Bike trips in Colombia can offer a landscape of “eternal spring,” but as the locals suggest, that spring is dynamic. Here is your essential guide to packing smart so you can focus on the ride of a lifetime.
The "On-The-Bike" Essentials
When preparing for bike touring in Colombia, your daily kit is your uniform. The golden rule is function before fashion. For our tours, we recommend two pairs of bike shorts, two biking shirts and two pairs of bike socks. You can always rinse one out in a hotel sink and have your dry one available for the next day.
● Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable: The sun at these latitudes is incredibly efficient. Long-sleeve jerseys or arm covers are highly recommended for anyone embarking on bike trips in Colombia. And if it is hot, you can get your arm covers/coolers wet and enjoy the free AC. Good sun block is a reasonable alternative, but arm covers can be more useful if it cools down on a ride. You might feel like a UV-protected bike ninja, but you’ll thank us when you aren’t peeling like a lizard by day three.
● The Pedal and Seat Dilemma: While we provide good quality rental bikes but your feet and butt can be picky. If you usually ride clipless, bring your own pedals and shoes. You are going to be more comfortable and confident if you are using your normal setup. If you have a saddle you really like, toss it in your suitcase and we can swap it out when you get here. There is no need to spend the first few days of the tour adjusting to a new saddle.
● Helmet and Gloves: A comfortable helmet is essential; gloves are a personal choice. We like them for sun and crash protection!
● Sunglasses that are comfortable for riding.
Layers: The Secret to Colombian Comfort
The geography of a bike tour in Colombia is a vertical zig-zag. You might start your morning in a misty, high-altitude chill, be cruising through a humid valley by mid-morning and climb up to the day’s high point for lunch.
● The Rain Jacket: Probably your most important piece of gear. A lightweight, breathable rain jacket is mandatory. It’s not just for the rain; it’s an excellent windbreaker for those long, sweeping descents, or just an extra layer if it is a bit chilly. Plan to keep it handy, so it is easy to put on and take off as often as will keep you comfortable.
● High Altitude and Evening Warmth: At some of our high points as well as in the evening when the sun goes down in the mountains, it can get a little chilly. A light thermal layer along with a light fleece or micro-puff is great for both keeping you warm while enjoying a delicious trout lunch at Peña Blanca (the high point between Jardin and Riosucio) and relaxing in the plaza after a long day in the saddle. Avoid anything that would take too long to dry (just in case…)
Off-The-Bike: Keeping it Casual
After six hours in spandex, the best feeling in the world is putting on “real” clothes.
● Quick-Dry is King: Bring light nylon or quick-dry short and long pants (or even better, zip off convertibles) and 2 or 3 light shirts and underwear. Prioritize clothes that pack down easily and are comfy after a day in the saddle.
● The Shoe Strategy: If you ride in cycling shoes with cleats, bring some light running shoes or sandals for the evening. If you ride in flats, bring a pair of sandals or Crocs. If your main shoes get soaked in a river crossing, you’ll be very grateful for those “emergency foam clogs.” An always dry pair of socks is nice as well!
● Bathing Suits (Optional): We often encounter stunning rivers or waterfalls and when it is hot, they are great to jump in. You can bring a suit, but frequently there is not much in the way of a place to change. Most of us just jump in wearing our bike clothes. It’s a built-in laundry cycle.
The "Don't Forget These" Details
● Ear Plugs: This is our pro tip. We select quiet, charming hotels, but Colombia is a vibrant country. Whether it’s a dedicated rooster or a distant salsa party, earplugs ensure you get the sleep your quads deserve.
● Hydration: Bring two water bottles or a hydration pack (if you are renting a bike, all of our medium and larger frames have two water bottle holders). Staying hydrated is the difference between conquering a climb and “bonking” before lunch.
● Phone/camera charger
● Toiletries, chamois butter if you use it, and needed medications (we will be near a simple pharmacy every night if you have forgotten something or need something you did not plan on). Some hotels in Colombia don’t have shampoo in the rooms.
● Small Headlight: Hopefully, you’ll never need it on the road, but it’s vital for emergencies or finding your way around a dark hotel room without waking your roommate.
● Sun block (see comments about sun above!)
● Bug repellant (optional): Mosquitoes are fairly rare where we ride, but we can encounter biting midges. For some people these bites itch for a few minutes and go away. For other folks, they are more like mosquito bites and can stick around for a week or more. If you are generally sensitive to bug bites, we encourage you to bring repellant and whatever “anti-itch” cream works for you.
Final Thoughts
Pack light, pack smart, and leave a little room in your bike bags for snacks on the road. If you are not sure about an addition or subtraction to your packing list, drop us a message. Add a sense of adventure to the gear above and you’re ready for the best cycling trip in Colombia.
See you in Jericó!
