Two Things You Absolutely Need on a Long-Distance Bicycle Tour
Updated May 10, 2026 🚴 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 wh...
