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So You Want to Plan a Cycling Vacation?

There are more cyclists on the road than ever before. here’s what you need to know before you roll..

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The Biking Boom

As we cycled through a year of pandemic living, one silver lining emerged: the freedom two wheels provided..

Sure, we might’ve been stuck in a world without travel, but a bike could offer fresh air, social distancing, and much-needed endorphins to ward off the pandemic blues (some of them, anyway). Suddenly, it seemed, everyone was buying a bike. Bike sales increased 200 percent in just the first few months of the pandemic, with “anything under $600 . . . just flying out,” Outside reported in January 2021. (Even more than a year after the first shelter-in-place orders were initiated, bikes, and bike parts, are still in short supply.) As we begin to emerge from our collective cocoons, interest in taking those bikes on longer journeys is also spiking—outfitters we interviewed are reporting record increases in cycling trips (and hiking trips, natch), especially U.S.- based routes.

This boom comes on the heels of more than three decades of investment in rails-to-trails throughout the United States, which means there are more possibilities than ever for multiday trips, whether you want to tackle a short overnight or a months-long, cross-country trail. Wondering where to start? You don’t have to be a spandex-clad, Tour de France type to enjoy the freedom of the open road. Here, everything to know about planning a cycling trip, whether you want to plan your own or turn over the reins, whether you’re a first-timer who wants to crash in cushy hotels or an experienced bike-packer looking for a new challenge.

How to Prep

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Photo by David Marcu/Unsplash

First step? Just get out there.

It’s easy to fall into a rabbit hole of route planning and gear buying when it comes to bike touring. One thing all the experts agree on? Don’t overthink it.

You want to be adequately prepared—see below—and have a general sense of what you might encounter along the way, but “just taking that first multiday trip or even really long one-day ride will open up so much opportunity,” says Ted King , a retired pro cyclist. “It is a fun adventure just waiting to happen and you’re going to learn so quickly. Just start doing it.”

How do I decide on the trip and route that are right for me?

First, decide if you want to plan your own trip or if you’d like to join a guided trip. (If you’re interested in the latter, check out our guide to the best cycling outfitters .) If you want to go your own way, consider your fitness and experience levels, as well as the season and amount of time you want to devote to the trip.

Never done a multiday ride before? Start super small. Book a hotel or an Airbnb in a destination 10 to 20 miles away, pack a small bag, and cycle to your overnight .

Interested in camping—and therefore carrying the necessary gear (also known also bike-packing)? Or would you prefer to pack a little lighter and stay in hotels, inns, and Airbnbs along the way? If you’re not a camper, or don’t want to deal with carrying so much gear, choose a route that passes through more civilization. The Eastern Seaboard is a great place for this—especially Maine and Vermont—given the density, you can’t throw a bike shoe without hitting a cute little town with all the amenities you need. Socially inclined cyclists can also check out Warmshowers , a community of touring cyclists who act as hosts to other touring cyclists.

Rest days are crucial when bike-touring.

Rest days are crucial when bike-touring.

Photo by Sunrise Hunter/Shutterstock

How many miles a day should I ride?

Daily mileage depends on many factors, including your fitness and experience levels, the terrain (are there mad hills, or is it relatively flat?), and how much weight you’re carrying. If you’re new to bike touring, even if you’re a fairly experienced cyclist, consider trips that average no more than 30 to 40 miles per day so as to preserve your most critical resource: your body.

And don’t forget to take rest days! This is vacation, after all. In addition to giving your body—especially your legs—a break, rest days offer time to explore your destination, rather than just pedal past it. Park yourself in a campsite or hotel for a day or two and explore the city or town or take shorter daily rides.

“Distance is not as important as the journey,” says Analise Cleopatra, a filmmaker and relatively new mountain biker who made a documentary of her first bike-packing trip in 2019. “You don’t need to compete—just make sure you’re with people who are on the same wavelength and, you know, explore!”

How do I get my bike there?

Getting wheels where they need to go boils down to three options.

RENTING A BIKE This works well for first-timers, those who aren’t picky about their bikes, and/or those who choose a route in a cycling center such as Colorado or Northern California where there are high-end bike shops with decent rentals. It’s easier, too (no need to break down, ship, and rebuild your bike) though it can be more expensive. Rates vary, but a road bike rental can run you anywhere from $300 to $600 (or more) for a week in popular cycling states like California, Colorado, and Vermont.

