Whether you want to go for a weekend cycling trip along the coast or a months-long journey across Europe, it pays to be prepared. You’ll get the most out of your cycling trip if you go into it with some idea of what to expect. The amount of time you spend planning is up to you, but keep these basic tips in mind.
Decide what kind of trip you want to take. There are three basic kinds of bike trips: credit card touring, self-supported touring, and vehicle-supported touring. On a credit card tour, you pack light, stay in hotels, and buy food along the way. Self-supported touring, on the other hand, requires you to carry all the supplies you need, including food, bike gear, and a tent. Vehicle-supported touring allows you to leave your supplies in a support vehicle that travels with you as your ride. There are obvious pros and cons to each type of trip, and it’s up to you to decide what you’re most comfortable with and what is feasible.
Decide if you’re riding solo or with a group. Some cyclists love riding alone because it gives them a sense of peace, but if this is going to be your first bike trip, it’s wise to go with at least one other person. There are many bike tour organizations that offer guided group rides both in the US and abroad, and they cater to all kinds of ability levels.
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Plan your route. If you’re riding with a tour group, your route will already be planned for you, but if you’re riding alone or with a group of friends, you’ll have to plan your own route. Whenever possible, avoid busy roads and make sure you know alternative routes, in case you encounter blocked roads or any other obstacles. Determine about how many miles you are comfortable riding each day and how much time you have for this trip in order to set your route’s length.
Gather your trip supplies. If you’re planning to camp, you’ll obviously need basics like a tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag. Even if you’re just going on a weekend trip and staying in a hotel, you’ll need to bring things like clean clothes, warm and cold weather layers, a basic bike repair kit, plenty of water, and some kind of energy source. Electrolyte supplements like Nuun and energy gels like Gu are popular choices for long distance riders, but be sure that you’ve tried them on training rides before committing to using them on your trip.
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One of the most valuable things you can take with you on any biking trip is a willingness to roll with the punches when things don’t go exactly as planned. Following the tips above can help you get your bike tour off the ground, but once it’s underway, be prepared to be flexible and enjoy both your planned and unplanned adventures.
If you’re getting ready to head off on a bike tour, we’d love to hear about it. Stop by Hart’s Cyclery for gear, route advice, or even just conversation with other long-distance cyclists.
Since 1988, Ross Hart has owned and operated Hart’s Cyclery in Pennington, NJ. The bike store sells and services the finest brands in the world, including Giant and Cannondale. We provide personalized customer service, taking the time to understand your needs, lifestyle, and athletic style. The focus is ensuring you discover the right bike and the right fit – for the best cycling experience possible.
The next time you visit, check out our newest addition: the GURU Dynamic Fit. The computerized robotic assisted system has revolutionized road bike fitting, and we’re the only shop in the area that offers the service.
