Dan Smith dotherightthing
Links to resources on the internet.
- Wellington Bike Touring Meetup - us! Hopefully we build our own knowledge base here by sharing knowledge
- Facebook: Bicycle Touring & Bikepacking - lots of US and global tourists on here (at least pre-Covid). Regular posts on interesting topics and a good place to ask questions.
- Facebook: Bikepacking New Zealand
- Facebook: Bicycle Writers: Tales from the Road
A lot of this is commonsense. However I often see people doing stupid things, hence this page.
The key points are to avoid giving cyclists a bad name. There's already tension between cyclists, pedestrians and motorists. Do your best to avoid adding any more.
A bike is easiest to transport when you're on it. However this is not always practical.
- I've always put my bike in a box, as a requirement and for its protection. There's debate in the touring community about whether this is necessary or a good idea. In some countries, plastic wrap is acceptable, with vendors offering this service at the airport.
- Bike boxes are sometimes available from the airport, but this is not a sure thing. The more reliable source is bike shops, who receive new bikes in them. Boxes are often free, I think Burkes in Kilbirnie charges a token $5.
Finding free and cheap accommodation.
- Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites - Cost varies between free and $8 per night - or more. I prefer to use DOC campsites as they're right in nature, and my money goes to a good cause. Unfortunately some parts of NZ don't have any DOC campsites. The website includes important information such as the ranger/warden's phone number, whether you need to prebook, gate opening times (though you can usually climb over it), whether there is a toilet, water, etc. Be aware that campsites usually take cash, so it pays to have the right denominations ($1, $2, $5).
- Warmshowers - cheap yearly membership fee, then free to stay with cycle-friendly locals offering a bed for a night or more, and sometimes a shower and dinner/breakfast. I've used this successfully a couple of times, but in general it requires too much forward planning and staying
System Prefs > Mission Control
Uncheck Automatically rearrange Spaces based on most recent use.
Source: How to prevent Mac from changing the order of Desktops/Spaces
What to take and how to carry it.
These are the items I take with me, to be safe and comfortable when I go touring. I'll update this list whenever I see omissions or change-up my kit.
You don't need to match this list exactly. People take different things depending on where and when they are going, and what works for them. It will take a few tours for you to find a setup that works for you.
Before you leave, don't forget to let someone know where you're going and when you will be home. When you return home, let them know that you arrived back safely.