SHIPPING YOUR BIKE This is the most popular option, currently, among cyclists we interviewed. BikeFlights has become the go-to company for all bikes, including e-bikes. Rates vary widely based on box size, weight, distance, and shipping speed, but if you shipped your bike from San Francisco to New York City, for example, in one of BikeFlights’ medium boxes, which fit most road and gravel bikes, you’d likely pay $83, excluding protection. (The company recommends buying protection to cover the market value of your bike.) You can also ship through Overnight Bikes , ShipBikes , as well as directly through FedEx and UPS, though you will likely pay more booking directly through the latter two.

The main challenge? You need to plan for this as it can take up to six days to ship a bike cross-country , though BikeFlights recommends building in extra time in the COVID era. Plus, you need to have somewhere to ship it. The pros recommend shipping your wheels to a bike shop in your destination (make sure you call to let them know in advance) and paying them to build your bike for you. Expect to pay at least $50 for this service. You can also take your wheels to a local bike shop and have them disassemble and pack it—BikeFlights can pick up directly from the shop.

FLYING WITH YOUR BIKE Alaska and Delta are among the most bike-friendly airlines. Alaska waives the oversize baggage fee and allows bikes to be checked as standard baggage . Delta also counts bikes as standard baggage . Southwest and United, however, charge higher fees: Southwest charges a bike fee of $75 each way , while JetBlue charges $100 each way, and United charges a flat bike fee of $150 each way for domestic flights. Keep in mind that e-bikes, which are powered by lithium batteries, are prohibited on all airlines.

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Photo by Coen van de Broek/Unsplash

How should I train?

It depends on the length and nature of your trip. If you’re doing a short trip (less than three days) through terrain that’s not hugely demanding, there’s no need to map out an arduous training plan, pretrip. In fact, if you’re cycling regularly—at least two or three days a week—and can ride for an hour or more, you’re ready for a low-mileage overnight trip. In addition to building endurance, the most important thing to do is “condition” your butt to prevent saddle sore.

If you’re ramping up for a multiweek or multimonth trip that doesn’t take place on extreme terrain—and have been riding your bike regularly—you can use your trip to train, says Dan Meyer, deputy editor for Adventure Cyclist magazine. For example, ride 10 to 20 miles the first day and see how you feel. Ride 30 miles the next day and 35 to 40 the following day. “That requires some planning ahead of time to make sure that you have facilities and campsites and hotels that are at those distances along the way, ” Meyer says, “but it helps you get in shape more, instead of trying to go 80 miles on the first day and wearing yourself out.” (If you’re tackling an intense trail or just want more structure, Adventure Cycling has put together a 12-week training program .)

The more critical part of preparation is to understand how your bike handles when you’re carrying gear.

“A lot of people get to the start of their big route—this bike trip they’ve been dreaming of doing for years and they start pedaling and they’re like, ‘Holy crap, I’ve never ridden my bike with all this weight on it before,’ ” Meyer says.

He recommends practicing packing your bike , to make sure you’re packing efficiently, that the weight is balanced, and you can get to essential things (maps, food, water, etc.) quickly. Once you’ve done that, “take it out for a quick little 5- to 10-mile ride and just get used to how it handles, because it will handle quite a bit differently,” he says.

Essential Gear

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Photo by Skylines/Shutterstock

Bike camping gear

Big Agnes Tiger Wall Bikepacking Tent The Big Agnes Tiger Wall tent is designed for bike-packing. Weighing in at just under three pounds, it’s super lightweight yet still provides protection and warmth when you’re out in the elements. The tent also includes tent poles that are shorter (12 inches) than normal, which makes them easier to attach to your handlebars, frame, or elsewhere on your bike. The stuff sack includes straps that are technically designed to attach to your handlebar bag, though using the recommended setup can be a little cramped on narrower, designed-for-women handlebars—most women should be able to move the poles to their frame.

It also includes loops to hang wet clothes on the outer rainfly, a generous vestibule area, and lots of pockets so you don’t have to sleep on top of your bike bags. Lastly, Big Agnes uses an ecofriendly dye process to reduce the amount of water that goes into making these tents.

>>>Buy now: $450 (two people), backcountry.com ; $499 (three people), backcountry.com

Snow Peak LiteMax Stove You have to pack light while bike-packing, which is why the compact, 1.9 ounce, Snow Peak LiteMax Stove is one of the best options for your bike-camping kitchen kit. It’s tiny but mighty and will last for years. Pair with an MSR Alpine StowAway pot (the stove fits inside even the smallest pot), a good knife, fuel, and a spork to complete your kit.

