21-08-16, 09:30 PM
I'd second the bog roll/tissues point - a lifesaver when you're out on rural lanes! My own essential bit of touring kit is my RAC card, then I don't have to worry about breakdowns any bigger than a pretty basic toolkit can deal with.
I also take Shok Blocks with me - we mainly use them on long cycling days - they're basically energy pick-me-up sweets that I pick up from cycling shops. They're just like jellies, they taste good and certainly give a bit of a boost towards the end of an unexpectedly long day. When touring, these days crop up every now and then when traffic/detours or just getting carried away and staying longer at places we visit, happen.
I'd also now never start a day of riding on a tour without having a hotel room sorted/booked at my destination. Years ago, I never bothered, thinking I'd just stop somewhere at a hotel/B&B along the route. After finding out these invariably cost a lot more than pre-booking and spending more than a few days riding on past midnight to find a place willing to take us, I just don't do that any more.
I also take Shok Blocks with me - we mainly use them on long cycling days - they're basically energy pick-me-up sweets that I pick up from cycling shops. They're just like jellies, they taste good and certainly give a bit of a boost towards the end of an unexpectedly long day. When touring, these days crop up every now and then when traffic/detours or just getting carried away and staying longer at places we visit, happen.
I'd also now never start a day of riding on a tour without having a hotel room sorted/booked at my destination. Years ago, I never bothered, thinking I'd just stop somewhere at a hotel/B&B along the route. After finding out these invariably cost a lot more than pre-booking and spending more than a few days riding on past midnight to find a place willing to take us, I just don't do that any more.