10 Essentials on Your Packing List for a Biking River Cruise in Europe

I'm heading to Germany to start my first biking-based trip. This is exciting for me. I have always wanted to explore Europe from the seat of a bike, and I am finally going to do it. This journey is part of a river cruise, too. AmaWaterways and Backroads have partnered to offer cycling adventures for active travelers. I wrote about this collaboration before, but now I get to give it a try.

The Danube Cycling Sensation itinerary on the AmaSonata river ship combines the best of a luxury river cruise winding along one of the world's great rivers while experiencing the sights, sounds and tastes of European culture with my constant desire for a bit of an adrenaline kick. Sounds likes the perfect way to spend a week.

We'll start in Vilshofen, Germany, then cruise and bike our way through Linz, Melk, Krems and Vienna, Austrian. From there, we visit Bratislava, Slovakia, and finally Budapest, Hungary. Because this is a biking-intense voyage, I will be packing a little differently. Added to my typical mix of casual and workout clothes, I am putting a few things to help my pedal power (I hope). Backroads provides helmets and bikes for its riders.

Packing List for a Biking Trip in Europe

1. GoPro Cameras and Attachments

I want to be able to capture video of our daily biking routes to give you a good look from my bike seat.

2. Biker Shorts

The first time I will be sporting such attire. These ummm tight-fitting shorts have a gel seat sewn right in so my butt doesn't get too sore when we are riding 30 miles or more each day.

3. Water Bottle

To stay hydrated on the rides, of course. The bikes have bottle racks, and I want to have a second bottle on hand.

4. Flavor Boosts for My Water Bottle

I use flavored aminos —look for BCAAs (branch-chain amino acids) — to my water. I'm bringing Dymatize Amino Pro Orange. Amino acids are key organic compounds that help form proteins in the body. The supplements help prevent muscle soreness and fatigue as well as aid endurance and recovery.

5. Protein Bars and Powders

These are important meal supplements for me. I try to get at least 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight daily — I'm 190 pounds — and it can be hard without adding these 20 grams of protein snack boosts. This also will help keep my energy level up.

6. Sunscreen and Lip Balm

We'll be out for long stretches on (hopefully) sunny days.

7. Body Glide

This balm, strategically applied, helps prevent chafing in areas that experience a repetitive motion during exercise. Like the inside of my legs where they touch the bike, for example. Maybe I won't need it. But I'd rather have it and not need it.

8. Gold Bond Medicated Powder

To help keep me fresh and chafe-free in areas that might tend to get a little sweaty and uncomfortable (again, a precaution bringing this).

9. Extra Hats

I'll have a helmet on my bald head, but I like to have a hat handy for when we stop for a break and are still in the midday sun. Those helmets are hot and sweaty so it will be good to make an occasional switch.

10. Aspirin

Yep. Despite all my nutritional supplements, I still might get a little sore leaning over handlebars and pumping my legs furiously for hours on end. I may act like a kid a lot, but my body makes sure to remind me of my age.

Anything I left out that you would recommend?

Thanks for reading and sharing your tips, too.

Let's do this!

Travel fit!

JR

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