>>>Buy now: $60, amazon.com

Cotopaxi's Bataan is an affordable fanny pack option.

Cotopaxi’s Bataan is an affordable fanny pack option.

Photo courtesy of Cotopaxi

Bags and carrying

Outer Shell bags The bike-obsessed team behind Outer Shell makes a variety of high-quality bike bags—handmade in San Francisco—for all types of cycling adventures, whether you’re roughing it on a backcountry gravel ride or trying to cart a bottle of pinot noir back to your hotel room after a day of riding in Napa. Almost all of its bags are designed to expand for optimal versatility and are either waterproof or water resistant.

For shorter rides, or for those who are embarking on a supported ride and don’t need to carry a lot, the Stem Caddy ($60) is a great choice. It can comfortably fit your phone, wallet, and all your essentials, or an entire bottle of wine. For longer rides or if you just want more space, Outer Shell’s seatpacks ($145–$150) can fit just about everything you’d need for an overnight. They’re also a nice alternative to panniers, since they won’t create an imbalance and can fit on any bike, no bike rack required.

>>>Buy now: Stem caddy, ($60 outershell.com ); Seatpacks ($145-$150, outershell.com )

Fanny/hip bag Skip the backpack (it’ll make you sweat like crazy) and, instead, use a fanny/hip bag while you ride (all the cool kids are doing it). Outer Shell has an excellent waterproof and expandable one, but I also like the compact Axis bag by Mission Workshop ($130, missionworkshop.com ), which was made with cyclists in mind. Cotopaxi’s Bataan ($30, cotopaxi.com ) is another, more affordable option, packed with organizational features and made from fabric remnants.

>>>Buy now: Cotopaxi Battan, ($30 cotopaxi.com ); Axis bag ($130, missionworkshop.com )

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Photo courtesy of Velocio

Bike shorts by Velocio Padded bike shorts are essential on any long bike ride, but bike bibs—which are essentially padded, bike short “overalls” that don’t cut into your waist the way regular shorts would—are extra comfortable. There are tons of great brands in the world of cycling clothing, but Velocio is an AFAR favorite. Not only does it excel at making high-quality bike clothes with simple-yet-stylish designs, but its bike bibs also come with one crucial, lady-friendly feature: Its patent- pending FlyFree design means their bike bibs are stretchy enough to pull down for a pee-break, without having to remove your jersey, helmet, glasses . . . basically getting naked.

>>>Buy now: Signature Bike Short, $229, velocio.cc

Other great brands to check out for bike shorts, jerseys, and jackets include Machines for Freedom (ladies only), Castelli , and Rapha .

A bike computer is an essential part of a bike-touring.

A bike computer is an essential part of a bike-touring kit.

A bike computer is an essential part of a bike-touring kit.

Photo by fotoliza/Shutterstock

Tools and other bike essentials

Paceline Products Chamois Butt’r Her’ There’s no way around it: If you’re spending several long days in the saddle, you need to take care of your butt. A good bike seat and shorts are the foundation of butt-on-bike-comfort, but consider packing some chamois cream, which soothes chaffed or irritated skin, as well. We like Butt’r Her’, a non-greasy formula made from natural ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter and designed and pH-balanced with female cyclists in mind.

>>>Buy now: $18, rei.com

Wahoo Elemnt Bolt bike computer One word: reliable. The Wahoo Elemnt Bolt is GPS-powered and can display maps for directions along with helpful data like the gradient of the road and weather and wind conditions. It has all the features to connect to your heart monitor and power meter, and it can sync with tracking apps like Strava so you can monitor your performance as well.

>>>Buy now: $230, backcountry.com

Bike tools (and skills) You’ll want to carry some basic tools and know how to change a tire and how to adjust your brakes. Park Tool makes a great hex wrench set and offers detailed videos on everything from how to change a tire to how to adjust your shifting.

>>>Buy now: Park hex wrench set, $24, backcountry.com

Bike pump When it comes to portable bike pumps, cyclists were once limited to CO2 or hand pumps. A CO2 pump is small, fast, and compact, but single use. (It uses a cartridge attached to the head of a small nozzle to quickly inflate a tire.) Though reliable and reusable, hand pumps can be a 15-minute arm workout as your friends wait impatiently for you, and they’re not as compact. But what about a hand pump that can also use a CO2 cartridge, offering both speed and reliability? Well, it’s 2021 and that now exists with a few brands.

