Two Things You Absolutely Need on a Long-Distance Bicycle Tour

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Loaded Specialized Diverge touring bike with a bright yellow BOB trailer parked at a roadside picnic area in rural New Mexico

🚴 Real Stories from the Road: A broken spoke in the middle of nowhere could’ve ended my ride on Day Two. But two things saved the tour—and they might save yours too.

Two Things You Absolutely Need on a Long-Distance Bicycle Tour

In 2016, I was riding solo from Lubbock, Texas to Pensacola, Florida. I was only ten miles into what was supposed to be an 80-mile day when—*snap*—I broke a spoke. No towns. No traffic. No other cyclists. Just me, a quiet road, and a disabled bike.

But I didn’t panic. I had the tools, the spare spoke, and just enough know-how to get back on the road. That moment could’ve been the end of my tour, but instead, it became one of those stories you never forget.

Here’s what that experience taught me: there are two things every long-distance cyclist needs—no matter your fitness level, gear, or route.

🔧 1. Basic Bicycle Repair Knowledge

Even seasoned cyclists run into mechanical trouble on tour. It usually happens when you’re 40 miles from the nearest town during a self-supported tour where help isn’t always nearby. You don’t have to be a professional mechanic, but you should know how to fix the basics.

At a minimum, learn how to:

  • Change a flat tire
  • Fix a broken chain
  • Adjust brakes and gears
  • True a wheel (even just enough to keep riding)
  • Replace a cable
  • Replace a broken spoke

You can find excellent tutorials on YouTube or in books like the Park Tool Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair. I also recommend practicing repairs before your tour—preferably with gloves on and your gear laid out like you're in the wild.

🛠️ Another Must Have: I carry the Crankbrothers M19 Multi-Tool on every ride. It’s small, reliable, and has helped me out of more than a few jams.                                                                                       I receive a commission for any sale through Amazon from a link in my site. That commission keeps this blog rolling. Thanks for your support.

😊 2. A Positive Attitude

I know it sounds cliché, but mindset really is everything on a long tour. There will be days when you're tired, the wind won't quit, and everything feels uphill—literally and emotionally.

What keeps you going is your attitude. Here’s what’s helped me:

  • Focus small. Don’t think about the next 40 miles. Think about the next mile… the next shade tree… the next snack.
  • Notice the good stuff. Even the smallest flower growing in the ditch can shift your day if you let it.
  • Talk to people. If you’re lost or low on energy, don’t be afraid to ask a local for help or directions. People are kind more often than not.
  • Celebrate small wins. Every time you finish a ride, fix something, or climb a hill—recognize it. That’s how confidence builds over the miles.

A positive mindset won’t fix your tire—but it’ll get you through the next five miles so you can.

Before You Go

If you’re planning your first (or tenth) bike touring adventure, make sure your checklist includes both the tools to keep riding and the mindset to keep believing in yourself.

Because sometimes, it’s not the ride that tests you—it’s the moment when everything goes wrong, and you find out you can fix it anyway.

Related Posts

FAQs

Q: What are the most important tools to carry?
A: Tire levers, a spare tube, patch kit, mini pump, multi-tool, and a chain link or spoke if you’re riding remote routes.

Q: Can beginners learn to fix their own bike?
A: Absolutely. Start simple, watch a few tutorials, and get hands-on. Practicing in your garage is better than learning under stress.

Q: How do you stay mentally strong when the ride gets tough?
A: I remind myself of how far I’ve come—not just today, but over the years. And I focus on the next landmark, not the full distance left.
Location: Lubbock, TX, USA

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