Important Items to Bring Along When Cycling in Boundary Country

It can be difficult to imitate the majesty of cycling. The piston-pump of the legs, the smooth silence of the bike, the friction-free feeling of floating across terrain—it’s quite a thrill.

Especially here in Boundary Country, with beautiful rolling mountains and hundreds of kilometres of converted railway providing historic journeys across sweeping vistas. Who wouldn’t want to explore this incredible region on two wheels?

That being said, plenty can go wrong on a bike trip. Best to be prepared so one can focus on the fun. The Woodfin Company gathered this list of a few key things you probably shouldn’t hop on two wheels without.

“Important Items When Cycling” is part of Explorer’s Guide to Boundary Country, an ever-expanding resource published by the Midway Advance online and in print. Explorer’s Guide equips you with a complete toolkit to maximize fun, discovery, and safety across all seasons and activities throughout the region.

The Flat Fundamentals: In most cases the worst thing that happens on a ride is you pop a flat. To handle this you’ll want a patch kit, two tire levers and a hand-pump, as well as a spare inner tube in case the damage is irreparable.

Chamois and Cream: Many new cyclists find road riding uncomfortable, specifically the bicycles, and in particular the saddle. A proper bike fit is crucial, but it’s also important when riding on the road to wear a chamois, which places multiple densities of foam between groin and bike saddle. Level up this necessity with optional but effective “chamois cream,” which minimizes friction and discomfort.

Bike Multi-Tool: There are bike-specific multi-tools on the market which turn your palm into a handy workshop. Critical features such as Allen keys allow you to make fixes and adjustments on your bike mid-trip, which can make or break the success of a ride.

Cycling Hat and Goggles: Again, gear designed specifically for road cycling does offer an edge. Cycling hats have short brims, which can typically be flexed upward, allowing for protection from the sun without affecting visibility, even in aerodynamic positions. Sport goggles feature technology such as anti-fog, which makes our sweat less of an issue.

Jersey and Saddle bag: With your bottles of water sheathed in their bottle cages, what about everything else? Cycling jerseys feature one to three mesh or zippered pockets for at-hand items like food, while a saddle bag offers subtle storage without creating major wind drag.

Bonus: Water. Obvious but essential. It can get quite hot in Boundary Country, so bring more than you think you may need.

Now get those wheels spinning and enjoy your ride!

This content is sponsored by Woodfin & Co, a Great Canadian Wellness brand based in Boundary Country, BC.