>>>Buy now: Silca Tattico Mini Pump ($65, competitivecyclist.com ); PDW Ninja pump ($35, ridepdw.com )

Bike lights Although you may not be doing much riding after dark, lights can help you see and be seen—whether it’s on a foggy morning or helping drivers spot you as you move in and out of shadows. For lights, you want 500+ lumens for front and 50–100 lumens in the rear. Different blink patterns are a plus as well to help drivers see you.

>>>Buy now: Vis 360 Pro Helmet light by Light & Motion ($130, lightandmotion.com , rei.com ); Vis 1000 Trooper handlebar light by Light & Motion ($90, lightandmotion.com , amazon.com )

Snacks! A lot of new cyclists forget: You have to eat to avoid “bonking,” (the sudden loss of energy that can occur following a long ride). Pack an RX bar or two, or even a plain ol’ banana, to keep your energy up for several hours on the road.

Products we write about are independently vetted and recommended by our editors. AFAR may earn a commission if you buy through our links, which helps support our independent publication.

U.S. Routes

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Great Divide photo by Jacinta Creten/Adventure Cycling Association

There are thousands upon thousands of bike trails in the United States with more, it seems, being added each year.

One big route in the works: The Great American Rail-Trail , which when completed, will stretch 3,700 miles from coast to coast. This list is by no means extensive—but it is a place to begin. For a look at more U.S. long-distance routes, check out the interactive map from Adventure Cycling Association, the 45-year-old organization responsible for some of the country’s greatest routes.

The Olympic Discovery Trail , Washington 130 miles

Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is the stuff of legends: Just west of Seattle, the stretch of land (home to Olympic National Park) offers quaint seaside towns, ethereal rain forest, waterfalls, and at the far western edge, the wild Pacific Ocean. On the 130-mile Olympic Discovery Trail—half of which is a dedicated multiuse path—cyclists can see, smell, and hear it all. The route begins in Port Townsend at the northeastern tip of the peninsula and ends at the coastal town of La Push. Camp or stay in lodges and hotels along the way.

Natchez Trace Parkway , Mississippi and Tennessee 444 miles

This National Park Service–designated trail stretches from Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi, roughly tracing a 10,000-year-old route originally used by Native Americans ( the path once connected the Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Natchez tribes ). Travelers will pass through forests and farmland, witnessing creeks and numerous historical markers along the way. While cyclists do share the road with cars, speeds are low and traffic is relatively light. The route is great for cyclists looking for relatively flat terrain and cozy inns, but there are also more than a dozen campgrounds along the route, for those who prefer the freedom of a tent.

The Underground Railroad , Alabama to Ontario, Canada 1,997 miles

Beginning in Mobile, Alabama, and ending in Owen Sound, Ontario, the Underground Railroad follows the eponymous route used by freedom seekers from the late 18th century until the Civil War. Cyclists can tackle sections of the route or the entire length . The route traces rivers, winds through sleepy towns, and passes by numerous historical markers and sites that honor Black Americans’ struggles for freedom.

The Great Divide , Canada to New Mexico 2,696 miles

Don’t be alarmed by the sheer mileage of this route, which traces the Continental Divide and takes place primarily on dirt or gravel roads and trails—a playground for mountain bikers. Most cyclists tackle sections of the Great Divide, with the 700-mile Montana section among the most popular. Expect solitude, wildlife, and epic runs through pristine forest. Although the trail does pass through small towns, it’s best for those who are interested in camping for at least part of the route.

The East Coast Greenway , Maine to Florida 3,000 miles

Once the entire 3,000-mile route is completed, you’ll be able to hike or bike on protected paths through 15 states and 450 cities and towns, which is the entire point: to connect the nation’s “most populated corridor.” Launched by the nonprofit East Coast Greenway Alliance in 1991, the corridor is 35 percent complete , with 1,000 miles of protected paths between Maine and Florida. The remainder of the trail is on-road (so yes, you could complete the entire route now ). Some campgrounds are available, but the route is best for those who want to crash in hotels, motels, or in homes via Warmshowers.

The Southern Tier , California to Florida 3,022 miles

Tour the entirety of the southern section of the United States—passing through such states as Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida—or just tackle a section of the fascinating route. The Southern Tier begins in San Diego, winding through desert and the Algodones Dunes Wilderness Area, and ends in the 400-year-old town of St. Augustine, Florida. Ideal for those who prefer motels and hotels to camping.

