Cycling Travel Insurance

Aside from your usual travel essentials like passports, and EHIC cards, there are a few other items that you simply can't afford to forget on a cycling holiday.

• Head gear - Cycling without a helmet will invalidate any claims you may make, so some sturdy protection for your head is a priority. Mountain bikers will want a full face or trail helmet. For road cycling, a quality, standard helmet should suffice.
• Eye ware - In the blinding sun, with dust and gnats swirling, it can be a job to see where you're going. A sturdy pair of sunglasses could be the difference between avoiding a collision and careering headlong into a crash. Depending on how much you're willing to spend, glasses with interchangeable lenses can be a good idea. These allow you to adjust the lens type according to light levels, ensuring that you can see clearly no matter the weather.
• Bike lock - Investing in a quality lock is a must. If your bike is left unattended without a lock, then this could invalidate your claim. Coiled and cable locks are the best choice for cycling holidays, as they are light-weight, easily stored and can secure multiple bikes at the same time.
• Gloves - If you don't have a good pair of specialist cycling gloves, you'll quickly wish you did when the blisters start to appear. For mountain bikers, full finger gloves are a good idea for extra protection.
• Warm clothes/waterproofs - You'll be outside exposed to the elements for most of the day, so proper clothing is essential. Take multiple, light-weight layers, along with waterproofs for when the weather turns nasty.
• Chamois cream - No matter how soft your bike seat may be, it's easy to develop saddle rash when you're cycling for long periods of time. Remembering to bring some chamois cream will truly save you from a world of discomfort. Good personal hygiene and showering regularly after cycling will also help you avoid this nightmare condition.
• Tool kit - When you're out on the road, a trusty tool kit is invaluable. Your arsenal should include a portable tyre pump, duct tape, chain lubricant, allen keys, adjustable spanner and an x head screwdriver, to name a few things.
• Spares - Whatever kind of cycling you will be doing, you will more than likely need spares at some point in your holiday. Inner tubes, brake pads, gear cables, bolts and spokes should all form part of your standard spares collection.