Pack light, pack in layers, and pack a swimsuit. That’s the short answer for Winter Ride Lux, and the rest of this post explains why.
Winter Ride Lux isn’t a grind. It’s a relaxed, under-30-miles-a-day tour of Georgia and Florida’s barrier islands in February, built around beautiful riding, good company, and resort comfort. You’ll start at the Omni Resort on Amelia Island, spend a day on Cumberland Island National Seashore, and finish at the Westin on Jekyll Island. We run it three separate weeks each February, one ride per week.
Because so much is handled for you, the packing list is shorter than most bike tours. We provide two organized rides on Amelia Island with help from some local riders, the ferry day to Cumberland, a trolley tour of the Jekyll Island Millionaires’ Club, opening and closing receptions, and a social happy hour every evening. Your job is to show up ready for whatever late-winter coastal weather brings, plus a few things for the island day and the hot tub.
Riding gear: dress for the 60s, pack for anything
Most Winter Ride Lux days are gorgeous, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. We hope for (and typically get) the best conditions, but February on the coast can turn chilly, windy, or rainy, and some days run warmer than you’d expect. The riders who enjoy every mile are the ones who can add or shed a layer without a second thought.
Build your kit around layers you can mix and match:
- Base layer: a lightweight short-sleeve or sleeveless jersey for warm days.
- Warmth you can remove: arm warmers and knee or leg warmers. They stuff into a jersey pocket when the sun comes out.
- A long-sleeve jersey or light thermal top for cool mornings.
- A packable wind vest or jacket. Island riding means open stretches and ocean breezes, and a little wind protection goes a long way.
- A rain shell. You may never unpack it, but you’ll be glad it’s there if a front blows through.
- Full-finger gloves and a thin skull cap or headband for the colder mornings, plus your usual summer gloves.
- Riding shorts and tights or knickers, so you’re covered whether it’s 55 or 75.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen. Winter sun on white sand and open water is still strong.
A good rule: check the forecast before you leave home, then pack one layer warmer than you think you’ll need.
Your bike: bring it or rent it
Most riders bring their own bike, but rentals are available (from Camden Bicycle Center) and e-bikes are welcome. The riding is relaxed, so any comfortable, well-tuned bike will do.
One thing to plan for: tire width. If you want to ride on your own during the Cumberland Island day, you’ll face some deep sand. Tires should be at least 38mm, and the wider, the better. Skinny road tires are fine for Amelia and Jekyll, but they’ll make Cumberland a struggle.
Bring your own spares and know the basics. BRAG carries tire pumps and light repair supplies, but there are no mechanics on this ride. Get a tune-up before you go, and pack:
- Spare tubes in your tire size
- Tire levers and a patch kit
- A mini pump or CO2 inflator
- A multi-tool
- Your bike lock, for stops and the island day
- Front and rear lights, especially if mornings are gray
- Your charger, if you’re riding an e-bike
Cumberland Island: pack your own lunch
On the way from Amelia to Jekyll, we stop in St. Marys and take the ferry to Cumberland Island National Seashore for the day. You can join the historic walking tour or explore by bike on your own.
Here’s the insider tip first-timers miss: there are no concessions on the island. None. Bring a lunch. There are two Publix stores on the way, so grabbing a Pub Sub and snacks is easy. BRAG brings snacks and water, but you’ll want your own water bottle to refill.
Your Cumberland day bag:
- A packed lunch (hello, Publix sub)
- A refillable water bottle
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Comfortable walking shoes if you’re taking the tour
- A light layer for the ferry, where it can be breezy
- A small backpack or handlebar bag to carry it all
Off the bike: clean up, don’t dress up
Winter Ride Lux evenings are about receptions, happy hours, and swapping stories from the day’s ride. The vibe is super casual. Nobody dresses up, but everyone cleans up after the day’s events.
Think comfortable, relaxed resort wear:
- Casual pants, jeans, or shorts, depending on the forecast
- A few casual tops or button-downs
- A sweater or light jacket for cooler coastal evenings
- Comfortable shoes for the Jekyll trolley tour and walking around the resorts
And the one item our veterans never forget: a bathing suit. You’ll want it for the hot tub and heated pool, and there’s no better way to end a February ride than a soak with new friends.
Your Winter Ride Lux packing checklist
On the bike
- Helmet
- Short-sleeve jerseys
- Long-sleeve jersey or thermal top
- Arm warmers and knee or leg warmers
- Packable wind vest or jacket
- Rain shell
- Riding shorts, plus tights or knickers
- Summer gloves and full-finger gloves
- Skull cap or headband
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
For your bike
- Bike tuned up before you leave (38mm+ tires if riding Cumberland)
- Spare tubes, tire levers, and patch kit
- Mini pump or CO2
- Multi-tool
- Lock
- Lights
- E-bike charger, if applicable
Cumberland Island day
- Packed lunch (stop at Publix on the way)
- Refillable water bottle
- Bug spray
- Hat
- Walking shoes
- Small backpack or bag
Off the bike
- Casual clothes for receptions and happy hours
- Sweater or light jacket for evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Bathing suit for the hot tub and heated pool
See you on the islands
Winter Ride Lux is designed so you can leave the stress at home. The routes are short, the hotels are lovely, and the evenings are for relaxing with fellow riders. Pack smart layers, a sandwich for Cumberland, and that swimsuit, and you’ll be set.
Ready to trade winter at home for a February ride on the Georgia and Florida coast? Register for Winter Ride Lux and save your spot for one of our three February weeks.
