Luggage & Day Bags
At Rider Check-in on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, you’ll receive an envelope containing two luggage tags pre-printed with your name, rider number, and phone number. Attach one tag to your larger luggage going in the Luggage Truck, and the other to the smaller, optional day bag going on the Rest Stop Truck.
Luggage
“Luggage” refers to any large bag that cannot be transported on a bike — think rolling suitcases, large duffel bags, oversized backpacks, and similar items.
All riders must bring their personal luggage to the start at the Hyatt Hotel in Arlington on Saturday morning, where it will be loaded into the Luggage Truck before we roll out. Before drop-off, remove anything you’ll need during the ride — medication, for example — because you will not have access to the Luggage Truck again until you reach the Day 1 finish line at the Frederick Fairgrounds. You must claim your bags there before heading to your hotel for the evening.
On Sunday morning, bring your luggage to the start once again, where it will be reloaded into the truck and transported to the Gettysburg finish line. When you arrive, you must claim your luggage and take it with you — home or back to the Hyatt in Arlington. The Luggage Truck will not be available after the Gettysburg finish line.
Items that SHOULD go in your luggage:
change of clothes
heavier jackets
charger
keys
toiletries
Day Bags
“Day bags” are small, lightweight bags for carrying essential items you’ll need along the route. These bags are loaded onto the Rest Stop Truck, which travels with us and is accessible at every rest stop throughout the day.
All riders will receive a drawstring bag at Rider Check-in — available Friday afternoon and Saturday morning at the host hotel. Keep your day bag light and limit it to essentials only.
Not sure if you’ll need a day bag? Consider this: on cooler mornings, most riders start the day in arm warmers, leg warmers, or a vest — and shed those layers as temperatures rise. Your day bag is the perfect place to stash them. At every rest stop, you’ll have the opportunity to add or remove layers and adjust your bag accordingly. No need to dig through your luggage for that.
Items that SHOULD go in your day bag:
cycling gear (gloves, light rain jacket, arm/leg warmers, socks)
prescription/allergy medication
sunglasses
Items that SHOULD NOT go in your day bag
- sneakers,
- water bottles (light water bottles should be in your water bottle holder on your bike)
- soda cans
- large sunscreen bottles (sunscreen will be provided at each rest stop)
- bike pump (bike mechanics will be on hand at each stop to assist with any mechanical issues)
- heavy bike tools
- bike locks
