Pam Emerson – PM Cycle Touring

Updated Lightweight Packing List for Bicycle Touring Couples

Now that we have a few tours under our belt, and our last tour was in a place where the temperatures were a bit cooler (New Zealand), our packing list needed to be updated. Here’s what we’re taking with us for our upcoming ACA Sierra Cascades tour. Total weight is everything but the bikes and racks.

Category	Name	Pieces	Discussion	Grams	Pounds
Total				27 kg	59.5
Camping				4471	9.85
Tent	Big Anges Copper Spur UL2 tent	Tent	Nice tent, fits two normal sized people snuggly, two doors, two vestibules.	450
	Rain fly	Rain fly	Could have went with UL3 for another 500 grams, but don’t see need?	510
	Overall Bag	Overall Bag	Left behind stake bag 11g	25
	Ground Cover	Ground Cover		175
	GC Bag	GC Bag		11
	8 Stakes	8 Stakes		89
	Emg Splint	Emg Splint		10
	Poles	Poles		440
	Pole Bag	Pole Bag		13
Sleeping Bag	ZPacks 20F 900 Fill Down w/ Draft Tube	Sleeping Bag	Evaluating durability, so light it is unbelievable. Regular girth is snug on me and I am skinny.	600
	ZPacks 0F	Sleeping Bag	Smaller bag, but lower temperature rating.	595
	w/Draft Tube	Sleeping Bag	Smaller bag, but lower temperature rating.	595
Stuff Sacks for Bags	Sea to Summit UL Dry Sack 8L	Roll up dry sack		56
	Sea to Summit UL Dry Sack 8L	Roll up dry sack	Found that the version of these bags with compression straps weren’t really needed because we had plenty of space and the straps added 100 grams.	30
Sleeping Bag Liner	Cocoon Silk Mummy Liner	Liner	Keeps sleeping bags cleaner, works as lightweight cover on hot nights, adds warmth if needed on cold nights	115
	Cocoon Silk Mummy Liner	Liner		115
Sleeping Pad	Exped SynMat Duo	Pad for two	Lightweight & insulated; schnozzle bag makes inflating a breeze. Two independent inflation points so you can both sleep comfortably.	797

Pump	Exped	Schnozzle Pump Bag	Store the sleeping pad and pillows inside the bag. The bag can inflate both sides of the sleeping pad in about 3 bags of air.	58
Pillows	Exped M Air Pillow	M Air Pillow		72

	M Air Pillow	M Air Pillow		72
Headlamp	Black Diamond	Headlamp	weight includes 4 Lithium AAA batteries. Much brighter than previous headlamps.	100
		Headlamp		100
Bug Netting	Ben’s Invisinet	mosquito protection		19
Bug Netting	Ben’s Invisinet	mosquito protection		19

Eating				3074	6.77
Stove	Soto Windmaster		stove + bag	73
Stove	Trangia Alcohol burner			110
Stove	Trangia Gas burner		+ bag	194
Pots & Pans	Trangia	Pots, pans, and handle		858
Orange Bag	Trangia			27
Bowls	Sea to Summit Delta Bowl	Bowl		87
2 Spoons & Forks	REI Plastic			37
Measuring Spoon	MSR Fold-able		Useful for measuring/scooping	30
Stirring Spoon	GSR		Long handle.	17
Can Opener	John Wayne Style		+carabiner for storage	129
Dish washing Towel	Small Camp Towel			22
Dish Drying Towel	REI travel towel		Fluffy drying towel	57
Kitchen Sink	Sea to Summit 5L	Sink	Makes dishwashing/peoplewashing easier when facilities are lacking	135
		Bag		35
Dish washing Sponge	Scotch-Brite Stay Clean Scrubbers	Sponge	Great easy to clean sponge	7
Fuel	Primus 230g	Gas Can		375
Bear Can	Bearikade Weekender		store all of our food in here don’t have to worry about critters, nor bears on future rides.	881

