Gear List

Your steel soulmate

A Performing and Cycling Tour rides between 15 to 100km per day. In two months you will cover over 1500km. A 9 Day Shift rides 15-60km per day and covers about 300km in nine days. No matter which tour you join, you and your bike will be traveling in all weather, fully loaded. You should ensure it is well-fitted and runs smoothly and reliably. Not sure if your bike is tour worthy? Take it to a reputable bike mechanic or bike shop and ask their opinion (let them know that you’ll be on the road for two months, and cycling between 15 and 100 km a day with gear strapped to it). Here are a few pointers:

• Size: Check out this article to learn how to choose the right sized bike. Take your bike to a shop to be adjusted to your body, and for a tune-up before the tour.
• Gearing: You will be pedaling yourself, your bike, your gear and on some days a trailer with group gear in it. Terrain varies from flat-ish to hilly to mountainous, depending on the tour route, but all team members will benefit from a triple chain ring. Having an extra low gear allows you to pedal up hills when fully loaded (the alternative is walking up the hills, sometimes with a friend dismounting to push your trailer to the summit).
• Tires: You can use knobby mountain tires (you'll get sweet traction off pavement), but we recommend slicks (smooth tires intended for city biking) or hybrid slicks (smooth down the centre, knobby on the sides). Slicks are much (much!) easier to bike with, especially loaded down. Most riding will be on paved roads.
• Fenders: Optional, but you'll really appreciate them every time it rains.
• Aero bars: Optional, but highly recommended. These handy devices allow you to lean on your handlebars with your forearm, giving your wrists a break. Many team members swear by them.

Bike stuff

• Bike rack: Aluminum may be really light, but it breaks easily and is hard to repair. Steel is preferable.
• Bike lock: Cable locks are really versatile, but easier to break into. U-locks recommended.
• Panniers: 40 to 50 Litre saddle bags are good. The bigger they are, the more you can fit into them, but also the heavier a load you have to carry. Some models are more waterproof than others or offer a slip-on waterproof cover. A small handle-bar pannier is also handy for easy access items.
• Bike computer (optional): Some folks find it's handy to know how fast they are going, and how far they’ve cycled.
• Bungee cords or straps: For securing your baggage to the rack. Just don't get them caught in your spokes!
• Chain lube and a rag

Mandatory Safety Gear 

• Helmet: Certified by CSA or other standards organization, to be worn at all times when cycling.
• Bright orange construction-type “SEE ME” vest or bright and reflective clothing to be worn at all times when cycling.
• Bike lights (white for front and red for the back)
• Reflectors (white for front and red for the back), including white reflective tape on the forks
• Bike mirror: Mounted on your helmet or handlebar.
• Bike bell
• Basic bike repair kit, including
• multi-tool
• tire levers - plastic tire levers are light and inexpensive but may snap; metal ones are more durable
• tire patch kit
• bike pump - make sure the pump can accommodate the type of valve you use… most pumps do both Presta and Schrader valve systems
• two (2) extra tire tubes - make sure they fit your tire and the valve hole in your wheel rim
• extra spokes for your front and back wheels - they may be different sizes
• Basic first aid kit that includes
•  antiseptic
• bandaids
• moleskin recommended
• Map(s) in a plastic bag: Minimum level of detail being a provincial road map
• Water bottles: To carry 3-4L of water (Camelbacks or other hydration packs can be handy, but aren’t absolutely necessary). Your body will thank you!
• Phone card: For emergencies, if you don't carry a cell phone.

Camping gear

• Sleeping bag: Think small but warm.
• Inflatable sleeping pad: Highly recommended for warmth as well as resting those weary muscles.
• Tent, waterproof fly, and groundsheet: (Note: many team members choose to share a tent, so check in with your other teammates before investing in one for the tour.) 
• Plastic bags: Optional, but they can help with waterproofing things like your sleeping bag, and your last clean pair of socks when riding in wet weather.

Grub

• Reusable container: This will be your meal dish for the entire tour. It's especially handy if your container has a sealable lid to carry your midday meal.
• Fork, spoon, knife
• Reusable and unbreakable mug: Perhaps with a lid if you like wandering around with your morning coffee.

Clothing
Cotton and hemp aren’t good choices, especially in wet weather; they take forever to dry and don’t hold heat when wet. Wool and polar-fleece generally will retain some heat even if soaking wet. Polyester is a good choice. Your clothes should be easy to clean and dry, compact when packing, darker colors as dirt doesn’t show as easily, and lightweight. You’ll be biking and performing so your clothes should be versatile.

• Bike shoes or stiff soled shoes such as a good pair of running shoes (soft shoes can cause cramping)
• Bike gloves
• 1 pair long pants
• 1-2 pairs bike shorts (the cushioned bums and spandex might feel weird at first, but you’ll grow to love them!)
• 1 pair thermal underwear (even for chilly nights on summer tours)
• 1 long sleeve biking shirt
• 1 medium weight long sleeve shirt
• 1 fleece/sweater/compact jacket
• 2-3 t-shirts/tank tops (you’ll get an Otesha t-Shirt too)
• 3-4 pairs underwear
• 2-3 pairs light socks
• 1 pair warm socks
• Pajamas
• Toque (even for chilly nights on summer tours)
• Rain pants and jacket
• Mitts/gloves (spring or fall tours)
• Sunscreen
• Personal hygiene (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, comb/hairbrush, soap, shampoo/conditioner, shaving)
• Bathing suit (for random roadside swimming adventures)
• Towel (compact; sarongs are also very absorbent, dry fast, compact, and can also serve as skirts, dresses, head scarves, bedsheets and 1001 other things!)
• Sandals for hot weather and public showers
• Insect repellent / bug jacket

And anything else you want to bring along… BUT you should note that each team member will be carrying everything they bring with them, so pack light!