Essential checklist for a successful weekend of cycling

A Gravel weekend near Montpellier, the challenge of Mont Ventoux, or an extended getaway to Annecy: whatever adventure awaits you, the serenity of D-Day is built in the days leading up to it. Nothing complicated, I promise, but a little preparation can prevent last-minute cold sweats.

Rather than a stressful Sunday evening checklist, we suggest you break down the preparation in order, like a countdown. Follow the steps, and you'll pack your bag with a light heart.

One week before: the bike goes to the workshop

It all starts with your ride. Brakes, gears, tires, drivetrain: give it a proper overhaul, either at home or by a professional. Take the opportunity to prepare the tools that will live in your saddle or frame bag: multi-tool with chain breaker, inner tubes or tubeless kit, tire levers, mini pump or CO2 cartridge. Also check your front and rear lights, invaluable if you're starting early or returning late, and put your cyclometer or GPS on charge, cable in the bag.

The game-changing Les Bornées tip: a few days before departure, go for a ride with all your equipment. It's the best way to check that everything is working, and to fix any issues while there's still time.

The day before: the textile side of the suitcase

Time for your outfit. The basic duo is comfortable chamois shorts and a technical jersey suitable for the forecast weather. Add a lightweight windbreaker or waterproof jacket, gloves depending on the season, breathable socks, category 3 sunglasses, a well-fitting helmet, and your cycling shoes with cleats compatible with your pedals. If the sky is uncertain, slip in arm warmers, leg warmers, and a neck gaiter: they weigh nothing and save entire mornings.

Also think about off-bike moments: comfortable clothes, flip-flops or sneakers for strolling after a shower. And if you want to ride with pieces designed to move with you, durable and beautiful (like you), the Les Bornées technical collection was designed exactly for that.

Still the day before: pockets and water bottles

For refueling, the number one rule is simple: never try something new during effort. Bring the bars, gels, or dried fruits you already know, your electrolyte mixes for your bottles, a recovery snack for after the ride, and some treats to share during breaks. Clean your water bottles well before departure, and plan for two if the ride is expected to be long or hot.

To know what to eat before, during, and after rides, our article on nutrition during a cycling weekend goes into detail, from breakfast to dinner.

The bag of extras, the ones we always forget

This is the small inventory that saves weekends: ID, payment methods, phone with its charger (and an external battery if you're the type to photograph every pass), toiletry bag, and sunscreen. Add recovery essentials, because at Les Bornées, recovery is part of performance: anti-chafing cream, massage roller or ball, arnica oil or light leg gel, and a yoga mat or towel for stretching.

If you're sleeping in shared accommodation, earplugs and a sleep mask are your best friends. And if you like to keep a record of your adventures, a small notebook will always find a place in a corner of your bag.

The most important thing doesn't take up space

There's one more thing to bring, and it weighs nothing: your mindset. A good dose of motivation, enthusiasm for new encounters, kindness towards yourself and others, and the desire to challenge yourself without pressure. On our weekends, we ride together, we help each other, we progress, we laugh: each trip is a sporting and human adventure, and it's the participants who make it so enjoyable.

There you go, your preparation is complete: all that's left is to close your suitcase and enjoy the present moment. Find your next playground among our cycling weekends, and until departure, keep riding near you with Smatchy, our free outing app: the best way to arrive sharp... and already in good company.

Missing a piece? Equip yourself with our field-tested cycling apparel.