easy access to the spare clothes and nutrition you may need for each day’s ride. We’ll ensure you have easy access to this in the support vehicle.
Our hotels are chosen with a view to them being a very relaxing place for you to stay. In the evenings it is usual for most hotels to request men to wear long trousers (smart jeans are okay) for dinner as opposed to very casual sports clothing. For women dresses, skirts and trousers or smart jeans are the norm. It’s always pretty relaxed!
Outside of meal times you might like to consider bringing along comfortable trainers or walking shoes so that you can explore the local area in comfort. Having a water proof jacket can also be advantageous in mountainous areas. The sun can be very strong even in the early summer so you might like to bring a hat of some description.
We want you to come and enjoy riding your bike so there are many things that we provide so that you don’t have to think about them. Of course some of these items you might like to bring yourselves if you have specific needs.
Peace of mind is important, having holiday travel insurance is mandatory for every one of our trips. You can never plan for the unexpected however having travel insurance in place will help deal with the majority of unforeseen circumstances before and during your trip. It’s is for this reason that travel insurance is mandatory for all of our trips and we strongly recommend sorting it out as a part of your booking process. We hope it doesn’t happen to you but sadly at times people do get injured or become ill in the build up to a trip and it’s good to know that not only your holiday with us is covered but also other costs such as your flights.
Another consideration is having a policy in place to cover your bike. Bikes are often not covered to anywhere near their value as part of even a good travel insurance policy so it’s something you might like to consider investigating. We have an excellent relationship with Yellow Jersey who provide both travel and bike insurance packages tailored to holidays like the ones we run at Colconquerors.
You never can be 100% sure what the weather will bring and this is especially true in mountainous regions where weather can be very different from valley to valley and at differing altitudes. We have lived, worked and played in the mountains for over a decade and there can sometimes be a surprise or two!
If you prepare well the vast majority of situations can be dealt with to keep you safely on the road which is of paramount importance to us. If there’s ever anything you need help with in relation to packing for the conditions just ask.
There are a multitude of weather apps and web sites available most of which do quite a good job of contradicting each other at times! We have found that the following web site Windy.com and app for iPhone or Android is about as good as it gets…
03 June 2023