Hygiene				1109	2.4
Shovel	Montbell Scoop		if nature calls, while in nature	39
Toilet Paper	Tiny Travel Roll			30
Towel	Travel Towel	Grey		113
	Travel Towel	Green		142
	Turban	Green	Helps dry long hair.	73
Wilderness Wash	Citronella	Body Wash		110
	No Smell	Other Wash		110
Shower Shoes	Airwalk (Pam)	Flip Flops		138
	Cushe (Matt)	Flip Flops		192
Toothbrush	Crest Spin Brush	Toothbrush	Luxury choice to have battery operated toothbrush. Weight includes batteries.	100
		Extra Head		0
Toiletry Bag	Eagle Creek	Lightweight		42
Fingernail Clippers	Generic			20

Survival				1086	2.4
Space Blanket / Tarp / Picinic Blanket	Space	Tarp/EMG Blanket	terrific all around tarp, used on side of roads, picnic benchs. Can act as emergency blanket if needed. Very versitale	345
Water Storage	Nalgene	96oz Cantene	going through arid areas, up to 90 miles between services, empty they weigh almost nothing	80
	Nalgene	96oz Cantene		80
Bug Lotion	3M	Ultrathon Lotion	Excellent bug repellent, does contain DEET	70
Pepper Spray	Fox Labs 2oz Spray	Bottle	Best pepper spray on the market.	145
	2oz	Bottle		145
Filter	Hydrapak Filter Bottle		Collapsable filter bottle.	56
	Purification Tablets		Iodine tablets for emergencies.	0
First aid kit	Assorted			135
Emergency Tape	Tenacious Tape		Terrific repair tape, have used on rain pants and toiletry bag holds very well	30

Bike Stuff				5515	12.2
Panniers	Axiom LaSalle 45	Rear Pannier	Have lasted two tours, work well	855
		Rain Cover		75
	Axiom LaSalle 45	Rear Pannier		855
		Rain Cover		75
	Randonnee Aero 60	Rear Pannier	New/waterproof	885
	Randonnee Aero 60	Rear Pannier		885
	Axiom Cartier	Front Pannier		775
	Axiom Cartier	Front Pannier		775
Repair Stuff	Fiber Fix Spoke	Kevlar Spoke	Just in case can replace a spoke	16
	Fiber Fix Spoke	Kevlar Spoke		16
Bike Care	Tri Flow	Lubricant		68
	RavX Retractable Cable	Lock	Extremely lightweight deterrent	50
ACA Maps				185

Luxury				575	1.27
		USB Cord		17
Battery Backup	Anker	Bar		242
USB Cords	Startech	6″ USB A to Mini B	These weigh in a few grams less then other cables	12
		1′ USB A to Micro B	Yes I am obsessing over every gram	17
		1′ USB A to Micro B	Yes I am obsessing over every gram	17
		Misc Micro B		17
		Misc Micro B		13
Headlight for Bike	Diablo Exposure	Light	1000 lumen’s 🙂	109
		Helmet Mount		10
		USB Cord	proprietary 🙁	25
Reusable Shopping Bag	Chico Bag	Bag	included carabiner to clip to pannier, folds in to small pouch on its self to store small	41
Clothes Line	REI		Easier than string	55

Matt’s Clothing				5132	11.3
Rain Jacket	Showers Pass Event	Event Jacket	w/hood	472
Rain Pants	Sierra Designs	Pants	Cheap rain pants also used in cold weather to keep wind off legs	377
Bike Shorts	AeroDesign			210
Bike Shorts	AeroDesign			210
Cycling Base Layer	Showers Pass	Top		176
Bike Shirt	Ibex	Neo Long Sleeve Wool		260
	Ibex	Indie Short Sleeve Wool		190
	Giro			179
Cycling Base Layer	Assos	Long Sleeve		215
Cycling Tights	Castelli		Windproof pants	198
Down Jacket	Patagonia			361
Leg Warmers	D			117
Leg Warmers	Pearl Izumi			130
Arm Warmers	Cutter			65
Sun Sleeves	Novara		great for keeping sun off the arms	45
Cycling Vest	Garneau		High Visibility	126
Cycling Shoes	Pearl Izumi		MTB shoes	805
Shoe Covers	GoreTex			176
Cycling Gloves	Pearl Izumi	Full Finger	for most days	68
	Showers Pass	Insulated Full Finger	for cold days	142
Camp Pants	REI			360
Camp Shirt	Smartwool	Long sleeve	wool is great for not smelling, breathes well	161
Camp Underwear	Exofficio		2 pairs	172
Stuff Sack	Sea to Summit Event Bags	Roll up dry sack	not compression type bags with straps, they are 100+ grams heavier	50
Down Vest	Marmot	Zeus		268
thermal underwear	Icebreaker		wool	147
Balaclava	Pearl Izumi		Full Face protection	51
Beanie	Zpacks			30
Bathing Suit				190
Socks	Castelli	2 Pairs		54
	Showers Pass	1 Pair		67
	Swiftwick	1 Pair		49

