By Andrew Bernhardt

Is there anything more aggravating than sitting behind a bicyclist in a turn lane and following them through the intersection at a glacial pace of 2 mph? If you have the sense to take your bike out to designated biking areas rather than ride in rush-hour traffic, you’re one of us. And, whether you’re packing up for a quick day trip or a longer jaunt through the back-country, there are 3 things that will make your trip smoother and instantly more enjoyable.

A bike rack would seem like an obvious purchase for the biking enthusiast, but it’s amazing how many people cram their gear into the back of a truck or SUV, enduring the hassle of removing one or both wheels. When selecting a bike rack, keep in mind how many bikes you’ll be hauling, remembering to include extra space for buddies and their girlfriends. Bike racks can be installed on the roof of your vehicle, attached to the trunk or rear door, or mounted on a trailer hitch. A roof rack stores your bikes out of the way and, unlike a rear-mounted rack, prevents them from blocking your vision. In addition, trunk or rear-mounted bike racks are somewhat easier to use and often more affordable, but they also make it difficult to access the trunk or rear of the vehicle. If you prefer a rear-mounted bike rack, consider one that attaches to your trailer hitch. With durable metal construction, a hitch bike rack typically holds up to 4 bicycles but requires a trailer hitch for mounting.

Another handy item to haul your gear to and from is a rooftop cargo carrier. Like a second trunk, a rooftop cargo carrier expands your storage space capability, allowing for more leg room or an extra cooler in the cab. Many feature a snap-on mounting system, that often works with your existing roof rack, and provide quick installation and simple removal for convenient storage when not in use. Constructed from all-weather ABS, they come in three sizes, with up to 17 cubic feet of cargo room, and let you lock your belongings when you stop to stretch your legs, protecting your valuables from thieves.

Finally, road maps are also a smart thing to take with you, especially when exploring areas with sketchy cell or GPS reception. And, do yourself a favor: don’t rely on online mapping systems. Purchase printed road maps from your local bookstore. Many include elevation, smaller country roads, and even come laminated or coated with a waxy finish to preserve them from wet weather or other destructive conditions, like unavoidable overturned Big Gulps, a perennial road trip problem.

Items like road maps, a bike rack and a rooftop cargo carrier can make your next bike trip smoother and instantly more enjoyable, maximizing your free time by minimizing the time you’ll spend getting there and fighting with your gear.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Bernhardt
http://EzineArticles.com/?Every-Biking-Road-Trip-Calls-For-3-Must-Haves&id=3919683