Safety gear for any of our cycling trail tours needs to strike a balance between comfort and protection depending on which trail you’re riding. While our tours are accessible to most fitness levels, you need to be prepared with the right equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the trails, even if you’re riding a super accessible and easy trail like the Otago Central Rail Trail.
1. Helmets: Mandatory for All Riders
A properly fitted helmet is essential and legally required in New Zealand. We provide helmets for every rider, but you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Always check that your helmet is free from cracks and fits snugly before the ride. If you’re using one of ours, we provide them in kids, small, regular and extra large sizes.
We recommend that you do not wear a cap underneath your helmet as this changes the “fit” of the helmet and might decrease the protection the helmet provides if you did take a fall. A thin beanie is fine in cold weather as long as it still allows a snug git.
2. Enclosed-Toe Shoes with Grip
Shoes with enclosed toes and good tread grip are vital for safe pedaling and stability. Avoid sandals or slip-on footwear because if you have to put your foot down in a hurry, these types of shoes result in “skin off”. Footwear with a sole that has grip ensures better contact with the pedals, reducing the risk of slipping, especially on uneven or gravel surfaces, which pretty much describes all of our trails.
3. Gloves: Recommended for Comfort and UV Protection
While not essential, cycling gloves enhance grip and absorb handlebar vibration, which increases comfort on longer rides. They also prevent “rubbing” that can occur depending on how you grip the bars. In summer, gloves also prevent sunburn on the backs of your hands, a commonly overlooked area when slip, slop, slapping.
4. Sunglasses: Protect Your Eyes from UV and Glare
On most rides, you’ll expect to spend 3+ hours exposed to bright sun, and sunglasses are highly recommended. They shield your eyes from UV rays, dust, and glare. They also make you look cool 😉
5. Sunscreen: Critical for High UV Conditions in NZ
Sunscreen is non-negotiable safety gear in New Zealand in any outdoor activity. Unfortunately, our UV levels are among the highest in the world. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen before your ride and carry a small tube for reapplication mid-tour. If you look up the NZ Metservice forecast for Alexandra you’ll get information about UV when it’s a consideration.
6. First Aid Kit: At Least One Per Group
Every cycling group should carry a compact first aid kit to treat minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, blisters and headache. Make sure everyone in the group knows who has the kit(s). They don’t need to be elaborate but you do need one.
7. Shell Layer: Always Bring One, Regardless of Forecast
Weather conditions can change rapidly, even on short trails. Something deep down in our ancient brain keeps us fascinated about the weather and it’s probably an encoded warning… weather changes… unexpectedly. A lightweight, windproof or waterproof shell provides essential protection from unexpected rain, wind or cooler temperatures. Pack it even on sunny days, it’s better to have it and not need it.
8. Clothing: Dress for Changeable Conditions
Layering is key for comfort and safety on trail rides. Riders should wear moisture-wicking base layers (we recommend Merino for it’s naturally amazing characteristics and because our local farmers raise them) and be able to add or remove layers as conditions change. Thermal layers may be needed in early mornings or shaded sections of the trail.
Tip: Always check the weather forecast before your tour. It’s the best way to decide what layers, sunglasses, or extra gear you might need for the day.
9. Water
Having water in the list of safety equipment might sound odd at first but it’s very important. Cycling is an activity that can result in you sweating, and therefore you need to replace the water you lose. Everyone needs to carry water with them and you’ll select the amount based on what you know about yourself and the conditions.
In the summer, we’d recommend carrying a couple of litres, some to drink and some to pour on your head if it was unusually hot. We’d also recommend you take a sports drink and your water because the salt and small amount of sugar in the sports drink helps you absorb fluid faster than straight water. Why the mix? if you’re drunk sports drink all day you’ll know why, sometimes you just need plain old water to drink without any taste.
10. Hand sanitiser
Again, probably not something you’d consider as a safety item, but can make the difference between having a great few days on the trail vs worrying about where the next toilet is. The toilets on the trail are long drop type and there are no hand washing facilities. With hundreds of people touching the handle etc it makes sense to have some hand sanitiser to prevent you transporting something from a door handle onto your sandwich and into your gut where it…… you get the picture.
Recommended Safety Gear Checklist
| Item | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Helmet | ✅ Yes | Head protection, legal requirement |
| Enclosed Shoes | ✅ Yes | Pedal grip, foot protection |
| Gloves | Optional | Comfort, UV protection |
| Sunglasses | Optional | Eye protection from sun, wind, debris |
| Sunscreen | ✅ Yes | Critical for UV protection |
| First Aid Kit | ✅ Group | Minor injury response |
| Shell Layer | ✅ Yes | Weather protection, wind/rain shield |
| Layered Clothing | ✅ Yes | Comfort in changeable temperatures |
| Water | ✅ Yes | Critcal for enjoyment and life |
| Hand Sanitiser | ✅ Yes | A simple way to prevent gastro issues |
Final Advice: Prepare Smart, Ride Safe
The right gear helps prevent injury, improves comfort, and ensures you’re ready for whatever the trail throws your way. Even easy adventure cycling can present surprises, so being well-equipped is part of the journey.
Bring the basics, dress in layers, and always respect the environment you’re riding through.