Pam Clothing				6067	13.4
Underwear	Exofficio		Travel underwear. Durable, washes and dries easily. To be worn off the bike. 3 pairs.	78
Camp Bra	Victoria’s Secret			94
Camp Shirt	Ibex wool		Long Sleeve	143
Camp Pants	REI		Long pants, convertible to shorts	352
Boy Shorts	Stoic		Wool Underwear	83
Base Layer	Under Armor		Bottom	187
Camp Socks	Wigwam		Wool	75
Down Jacket	Big Agnes			324
Down Vest	Isis			309
Bathing Suit	generic			129
Cycling base layer	Showers Pass		Top	154
Heavy cycling shirt	Assos Cycling		Cycling heavy layer-top	206
Sports Bra	Victoria’s Secret		Front enclosure makes for easy removal at the end of a tiring day	145
Sports Bra	Victoria’s Secret		Different style	156
Jersey	Ibex		Wool S/S jersey	164
Jersey	Garneau		S/S jersey	116
Bike Shorts	AeroDesign			217
Bike Shorts	AeroDesign			212
Bike Shorts	AeroDesign			200
Socks	Smartwool			30
Socks	Smartwool			33
Socks	Ibex			28
Socks	Swiftwick			38
Cycling Wind Pants	Sugoi		Heavy, but necessary for me, I like them better than leg warmers.	449
Bike shoes	Shimano		MTB shoes	745
Balaclava	Pearl Izumi		Full Face coverage	50
Earwarmer	phd			27
Riding Beanie	Showers Pass		Also use as camp beanie	69
Glove Liner	Showers Pass			30
Outer Glove	Showers Pass			118
Arm Warmers	Cutter			66
SunSleeves	Novara			42
Rain Jacket	Showers Pass		Elite 2.0	458
Rain Pants	Showers Pass		Refuge	346
Shoe Covers	Gore Tex			194

We’ve worked really hard to get these numbers as low as we can. I’m sure there’s still some places where we could shave off ounces, but we’re both pretty comfortable that we’re not carrying any extra unnecessary weight this time around.

How Often Should You Shower on Tour?

Floating around the web is a BuzzFeed article about how often you really need to shower: How Often You Really Need to Shower (According to Science).-Rachel Wilkerson Miller January 12, 2015 I read this article and thought, “Yes!” I totally agree! In fact, I’ve already written two articles about this very thing: How to Stay Clean (without a proper shower) While On Bicycle Tour, and Touring Clean vs Home Clean. It’s nice to see that the science backs me up.

On our most recent bicycle tour my tolerance for going to bed without a shower was increased dramatically. When you’re traveling through isolated regions (ok, so New Zealand isn’t really all that isolated, but there were days where we didn’t have access to a shower, so it counts, I swear!) there are sacrifices you make when it comes to cleanliness. Or are there? According to the article, it isn’t really necessary to shower every day, or even every other day. Showers can dry your skin out (especially paired with harsh soaps) and might remove beneficial bacteria from your skin. It’s much more important to change your undergarments daily. And if you’re really grossed out, you can clean your dirty bits (underarms, groin, bottom, and face, hopefully not quite in that order) with a wash cloth.

