If you are keen to explore and travel, then a bike is a great form of transport. At cycling speed you get to be immersed in a country and really experience the landscape first-hand. It also gives you the opportunity to take in the sights without having them whizz by too quickly. You can take stops whenever you feel like it and enjoy any and all scenic views along the way, or opt to pick up the pace.
A bike tour is also great for fitness and it means that you will return home healthier and in better shape than when you left (so long as you don’t eat and drink too many local treats as you travel!).
Whether you plan to take a bike tour in your home country, or abroad, you’ll need to undertake a bit of preparation. Here are a few things to do in order to prepare for the best bike tour.
Invest in a quality bike
First and foremost, you can’t take a worthwhile bike tour unless you first have a quality bike for the job. Touring bikes, like those from Cycle Solutions, are designed in a specific way. They can handle heavier loads so that you can bring everything along that you will need. They are also safer for the road as well as certain types of trails.
Alternatively, you can adapt your own bike, whether it’s a road bike or a mountain bike, for cycle touring. Bike packing products make this straightforward.
Make sure that you invest in a bike that suits your riding style, and that is adjusted to your height properly. Bear in mind that if you are going on a longer tour, you will need to have a bike that is up to the challenge and won’t be likely to have a serious breakdown on the road.
Plan your accommodation
When you are planning your bike tour, it is important to plan your accommodations ahead of time. Depending on how long you plan to be on the road, you might very well need to book a series of hotels or make other arrangements, such as campsites.
Some people like to couple a bike tour with the opportunity to camp in the great outdoors. If this is your plan, make sure that you have everything you need to camp.
Those who are going to stay in hotels along the way should plan these accordingly. Don’t give yourself too much of a challenge by booking your accommodations too far apart. It would be best if you also looked to have some contingency plans in place in case you break down or don’t make it as far as you had hoped in one day.
Make sure the accommodation is cycle friendly and has a place to store your bike while you eat and sleep.
Pack the right gear
You’ll need cycling specific cycling gear for the best comfort on your bike. It’s a god idea to pack a few items for evening wear, too, or for times when you are off the bike and exploring on foot. Add toiletries and essential bike repairs items as well.
Along with all of the other gear that you will need to bring along with you on your bike tour, you must have the right safety gear on hand. Not only should you equip yourself with a quality helmet and high-visibility clothing for when you are on the road, but it is a good idea to pack a first aid kit as well if you sustain a minor injury.
The aim is to take exactly what you need and no more because every extra item will weigh you down on the bike.
