Mountain Biking and Bicycle Touring


 

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adventurECO offers a wide variety of mountain biking and bike touring opportunities for cycling enthusiasts. Bike treks include a combination of on-road and off-road sections ranging from paved roads to technical, single track trails. Additional activities can easily be incorporated into bicycling treks to create unique multi-sport and cultural treks.

Fitness Level and Cycling Proficiency
All bike treks require a certain level of cycling proficiency and fitness and are generally not for beginners. Trekkers should have the physical and technical biking abilities to navigate a range of environments and terrain. Trekkers must also be able to lift and carry his/her bike as  necessary (e.g., stream crossings, rugged terrain, loading onto supplemental transport). 

Accommodation and Food
Although itineraries will vary, accommodations on most bike treks consist primarily of local guest houses. Food consists of local fare taken is local eateries and establishments. If trek itinerary involves primitive camping or other accommodations, packing lists will be confirmed during the trek preparation. In primitive camping conditions or remote locations, food will be prepared or acquired based on available local resources. In larger cities and towns, greater choice in food and accommodation is available.

Supplemental Transport
Bike treks generally consist of daily biking between villages, towns, and other destinations. Supplemental transport, when required, may include all means of available transportation, public and private, including bus, truck, boat, train or foot. Many of our bike treks venture to remote destinations, often some distance away from modern amenities and infrastructure.  Due to a range of factors - the remoteness of many destinations, our operating principle of adventure travel that is culturally and ecologically sensitive, and the general nature of adventure trekking, bicycle treks are not fully vehicle supported. 

Equipment and Packing
Equipment needs for bike and/or multisport treks will vary based on itinerary. However, for biking treks, trekkers should pack light.  As with all adventure travel, do not bring anything you feel you cannot live without. If the trek itinerary requires other activity-specific equipment, adventurECO will work with trekkers to ensure all equipment needs are covered. Click on the Trek Preparation link for basic equipment to pack for any trek. Final packing instructions will be sent  at least one month prior to the departure date. General biking equipment needs include:

* Bicycle and Helmet
To ensure comfort, proper fit, and familiarity, trekkers are responsible for bringing his or her own bicycle and helmet. The transportation infrastructure, remoteness of destinations,  and terrain, necessitates a durable, low-maintenance bicycle. As such, a decent quality, well-maintained mountain bike is the best option (road bikes and hybrids generally are not suitable for adventure biking treks).  Super expensive, high-end, high maintenance mountain bikes are not recommended.

* Pedals and Shoes
While many cyclists prefer a clipless pedal/shoe system, they generally are not ideal for other activities (hiking, nightlife, etc.) Pedals with old school toes clips (a.k.a. standard cage)  and a pair of mid-weight cross-trainers or hiking boots are recommended, as they can be worn for multisport activities, in addition to biking,  A pair of sport sandals should also be packed for stream crossings, use in restrooms and showers, relaxing, etc.)
* Tool Kit and Spare Parts
adventurECO trek leaders maintain a basic tool kit and a limited number of spare parts. Trekkers should also pack a few spare parts as they will likely not be available in country. Spare parts kit should include a tube patch kit, two extra tubes, one extra tire (foldable), patch kit, rear derailleur, one break cable, one gear cable and necessary wrenches, and pump.
* Backpack
A medium sized backpack (e.g., daypack, day and a half pack, overnight pack), that can be worn while biking, strapped to a bicycle rack or stuffed into a pannier) should be brought to carry basic supplies and provisions on bike treks. It is not practical to carry large, cavernous backpacks on bike treks (larger packs and other gear for multisport treks can be stored in a secure location and retrieved upon completion of bike trek). 
* Bicycle Rack
A sturdy, rear-mounted bicycle rack capable of carrying your backpack or other gear is a useful addition to your mountain bike. A bike rack is necessary if you intend to use panniers.
* Panniers
Panniers are a good option for carrying gear without a backpack. A bike rack is necessary if you intend to use panniers.
* Bicycle Travel Case
Required to transport bicycle on International flights. Universal cases fit most mountain bikes.
*Clothing
Lightweight, quick-drying clothing that can be layered for use in a wide range of outdoor activities is recommended.

Bicycle and Travel Gear
Bike Nashbar - www.nashbar.com
Campmor.com - www.campmor.com
Performance Bicycle - www.performance.com