Speaking of changing undergarments daily, does that mean you should bring a week’s worth of bicycle shorts with you on tour so you can have a fresh pair every day? I think not. During our recent New Zealand tour, I tried a new tactic for undergarments and cycling shorts. Previously, I’ve stayed away from wearing anything under my shorts. I have a tendency to chafe (not fun). But, my husband found these great merino wool boxers for me, and they’ve changed the way I cycle. The wool is soft and comfortable, easily cleaned, and doesn’t develop a smell because it’s a natural fiber. They’re easier to wash out than cycling shorts, don’t irritate my nether regions, and don’t take up much space in my clothing bag. I can get away with two pairs of cycling shorts, and three pairs of underwear.

So, bottom line is: in daily life, and in cycling, showering daily isn’t necessary. You can do it, but it won’t kill you if you don’t.

Gear Review: Mocreo Universal Travel Wall Charger Power Adapter Converter

If you’re planning on making a trip overseas, don’t forget that other countries have different power systems. That’s right! Your power plugs won’t fit into the outlets overseas. And don’t try to force the plug in. Not only is the plug shaped differently, the voltage and frequency are probably different. You will risk damage to your electronics, and possibly cause a fire. So, before you go, you’ll need to get a power adapter/converter.

There are many brands of adapter out there. But we found the Mocreo adapter to be a great option.

Pros:

Covers more than 150 countries. You don’t need a new adapter for each tour.
Contains two USB ports, so you don’t waste a plug with a USB adapter when charging your electronics.
Easy to operate.
Safe to use. It has two fuses, and built in safety precautions so only one plug type can be selected at a time.
Folds into a square with no protruding parts.

Cons:

It is heavy. Sometimes it would fall out of the wall socket due to weight. It also sticks out far out of the wall. It adds 100 grams of weight to your pack.
It is not compact.
The white version has a blue glow that may disturb your sleep. I’d recommend the black version.
This does not convert the voltage, it just changes the plug. Make sure what you’re plugging in can support the different voltage. Most electronics can, but some can’t. Check before you plug it in.

Specs:
AC: 6A Max. 100-240Vac 50/60 Hz
USB: 2100 mA Max. +5Vdc

Warning: AC-AC. No voltage conversion. USB is for charge only. Indoor use only. No grounding.

If you’re planning on traveling to many different countries, this adapter will definitely meet your needs.

Disclaimer: All opinions about any products mentioned in this article are my own. I have not been compensated in any way by anyone. I will, however, receive a small commission if you choose to purchase the item from Amazon after clicking the link.

3 Ways to Consolidate Your Gear on Tour

Thinking of going on a bicycle tour? Each time we go, we find new ways to streamline our gear list. Here are three tips for how to multiply the uses of your gear on your next tour.

Turn a water bottle into a lantern. This works with the clear water bottles. Simply fill your water bottle at least halfway with water, turn your flashlight or headlight on, and shine the light into the side of the bottle. This improvised lantern provides a surprising amount of light, without the added weight of an actual lantern.

Use an emergency blanket as your tent footprint. Emergency blankets are really handy. They’re lightweight, and help reflect your body heat back toward your body in an emergency. Save weight by leaving your tent’s footprint at home (or don’t even bother to purchase one, since most tents these days don’t have one included). The blanket might even prove to be more puncture-proof than the footprint, which will save your air pad, as well. Bonus! We love this one.

Use hair elastics to keep your air pad/mattress rolled up. We found an easy way to keep our air pads tidy is to use hair elastics. This gives me the benefit of having a few extras on the trip, as I have a tendency to lose my hair bands at some point on tour. Sure, you could use rubber bands, but I can’t use rubber bands in my hair.

Bonus: Have you heard of Tenacious Tape? Great for fixing everything from tents to rain gear, this is a must-have on tour.

Sometimes if you step a little bit outside the box, you can save weight and energy on your tour. What are some inventive weight-saving ideas you’ve had? Let us know in the comments below! Also, check out our post on reducing your gear weight on tour for some more ideas.

