I'm a list person. When I'm about to prepare for an event .. my TO DO list will follow me everywhere. So, being close to my vacation my list of ... worries ... started to develop pretty quickly. But since I started to write them down and look for answers to them I might say I discovered interesting things that are going to ease my planning. Anyway, they ease my mind so far!

Our vacation will include two of my family's favourite activities: swimming in the ocean and cycling. Their combination may create lifetime memories for us...

The idea behind our vacation is to ride and relax enjoying the beautiful scenery around us. We are not very experimented riders, but our bicycles are an active part of our family life and vacation. We never did it by the beach, though .... Therefore my new list have tips that will make sure we get the most out of our cycling. I am sure it is not at all whole ...so your contribution will be very much appreciated!

Here are some tips that will stick with you even if you power down:

Equip your bicycle! Don't forget that the long ride might include a lot of sand. If you don't know the right gear ... ask a specialist.

• Bring a spare tube and tools to fix a flat - Getting a flat on the way to the beach is just cruel. Be prepared by carrying a spare tube, a pump, tire levers, and a wrench to remove your wheel.
• Use a rear rack or a basket - Carrying your load on a rack or basket is much safer than hanging bags off your bars. Also, avoid carrying a backpack to keep your back dry, cool, and free of a heavy load.
• Give your bike a quick rinse after you return from the beach to prevent corrosion from the salty air.

Equip your family! - Not any gear is good for hot weather and if you don't have the appropriate one, go and buy it now. It is an investment that you will use in the future as well.

• Wear helmets. There's no getting away from this one. Put the helmets on and keep them on!
• Wear bright colors - Wear bright colours and take a bright rucksack with you so people can see you.
• Pack some medicine - Nobody wants it, but be prepared for any minor incident that can come between you and your happy vacation.
• Download a mobile App - that can show your progress and map your ride while enjoying the beach! Mine is Map My Ride, but there are tones that can help you.

Eat and hydrate smart - This is No. 1 for all summertime riding, but it's especially essential for the beach. You sweat a lot on your ride out and then sweat in the sun and in the water. Eat and hydrate accordingly. If you're taking on longer rides then energy bars and sport drinks are a good idea.

• Freeze your water - Fill your plastic water bottle a quarter to half way with water and stick it in the freezer the night before you go. Then top the frosty bottles off with water right before you leave.

Stay alert! The scenery is distracting, but don't forget to stay alert and stay safe.

Enjoy the ride, the beach ... and the company! It's a great way to spend time with the ones you love, so enjoy it!

Just thinking of the ocean water that will complement our cycling, will relax the tired muscles and give us extra energy to go on makes me happy to plan ahead my vacation. I am sure that we will create a lot of great memories that will stick to us for as long as we will live!