Essential checklist for a successful weekend of cycling
Whether you're taking part in a gravel weekend in Montpellier , the Mont Ventoux challenge , or an extended getaway to Annecy , good preparation is the key to a successful cycling weekend. Here's the essential checklist to set off with peace of mind, make the most of your time, and ride with complete confidence.
1. 🚴 Bike equipment: ready to ride
✔ Bicycle serviced: brakes, gears, tires, and drivetrain well maintained
✔ Water bottles filled (2 if long ride or in hot weather)
✔ Front/rear lights for early departures or late finishes
✔ Bicycle multi-tool + chain tool
✔ Inner tube(s) or tubeless kit + tire levers
✔ Mini pump or CO2 cartridge
✔ Bike computer or GPS + charging cable
✔ Bottle cage(s), saddlebag or frame bag for tools
💡 Bounded Tip : ride a few days beforehand with your complete gear to make sure everything is functional.
2. 👕 Cycling apparel: comfort, performance and style
✔ Cycling shorts with comfortable chamois pad
✔ Technical jersey adapted to the weather
✔ Lightweight windproof/waterproof jacket
✔ Cycling gloves according to the season
✔ Breathable cycling socks
✔ Category 3 sunglasses
✔ Helmet fits well
✔ Cycling shoes + cleats compatible with your pedals
✔ Arm warmers / leg warmers / neck warmer if the weather is uncertain
🧡 Les Bornées style tip : opt for our technical cycling outfits, designed to move with you — comfortable, durable and beautiful (like you).
➡️ Discover the Les Bornées outfits
3. 🍌 Food & Hydration
✔ Bars, gels or dried fruit, depending on your habits
✔ Electrolyte mixtures for jerrycans
✔ Post-ride snack for a quick recovery
✔ Comfort snacks for shared breaks
✔ Water bottles thoroughly cleaned before departure
💡 Never test a new nutrition during exercise — stick to your usual routine.
4. 🧘 Recovery & well-being
✔ Yoga mat or towel for stretching
✔ Anti-chafing cream or repairing balm
✔ Massage roller or ball
✔ Arnica oil or leg-lightening gel
✔ Comfortable clothing for off-bike moments
✔ Earplugs or a sleep mask if you are in shared accommodation
🧡 At Les Bornées, recovery is part of performance. We take care of ourselves to come back stronger.
5. 🎒 The essentials not to forget
✔ Identity document
✔ Payment methods
✔ Phone + charger (and external battery if needed)
✔ Toiletry bag & sunscreen
✔ Flip-flops / sneakers for relaxing moments
✔ A notebook or small journal if you like to keep a record of the adventure
6. 🧡 The Narrow-Minded Takeaway Mindset
✔ A good dose of motivation
✔ Enthusiasm for meetings
✔ Kindness towards yourself (and others)
✔ The desire to challenge yourself without pressure
✔ The pleasure of fully experiencing the moment
🙌 At Les Bornées, we ride together, we help each other, we progress, we laugh, we share. Every weekend is a unique sporting and human adventure.
📌 Ready? Let's go!
With this checklist, you're all set for a 100% successful cycling weekend . All that's left is to pack your suitcase… and enjoy the moment with the Bornées community 🧡
