Travel Gear - What To Bring, What To Leave Home

 

If you are going on a cycling trip or hiking trip to France, then we have some prime questions to pose to get you thinking!

Bicycles:

Do you plan to bring your own bicycle to France? Really? Why?

For starters, we understand that people are very attached to their own bicycles. If you have paid for a professional bike fit, or if you have special equipment that makes you more comfortable when you ride, then we understand why you want to bring your own ride. Consider this:

You need to buy/rent/borrow a bike box. You need to break your bike down into pieces to fit in the box. You need to pay a hefty fee to the airline you are on to carry that to Europe. If you have connections, your airline will need to route your bike on to your final destination. If you travel by train, you will have to 'schlep' your bike box and other luggage on/off the trains in a rapid manner - trains don't stop long in many places! There is very little luggage space available on TGV trains, and bike boxes are not always accepted on the TGV. (Officially, certain size boxes meet requirements, but most standard bike boxes are at the limit, and reality is you can just never be sure to have space!) When you finally reach your destination you will have to rebuild your bike to ride and then do something with your box! Whew! Then do it all again for your return trip home.

How can we help you?If you are booked on a trip with us, we can help you at orientation with your bike set up and we can help to arrange the storage of your bike box and/or transfer of the box with luggage. Supplements will apply, but know we are happy to help our customers manage their bikes. Having said that; Why not rent?!

Rentals: If you are on a Discover France tour; we are very confident in our bike quality. Of course, they are still rentals, and not capable of being fitted to your exact needs but adjusted within reason to make you as comfortable as possible. See our bike info page for details.

If you are not on our tours, well, we wish you were! But, we know some people enjoy the full experience of doing everything themselves. We can still rent bicycles only to you too. If you need other help, well, then we suggest you contact a local office of tourism for local referrals to shops who can provide the services you might need. The French Federation of Cyclotouring might also have some materials that can help - but mostly likely only in French.

Bicycle Boxes: What are the best? At the moment, we can't recommend any one brand over another. What we can suggest is this: hard sided is nice. You have to have wheels! An internal fix for your frame is a good idea! Bike bags, cardboard boxes - forget it. If you love your bike that much, then protect it, otherwise leave it home.

Couplers/Bike Fridays/Etc: these bikes that break down with couplings are are designed to fold down are perfect for travel. The box is suitcase size and fits well on the train and should pass for luggage at the airport without a fee (for size, but don't forget weight!). We can even recommend a bike builder who has been a good client over the years who will break your bike in two and fit it with couplers just so that you can travel all over to ride!

Tandems: Do you ride a tandem at home? If you don't, then don't start on your vacation! We do have some tandems available for rent on our tours, in select regions, but not everywhere and only hybrid tandems. If you bring your own tandem - all the above applies, and then some! Its a bigger bike, so all that implies! Plan in detail to break down and rebuild your tandem - especially those that come with couplings and break down into 300 pieces! Don't let your mechanic tear it all apart - do the minimum and leave your cables in tact as best as you can!

Bottom line for bringing your own ride: know your stuff! Bring your tools. Be prepared - just like the boy scouts!

Hiking Gear: It should be obvious, but there are certain gear items that need to be considered before traveling! We point out in other parts of this site and in the documents to come that fitness and training are important. Part of that for hikers is using the equipment and gear you will bring, before you come to France. New trekers, backpacks, poles, hydration packs, etc. We recommend all this gear for hiking trips, but it isn't always necessary. When we speak of backpacks, we are talking about day packs only. Treking/hiking shoes/boots should be worn in prior to travel. And, don't forget to think about the possible weather you could have. Plan for rain, wind, mud, intense sun, etc.

Of course there is more. Customers are encouraged to ask us any questions!