Gear Review: Brooks Flyer S

My first touring bicycle came with a Men’s Aged Brooks B17 saddle. Even though not designed for a woman, I quickly (after about 200 miles) became used to the saddle, and continued to ride it for several thousand miles. I even moved it to my second touring bicycle when the time came, as that bicycle came with a foam padded saddle that hurt my butt after about 5 miles of riding, and I never could get used to it. Now, with my third (and probably final) touring bicycle purchased, I had to make a choice. Do I move my B17 to the new bike? Or do I try out a new saddle? Well, I decided to go with a new saddle, and so far I’m not regretting that decision. I continued with Brooks, opting for the Women’s Flyer S. I’ve ridden a couple hundred miles so far (*update-a couple thousand miles, still no regrets), and plan to use the saddle on all tours in the future.

Women's specific Brooks Saddle Flyer S — Brooks Flyer S

Pros:

Shorter front to back (about 5cm less than the Men’s B17), which is a better fit for me.
Springs-takes some of the road bumps away
Slightly thinner leather top compared to the aged B17 that I’ve come to love.
“Special” version has hand hammered copper rivets, which add a nice look.
Quality Brooks Saddle, well made, and made to last.

Cons:

Leather top needs proper care.
As with most Brooks Saddles, takes a certain amount of time to “wear in.”
While I have not experienced this, some people complain the springs squeak.

For women the saddle specifically made for you is simply a shorter version than the men’s. Initially I was concerned about this length difference but find that it fits my smaller bicycle well and doesn’t have any negative impact. In all, I’m very pleased with the quality and look of the saddle, as well as the fit and comfort. If you’re in the market for a new saddle, try a Brooks. Take care of it, and it could be the last saddle you ever buy!

Disclaimer: The above contains my opinions only. I have not received any compensation for this review. This review is for informational purposes only. I have not been in contact with the manufacturer.

Hydration and Touring

It’s very important to stay hydrated throughout all aspects of your life. Some people think that lack of adequate hydration is the reason for many health problems. While the scientists are still trying to piece it all together, I do know that I function much better as a bicyclist when I’ve had enough water to drink.

When you’re out there on the bike, exposed to the elements, you’re bound to encounter many different climates, even in a single day. Trust me, you’ll never have a problem where you’re carrying too much water (actually, I take that back. Once, while touring the southern tier, we prepared for a 70 mile ride with limited services by stocking up on water. At the halfway point, a stranger-turned-friend gave us plenty to eat and drink, and we had no need of the extra water we carried. We dumped it out to lighten our load. But that’s rare). More often you’ll wish you had more. You must plan ahead!

So let’s talk about different methods of carrying water. First, water bottles. Most bikes have space for one or two bottle cages. My recommendation is to use both, if possible. Also, get the largest bottle you can that will fit the cage. Don’t mess around with the small bottles. And we find the insulated ones are a waste of money. They tend to hold less water with the promise of keeping your water cool for a minute, but by the time the sun rises there won’t be a noticeable difference.

For rides that will be a bit longer, think of carrying a canteen or platypus. We like to carry two 96 fl. Oz. Nalgene Wide-Mouth Canteens when we ride. They fold flat and take up minimal space, but carry enough water for both of us if we really need it. We have to be careful, though, because if we fill both of them up, it adds about 12 pounds to our weight for the day. That’ll slow you down a bit before you drink it!

Want to go super lightweight? You make use of surface water as you go. If you want to do this, you’ll need either a filter, an ultraviolet pen, or iodine, or a combination of all three. There are a few different filters on the market, but some are pretty bulky. Some water bottles come with charcoal filters, which can help filter out sediment or other impurities, and could be a good first step to clean water. Iodine is very effective at killing all nasties in water, but makes the water taste horrible. I’ve heard there are tablets you can get that make it taste better. But when you’re desperate, you’ll drink anything, regardless of taste. Might be a good idea to carry a bottle of iodine, just in case. Make sure to wait the requisite time before drinking the iodine treated water.

