Bike: Just bring what you already have. Don’t get new bikes unless you are planning a cross-country expedition.
Panniers/Trailer: I highly recommend a sturdy bike rack (about $30 to $40) with square 5-gallon buckets bolted onto the rack. This is your cheapest option. Panniers made from waterproof nylon/cordura are also great, but pricier. If you want to bring a lot of gear ( sometimes a necessity when travelling with younger kids) a bike trailer is perfect. Also, having the stronger bikers in the group tow a bit more gear improves group dynamics as it slows them down a bit and keeps everyone at the same pace.
Handlebar Bags/Under-seat Bags: These are essential for the small items that you will use all day: sunscreen, maps, camera, phone, wallet. I carry all of our tools and patch kit in a small case under my seat.
Bike Tools: You will need, at the very least, a tube patch kit, small adjustable wrench, screwdrivers (regular and phillips), allen wrench set, extra batteries, spare tubes, tire levers, and spare hex-head bolts. A squeaky chain will drive you nuts on a long ride, so bring some chain lube.
Maps: Bring very detailed map printouts. Cell phone coverage can’t be relied upon. The beauty of a bike trip is being able to take the back roads, which won’t show up on a standard highway map. Get USGS or similar detailed maps of the area you will be in, or make copies of a good quality gazetteer. If you are really on top of things, you can laminate them ahead of time.
Bungee Cords: Can’t have enough of these to keep everything battened down and strapped on your bike.
Ziplocks and Trash Compactor Bags: Dry campers are happy campers. Ziplocks and trash compactor bags (extra-thick trash bags) can be used to line your buckets or panniers and will add an extra layer of waterproofing to keep your sleeping bag, food and clothes dry. Nothing ruins an experience like being cold and wet. But sitting in your warm tent in a dry sleeping bag, listening to the rain outside is awesome. The difference between the two experiences is good waterproofing!
Sarongs: I know this one sounds a bit weird, but after years of trial and error, we’ve found these lightweight rayon wraps can be used for just about anything on camping trips. They serve as a towel that absorbs well and dries in minutes, a picnic blanket, tablecloth, wraparound skirt for trips to the campground shower, a makeshift shade on a sunny day, even an emergency sling.
Zip Ties and Duct Tape: With these along, you can fasten just about anything that comes unfastened.
10 essentials:
Navigation: Map and compass and knowledge how to use them.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen and shades.
Insulation: Non-cotton, insulating layers. Fleece, poly-pro or wool are best.
Illumination: Just going out for a day ride? Still bring a headlamp and bike light. You don’t know what is going to happen out there.
First Aid: Bring a small backcountry first aid kit on every trip.
Fire: Lighter and fire starting material.
Nutrition: In addition to lunch, bring emergency food: energy bars, trail mix, dried fruit or jerky.
Hydration: You should be drinking all day as you read--at least two quarts per person. But as you won’t be in the backcountry, you can just carry one quart bottle per person since you can refill as you go.
Shelter: Tent for overnight trips.
Tools: I never go an adventure without a lighter, Swiss Army knife or multi-tool, 50 feet of parachute cord, and duct tape. With these items along you can handle almost any situation.
