Pactour Tips "Do's and Don't's"

Use sunblock, the stuff works.  Use enough.  Reapply several times daily.

Use Polar bottles.  They work.  Easy to scoop ice in also.  If frame size is too small, use the smaller Polar bottles, they hold 20% less volume and are 1/2 the size.  Also if frame size is too small use the Arundel Side Entry bottle cages.  They are great.

If you plan to get new stuff - bike, drivetrain, wheels, etc get it before Pactour.  No fun figuring out how to replace or fix broken stuff when you are riding 130 miles a day and are tired all the time.

Bring 15 tubes, 20 CO2's, 3-4 extra tires.  Ship stuff like that UPS ground to the start hotel (can't ship CO2's via air.

Ride 700x28 tires (ie Conti GP 4 seasons.)  They flat less, wear longer and are more comfortable.  If you are unde 170lbs or have frame issues use 700/25.

Put a taillight on your bike.  You will feel safer on rainy days or dark mornings.

Try sandals.  If they are comfortable you may wear them for the whole tour.

Bring extra chain, seatpost clamps, pedals, bike computer, anything you know may break or be a problem.

Bring a raincoat.  If you can ride with a saddlebag big enough keep it in there (along w/ extra tubes, tools, CO2's.)

Bring and use lots of chamois creams.  Use Assos in the AM, Chamois butter will be at the rest stops.  Bring extra.  Bring A&D ointment for chafing and Beaudro's butt paste or Desitin for nights.

If you have alot of electronics - ie cell phone, ipod, camera, computer, cycle computer bring a "Squid" outlet strip.  1 plug and you throw it all in your bag each am.

Bring 3-4 jersies (Pactour will give you one.)  Bring 4-5 pairs of shorts (different brands which you like and have good chamois.)

Do laundry, not washing in your sink. This is a big and expensive endeavor.  With the ubiquitousness of MRSA today, you don't want to get a groin abscess and have to abandon.

Shower immediately after you ride and each morning.  Again MRSA can take you out.

Bring a 2nd pair of cycling shoes.  After your butt, foot comfort will make or break you.

Don't bring alot of clothes.  You really only need 1 pair of trousers (or none) 2 pairs of shorts, 1 T-shirt (Pactour ends up giving you 2.)  You will wear whatever is on the top of your suitcase (ie what you wore last night) each day after you shower.

Ride with different people every day.  Talk to people.

Stop when someone has a flat or mechanical.  It is a little break.  It makes them feel good and you will appreciate it when someone stops with you.  Embrace the fellowship of the riding.

Ride easy most days, ride hard some days.  Mix it up.

Listen to Lon and Susan.  Their advice is spot on 100% of the time.

Relax and have fun each day.  The time goes quick.