If you’re not into surface water, where else can you fill up? Of course, gas stations and grocery stores carry bottled water, but before you buy a bottle, ask the clerk if you could fill your bottle from the soda machine. Some restaurants will fill your bottle for you. Bathrooms have faucets in the sink. We’ve filled up using an irrigation hose outside a church. As a last resort, you could stop at a house and ask for water. The worst they could say is “no.” Many people will take pity on you if you’re polite, and help you out.

Keep in mind that you’ll need water for things other than drinking, such as cooking and sanitation. That’s why sometimes a bottle just won’t cut it. Think about how you’ll be using water on your tour, and make sure you have a receptacle that will hold as much as you need, without adding more weight than you’re willing to carry.

Gear Review-Joe Blow Sport II Floor Pump

An essential item for any lover of riding bicycles is a tire pump. We’ve already talked about our favorite hand pump. However, it’s a good idea to have a floor pump handy as well. With a floor pump, you can pump your tires more quickly, with less effort. Obviously, you won’t be taking this one with you on your rides (although I once saw a kid with one strapped to his back as he rode along a bike path. I’m sure there was a story to go along with that). We’ve tried a few different floor pumps over the years. Our favorite by far is the Topeak Joe Blow Sport II, which we like so much that we even purchased a second one when we misplaced the first. This pump has it all: it’s easy to use, it’s durable, and its color stands out even in the messiest of garages (I’m speaking from experience, trust me). Here’s what makes this pump special.

No need for an adapter. Presta valve and Schrader valve on each side of the pump head, so you don’t need an adapter. It’s right there, on the head.

Pressure gauge. Large analogue pressure gauge, easy to read. This makes getting the right pressure in your tires a breeze.

Hose. 28 inch / 71.5 cm flexible hose, makes reaching tire valves easy, even when on a bike stand.

Color. Yellow color helps it stand out and makes it easy to find in a messy garage.

Handle. Large, padded handles add comfort to your pump.

Base. Large steel base makes for a stable foundation.

Extras. Need to pump up a basketball? A ball needle is included. Also included is a bladder head, which you can use to pump up anything from air mattresses to exercise balls.

Price. You can get this one for a little over $40, which is a great value.

Specs.
Weight: 1.4 kg / 3.09 lbs
Height: 67.5 cm / 26.6 in
Capacity: 160 psi / 11 bar

Bottom line. We love this pump. It does everything we need it to do, and then some. Highly Recommended.

Disclaimer: This review is for informational purposes only. All opinions about any products mentioned in this article are my own.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Ah, Valentine’s Day. One of those holidays where you either love it or absolutely hate it. There’s really no in between. We don’t celebrate many holidays, but we usually try to make Valentine’s Day special. We’re not big on chocolate or roses, so we usually just make sure to spend some quality time together. This year, I thought I’d put together some special bicycle themed Valentine’s for my Valentine.

What do you think? What are you going to do with you Valentine this holiday?

Gear Review-Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 2 Tent (2013 version)

Restful sleep is essential to putting on the miles day after day. Ever noticed how it takes a while to get used to falling asleep in a new place? That definitely happens to me. But one thing I have observed during my bicycle tours is that even though the tent I’m sleeping in is in a new place each night, the tent itself doesn’t change. Having that consistent environment makes up for new locations each night. So, for me, this makes the tent is one of the most important purchases for a bicycle tour.

I did a lot of research before deciding on the Copper Spur UL 2 tent for our touring tent.

a tent set up in a field with a forest surrounding it — Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 2

First off, the pros:

Two “rainbow” doors, one on each side. This means that we each had a side to enter and exit the tent, and weren’t crawling over each other to get in and out. This turned out to be even better than I thought it would.
- The one person tent only has one door and vestibule.

The tent, rainfly, and poles weigh in at 1400 g. and the 2014 version coming in 125 g. lighter. This tent is truly lightweight.
Easy to set up and take down (even with just one person). At the end of the day, this tent went up quickly with either one or two of us setting it up.
Head space.
- Matt is 6’2” and I’m 5’6” and there was plenty of headroom for both of us to sit up in the tent. Previous lightweight tents that we’ve had skimped on headspace to save weight, but the Copper Spur left more than enough room for comfort.
Adequate ventilation.
- Nothing is worse than waking up to bedding that is saturated with condensation. We found no problems with this tent throughout our entire tour.
Durable.
- Stood up to 60+mph winds on our most recent tour.

