Your Bicycle

You don’t need a extra-special bicycle to ride on the Azores, most of the roads are in good conditions and if you don’t plan to do some downhill with your entire luggage, a regular touring bike is enough.

During my trip I used a very simple one, the most standard you can find even in a supermarket (that is my case). It is a good option to take the “keep it simple” standard to the last consequences, so you will not have surprises.

To have an idea, I had a broken spoke during my last round trip and it was difficult to find a new one to buy even in São Miguel so choosing a very reliable equipment is a very good option too. It’s very hard, almost impossible to have a problem with your Rohloff speedhub but if it happens you will find no “on the shelf” spare part to continue your trip.

There are a few bicycle stores in Azores, the biggest are is São Miguel, but you can always find small shops in every island, the best option is to ask about them. People in Azores use to be very nice giving informations, understanding what you want or not.

Concerning the tyres I recommend a puncture resistent and foldable one. The price difference is fair enough.

Stove

My last experience with gas cartridge stove was fine, they work fine and are safe. The main problem here is to find a store with the type of cartridge you need. Even the places that sells the stove sometimes don’t have the cartridge that was sold to you a month ago.

In the other hand, most of the camping sites has a small kitchen, or sometimes a shelter with a stove, where you can cook. I think that’s because they know about this lack of cartridges.

Places where you can find cartridges are: tools’ stores, boats & fishing apparatus’ stores,  supermarkets and some gas stations. Campingaz is the most common brand.

Tent & Sleeping bag

During the summer, few scatered showers can happen, but you can handle that with a mid quality tent. It should have the waterproof shield and mosquito-proof doors.

Don’t forget!

puncture patches
tyre levers and inner tubes
brake pads
cables (gear & brakes)
chain links
spokes
cable ties
little canister of grease
WD40 and duck tape
pump and a good multi-tool set
if it doesn’t move and it should, use WD40
if it moves and it shouldn’t, use duck tape