Over the past few years, the culinary and cocktail scene in Austin has boomed, allowing visitors to delight in a range of cuisines and experiences. The town is lively, energetic and embraces an alternative lifestyle. Somewhere to go, something to do, and something to taste is out there! There is a reason why it has recently become one of the most popular millennial destinations to move to. Eating and drinking are taken very seriously by Austinites. You'll be overwhelmed with choice when it comes to accommodation options here with Affordable AirBnBs in Austin, Texas, whether you're here to experience the Live Music Capital of the World or indulge in some down-home Texas fun.
One unique way to explore the city’s diverse gastronomic variety is by going on an Austin bike tour with Bike and Brew ATX. We are Austin's premier city and libation adventure! Our bike tours offer visitors a bike of their own and a unique way to experience the city's sights, sounds, and flavors. Rides range in duration, location, and difficulty, but share a focus on some of the best sites of Austin as well as the finest breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Through the eyes of their passionate and knowledgeable guides, the city is brought to life.
Looking to sign up for a bike tour but don’t know what to prepare for your adventure? By being able to pack light and ride unburdened, it makes the trip much more pleasant. Here are the best tips in packing lightly for your bike adventures.
Photo courtesy of Upsplash.
Travel Considerations
Make sure you have travel insurance, as it is a good safety precaution when going somewhere new. Before you book a bike tour, first look into a good place to stay as you are going to be exploring a lot. Ready to explore Texas' trendiest city? This southern hotspot has everything and everything you could possibly imagine.
Packing Light
Packing light not only saves you money (and not just checked baggage fees) and time, it gives you flexibility in your itinerary and ground transportation options, allows you to move more easily around the world, and is more environmentally friendly. But light packing isn't always easy. We always feel compelled to fill our bags, no matter how big or small our bags are. Remember that you don't necessarily need more things for long trips. In fact, for every trip we take, the core of our packing list (passport, phone, chargers, water bottle, book, comb, travel pillow, etc.) remains the same. Here are some simple tips for packing light when going on a bike adventure to make the most out of your trip.
Photo by Marek Piwnicki.
What to wear?
Nothing can ruin a perfect bike ride more quickly than not being dressed properly for the weather. In our riding experience, having the correct combination of clothing can make all the difference. Cycling clothes typically consist of bike shorts, bike jerseys, bike socks, and bike gloves that are designed to be stretchy for freedom of movement and to provide cushioning, eliminate friction and reduce moisture with incorporated padding. Cycling shoes have rigid soles to increase pedaling efficiency and to protect your feet from the sustained pedaling pressure, which is great, but make sure they have some flexibility, particularly near the toes, if you also plan to use them as off-the-bike shoes.
In terms of on-the-bike clothes and off-the-bike clothes, but as far as possible, bring clothes that can serve as both. For protection from the sun's rays, many riders swear by a light, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirt. Layering is the ticket when it gets chilly. Keep your waterproof shell layers readily accessible while riding if the weather looks threatening. However, if you don’t feel like going for the full gear on your day tour and want a more casual attire, look for lightweight, (i.e. non-bulky), and versatile clothes. Light breathable clothes like synthetic fabrics are not only the most breathable and quick-drying, they can also be the easiest to pack. The worst fabric to ride in is cotton and denim.
When packing them in your bag, roll clothes to eliminate air and reduce wrinkles. You also want to prepare for weather rain or shine, as bike tours will continue no matter the weather. Pack a light raincoat for the rain, and sunglasses for when it’s sunny out. The seasons tend to be followed by Austin, but it never gets too cool. With temperatures reaching above the hundreds in August and September, summers are extremely hot. Around October, fall sets in, and the air get a little milder.
Most importantly, for a city bike tour, wear whatever you are most comfortable in and won’t get caught in the wheels or the spokes.
Packing the Essentials
In case the tour doesn’t have helmets provided, it’s good to bring your own just in case. A water bottle of your own to stay hydrated. Have some money on your for when you feel like buying something at a stop. Keep your charger, extra batteries, and adaptors handy for your phone and camera. And importantly, a first-aid kit, because you never know what might happen on your trip. In a detachable handlebar bag, fanny pack, or tiny backpack, keep your wallet, camera, and often-used items and always take them with you when you leave the bike.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay.
Organizing tips
Whether you're looking for a small bag to carry your lunch, one that includes a padded laptop pocket, or something that can carry a bunch of gear for a lunch ride at midday it’s a good idea to invest in a spacious cycling backpack for these kinds of trips. For easy opening, many cycling packs are lightweight, waterproof, and feature a roll top.
To optimize space make use of an organizer like packing cubes and stuff sacks to make the most of small spaces. Organize your items, and make packing and unpacking a lot easier. Put small items (small electronics, socks, etc.) inside hollow items (shoes, bottles, or hats). You don’t want any dead space in your bag, so make sure everything is compact and fits well.
Put a waist pack around you or a small day pack. Bring a small packable day pack that you can bust out when you go exploring somewhere by foot or stop at a restaurant, even if you have a backpack with all your possessions in it. You don't have to leave valuables behind or take the backpack off each time that way.