Cons:

Footprint
- Does not provide protection against thorns
- Not included with the tent/needs to be purchased separately
Color
- The bright orange doesn’t lend very well to stealth camping.

What’s changed on the 2014 model: The 2014 model is very similar to last year’s model, only slightly lighter. We have not had a chance to try the new version out.

We highly recommend this tent for bicycle touring. The Big Agnes Copper Spur comes in a single person as well as three-man and four -man versions. The single might be a bit small for a larger (taller) person, so keep that in mind. What are some things you look for in a tent? Let us know in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This review contains my personal opinions. I have not received any compensation by the manufacturer for this review. This review is for informational purposes only. If you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we will receive a small commission.

High Visibility: To Wear or Not to Wear – Updated

I was reading through our most recent touring journal (haven’t read it yet? Check it out here!) and came across this situation:

Day 33: Fox Glacier to Hari Hari…Along the way we passed another touring couple who was clad in dark blue jackets, black pants, dark panniers, and had no lights. We were decked out in bright red jackets, neon yellow vests, and taillights that are extremely bright. Since it was raining we didn’t get to stop and chat, but afterwards Pam and I stopped and both shared how invisible they were riding up the hill. It just doesn’t make sense to us, why take the risk of not being seen? Drivers aren’t going to hit us because they didn’t see us…

Unfortunately, we see many riders, whether at home or abroad, who subscribe to this same attitude about visibility. We’ve already posted about this, but I thought I’d repost, as a reminder of where we stand on the issue.

High visibility: To wear or not to wear?

High visibility clothing, commonly referred to as “high-vis,” is a matter of contention among bicyclists worldwide. You can be pretty much be assured that every bicyclist has an opinion about whether or not to wear high-vis. Even government is getting involved. At the beginning of this year (2014), officials in New Zealand considered making it mandatory for all bicyclists to wear high-vis. Take some time to consider your visibility before you embark on that cycle tour.

So what is the big deal? Many bicyclists feel that high visibility clothing is uncomfortable, un-fashionable, and doesn’t actually help the bicyclist be seen. There also is the feeling that it is not their responsibility to stand out. Unfortunately none of the above matter when someone does not see you and you are hit/injured.

Modern high-vis comes in many shapes and sizes. Matt and I like to wear high-vis vests over our normal cycling clothing that we are wearing at the time. The vests don’t hinder our movement, have vents & mesh to keep us from overheating, and give us peace of mind that we are going to be seen. We even get compliments from drivers about how visible we are.

As far as fashion goes, we feel that this is a nonissue. We cycle not to look good, but for enjoyment and fitness and the ability to enjoy the outdoors. Most importantly we cycle to enjoy being alive. Wearing high-vis helps keep us visible to cars and distracted drivers, thus letting us live longer. These days there are many more fashionable versions of high-vis clothing and jerseys available to keep you visible while still fitting your fashion sense. However if you are looking for something cheap, not much will beat the construction vest.

Many studies have been done on this subject of visibility, mostly on the related subject of motorcyclists, and they come to varying conclusions. The consensus seems to be that contrast is the major factor in being able to see an object. Most cycle/auto interactions occur during rush hours and dawn/dusk/night, times when the number of cars is high and visibility is low. High-visibility clothing can help with that contrast. Lights also increase your visibility.

Of course, just being visible doesn’t mean you can’t be hyper vigilant and aware of the cars around you. After all, they are protected by a metal box, and you have nothing. Don’t take anything for granted, and pay attention to what’s going on around you at all times.

Think about it. Why not do everything in your power to make sure you are as safe as you can be? If this means wearing a high visibility vest, it is such small thing to do, and it may save your life. We’d rather be out there enjoying our bicycles than be injured or worse.