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Your Guide to MTB Holiday Essentials

Here's our essential MTB Holiday checklist

If you’re planning on heading off on an MTB holiday or training camp this year, there are some things you’re not going to want to forget.

Preparing for an MTB holiday is exciting, but it can be a little stressful. Whether you’re venturing overseas to the Alps, or staying close to home and hitting some UK trail centres, time away on the bike means you need to take more than usual.

We’ve compiled an MTB holiday checklist so you can make sure you have everything you need for an action-packed MTB adventure.

Kit

What kit you take may depend on where you’re travelling to, and what the weather will be like out there. As a general rule, take spares whenever you can, just in case something happens to the first pair.

HELMET: Trail or full face depends on what trails you’ll be riding, and what you’re comfortable in

BODY ARMOUR: Knee, elbow, back and chest. This is more of a personal choice, but wear suitable protection to ensure your trip doesn’t end early

EYEWEAR: Sunglasses and/or goggles

SHOES: Clipless or Flats

CLOTHING: Shorts, Jerseys, Socks, waterproofs, thermals (if it’s going to be cold)

HYDRATION PACK: Ensure you have a suitable size pack for water storage and ride essentials.

TOOLS: Make sure you pack your essential trail tools such as tyre levers, multi-tool, spare inner tube, shock/tyre pump and cable ties.

Bike

Some mountain bike holidays offer bike rental which will save you the hassle of dismantling your bike, and packing it for travel. If you’re going to be renting your bike for the vacation, then it’s always a good idea to take your own saddle and pedals for your own comfort.

If you’re taking your own bike, then there are a few things you need to consider:

TRANSPORT COSTS: If you’re travelling by plane, you’ll have to let the airline know you have a bike to transport. This usually incurs charges which vary from airline to airline. There are guidelines to follow for transporting bikes, usually, you’ll need to have either a bike bag or a bike box.

INSURANCE: If you don’t already have it, get some bike insurance to protect yourself and your two-wheeled companion in case there’s any accident or damage.

BIKE SERVICE: If you are taking your own bike, ensure you service it before you go anywhere. Clean it down and check the suspension, tyre pressure, chain, gears and brakes.

Additional Essentials

Once you have the mountain bike side of your trip planned, prepared and accounted for, it’s time to round up the rest of your packing.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: If you’re travelling overseas, you’ll need your passport, flight information, booking confirmations and travel insurance documents in case of an emergency. Make sure you have emergency contact details in your possession just in case.

A Guide to Cycling Holiday Insurance

TOILETRIES: Even if you’re in the UK, sunscreen is an important item for your travels. Even if it’s cold, you won’t always notice the sun baking you. This applies to lip balms also, making sure your skin is well protected. Other toiletries to pack is insect repellent, paracetamol and prescribed medication.

ELECTRICALS: One of the most commonly forgotten things is a phone charger. Make sure you have chargers for your phone, camera and other devices, and if travelling overseas, ensure you have the correct plug socket adapter.

CASUAL CLOTHING: It goes without saying that you’re going to have some downtime after your trail shredding days, so don’t forget your casual clothes. Whatever you’re comfortable in, but also a swimsuit and evening wear, because you never know what sites are in the local area.

Like my mum always says: “It’s best to be over prepared than under prepared”.

When packing for your MTB holiday, make sure you have everything you’re going to need for a safe, comfortable and fun trip. Be sure to check weather forecasts leading up to your departure date so you can gauge clothing more easily, but always be prepared for that to change too!

However, the most important thing to take with you is a smile and sense of adventure.

You may also enjoy:

5 Wild Mountain Bike Holidays in Europe

A guide to cycling holiday travel insurance

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