PE 1666: Bike Touring

Bike Touring is for those who want to learn how to travel self-supported by bike. This course will cover bike touring equipment use, camping skills, route planning and bike maintenance. Skills on the bike will include road riding safety and riding with a loaded bike. Classes will include rides of 5-15 miles and the course will culminate in a two-day bike tour with overnight camping. The weekend tour may include up to 30 miles per day. Rental bikes are available for a $60 fee.

What to Wear to Class and Pack for Trip

This clothing list is intentionally specific because we want you to be safe and enjoy the out of doors. Comfort is a must when learning about the outdoor environment! Our biking courses will frequently have different weather than the Cornell campus. Expect it to be cooler. It is better to dress with layers so that you can regulate your temperature based on your activity level and changes in weather. We strongly recommend wool or polypropylene because these materials retain their insulated qualities when damp whereas cotton does not. Dressing according to this concept will increase the quality and enjoyment of your outdoor experience. 

Use the list below to also think about how to dress for your Thursday classes and day trip. You will not need to bring along all of the camping gear to each class and may not need all of your layers in each class. Your instructors will also help explain and expand on this in your first class. 

Upper Body

• 1-2 synthetic shirt or bike jerseys

• 1 long underwear top
• 1 insulating layers (fleece, wool or synthetic insulated jacket) if it’s a cold day
• 1 raincoat (waterproof)(available to rent - $4.05 for weekend trip) 
• Elbow pads (optional)

Lower Body

• 1 pair biking shorts (padded preferred) or athletic shorts 

• 1 pair insulated pants (bike or running tights. Must be tapered) (if its cold out)
• Lower body shell (rain pants)(available to rent - $3.24 for weekend trip
• 1 pair of non cotton pants for camping 
• underwear as needed
• Knee pads (optional)

Head and Hands

• Biking Helmet in good condition (free to borrow if needed)

• Sun Glasses and clear lens glasses
• 1 pair cycling gloves or other synthetic gloves with grip (can be full or partial fingered)(optional)
• mittens or warm gloves for camp (optional)
• Thin hat that will fit under the helmet incase it’s a cold day (optional)
• neck gaiter, scarf or balaclava (optional)

Feet

• 2 pair of synthetic or wool Socks 

• Biking Shoes or Firm-soled athletic shoes
• Camp Shoes (light weight and close-toe)

Bike Gear -       

• Touring Bike in good repair and fitted to you (available to rent - $60)

  • If bringing you own bike 
    • Spare tube if you bring your own Bike 
    • Rear rack fitted to your bike 
    • 2 panniers (available for free if needed)
    • tire patch kit 
    • Tire Pump (optional)
    • Bike tool (optional)
• Small day pack or hydration pack
• 2 liters of water in biking bottles or in your backpack
• Light snacks (energy bars, nuts etc.)(optional)
• Clipless pedals if you are bringing your clipless shoes (our rentals have flats)(optional)
• Bike Lock (optional)

Personal Camping Gear 

• Sleeping Bag with Stuff sack (20 Degree) (available for rent -Free)

• Sleeping Pad (thermarest or closed cell ensolite pad) (available for rent - Free)
• Headlamp with spare batteries (available for rent - $4.86)
• Cup 
• Bowl (Tupperwear with lid works great!)
• Spoon
• Chapstick
• sunscreen
• toothbrush and tooth paste (travel size is best)
• Tampons/pads 
• Contacts/solution/glasses
• Prescription medication (let instructors know)
• Camera (optional)
• Small soap and towel (optional)
• bug spray (optional)
• Cash for snacks (optional)