What to bring

If you are coming to the Biketour, here are some things that you might find useful (and we think are essential):

Bike stuff

• ... a bike - read more here: FAQ#Bikes
• A bike helmet if you want (in some countries it is unfortunately mandatory - see http://www.cyclehelmets.org/1068.html for a pro argument and http://helmetfreedom.org/helmet-research/ for one against mandatory helmet laws - there are more arguments against helmets for cyclists per se)
• A puncture repair kit, spare tubes and bike pump
• other spare parts, like spokes with correct size for your wheel, special tools if your bicycle needs them
• A bike lock (and key for it!)
• Bikelights, back and front (we try not to cycle in the dark, but if we do - cars will NOT expect you. There might also be tunnels!)
• Panniers to carry your stuff in, carrying a backpack is no fun at all!
• Cycling clothes for all types of weather (but take as little clothes possible) - light colored, synthetic clothes preferred to resist sun and sweat, bright/strong/reflective clothes handy to 'be noticed' by motorized traffic)

Electronics

• A flashlight/torch, ideally a headlight
• If you bring a mobile phone, don't forget your charger/cable
• If your devices need batteries, bring rechargeable ones. (We'll try to have a collective charger for the whole tour)

Everyday stuff

• A container to keep maps dry
• Water container, it's gonna be hot so this one is important! (min. 1 litre)
• Swimming stuff, Towel
• Organic (biodegradable/non-polluting) soap, shampoo and toothpaste (We can also try to buy bigger collective amounts)
• Sun cream, sunglasses, long sleeved shirts, hat
• Waterproof jacket
• At least a pair of toe covered shoes (for safety reasons when we help out with construction work and for the bad weather days)
• Medication you (might) need
• Plate or Bowl, cup & cutlery
• first aid kit

Sleeping equipment

• A tent (it's usually possible to share... try to manage this beforehand on the wiki, mailing list or social media though often you can arrange things spontaneously)
• Sleeping bag & mat

Bureaucracy and immaterial stuff

• Valid ID (like a passport; check the requirements for people with your citizenship for every country you will go through!)
• You might need a Visa
• Money - in 2012, Biketour costs around € 5 per day, and you might want to buy stuff yourself.
• Vegan recipes for pot meals on the campfire, some herbs & spices you like

Sharing camping equipment

• Here you can list Needed or extra camping equipment...

what you could bring

(please let us know, so we know who will bring what)

• Maps of the region
• A camera (check already if you can upload to our gallery; don’t forget cables/chargers!)
• A video camera (don’t forget cables/chargers!)
• Good chopping knives (preferably foldable or with a protected blade)
• A book or other reading material that you wish to share with participants (it's nice to share stories and ideas in the fire light). See also: 2013 Media Library
• a small shovel
• specialized medical equipment in case you have
• specialized bike tools
• a spare phone & charger for BT and prepaid SIM cards for different countries’ phone networks
• musical instruments and songbooks, circus things, games
• USB sticks with movies – especially related to the BT ethos (environmental, community, …) or the theme (with subtitles in many different languages!)
• A small laptop/netbook or any mobile device to go online from time to time, communicate with arriving people and feed our DIY (biketour) media

Get prepared

• Inform yourselves about vaccination and/or other protective requirements (2013 route area: ticks!!!!)
  • Note that vaccinations can be requirements for certain visas for certain citizens!
  • Keep in mind that some vaccinations consist of multiple shots and need to be arranged a longer time before the departure!