Guided Trips

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Photos courtesy of Backroads and Lamar Sellers/Shutterstock

For those who want the thrill of the open road without the headache of planning their own trip—and hauling their own gear—here are some of AFAR’s favorite cycling outfitters.

Many of these companies now offer e-bikes, making cycling tours more accessible

BACKROADS Berkeley-based Backroads has been leading fantastic small-group hiking, cycling, and other adventure-oriented tours since 1979. Cycling trips take place on custom-built titanium bikes, lodging ranges from small luxury ships (imagine cycling beside and sailing down the Danube ) to five-star hotels, and the food is as finely crafted as the routes. This year, watch for new U.S.-based trips like a five-day cycling tour of the Hudson River Valley, as well as weekend or long weekend getaways in Aspen’s glacial valleys and Texas Hill Country .

ADVENTURE CYCLING ASSOCIATION Long known for its stellar long-distance routes, the nonprofit Adventure Cycling Association , which began in 1976, is responsible for mapping out some of the country’s quintessential bike routes, including the 4,218-mile TransAmerica Trail . During the pandemic, the organization launched its Short Trips Initiative , a series of shorter guided trips in eight metropolitan areas, including Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, and Atlanta. Adventure Cycling expects to release route maps for self-guided versions of the tours in summer 2021.

VBT BICYCLING VACATIONS A two-time AFAR Travelers’ Awards winner , Vermont-based VBT Bicycling Vacations has crafted cycling trips for more than 50 years that include accommodations, luggage transfer, and most meals. It also offers self-guided trips. Pick from one of many New England–based tours or VBT’s national park tours, including a six-day Grand Teton and Yellowstone route .

WOMANTOURS Run by women and geared toward women, WomanTours has been leading cycling trips since 1995. Accommodations focus on smaller inns, bed-and-breakfasts, and in national parks, cabins and lodges. New U.S. routes include an eight-day tour of Alaska’s Inside Passage and a six-day tour of Oregon’s Roses, Rivers, and Rail Trails . Also new for 2021: a 25-day ride along section three (Kansas to Kentucky) of the cross-county TransAmerica route.

DUVINE With its focus on luxury and tapping into the local flavor of a destination, DuVine takes travelers into the heart of a place. The company’s trips range from those geared to avid cyclists looking for a new adventure to family-friendly to rides tailored to all ages. And, like many other outfitters, it offers several new domestic adventures, including a five-day art- and food-focused cycling tour of Santa Fe and Taos .

REI ADVENTURES Another AFAR Travelers’ Awards winner , REI Adventures recently discontinued its international trips to focus on building U.S.-based itineraries. No surprise, then, that the company will offer a bevy of national park trips with varied activities: rafting, kayaking, hiking, and yes, cycling. Cyclists, check out the new Joshua Tree weekend trip or a seven-day tour of Moab, Arches, and Grand Junction .

Notes From the Road

A little inspiration to hit the road, from those who have been there..

We spoke to variety of cyclists—from a relative newbie to people who make their living on two wheels—to share the wonders of exploring the world via your own power.

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Photos by Alisa Geiser

Analise Cleopatra on the thrill of her first-ever bike-packing trip

“I’ve never done anything like that—I’d never even camped before that trip [along the Three Sisters, Three Rivers route in Oregon]. Just being out in the woods and open . . . you’re definitely at the mercy of the elements. But being there with Dej’uanae [Toliver], who I had known for a while, and Brooklyn [Bell, a pro mountain biker] who I had just met, definitely made a difference. I was anxious about ‘completing’ the ride, which is not something that I felt like I needed to do, but it felt like to some people the value of the ride was how far you could go. Later, I realized I’m not this person, I just want to bike and see these waterfalls and paint pictures and get to know these girls , you know? There’s so much elitism in the sport, but I think there’s definitely space for people who just want to explore and yes, challenge and push our bodies, but the point is not the pain.

“The terrain was very, very diverse the first couple of days. In the beginning, where we started near Caldera [Springs], it was very redwood-y with mulchy ground, but once we went past Suttle Lodge , it got really arid and there were a lot of dead trees. And then it got really lush around Big Lake. . . . Then it got very, very sandy. Once we got through the desert-like part, once we got to the Mackenzie River Trail it was so beautiful, just riverside the whole time. There were so many waterfalls. We [followed the Mackenzie River Trail] until we got to Oakridge and then there was a lot of climbing. That felt more hardcore: The last couple of days it was very rainy so it was pretty wet and muddy, which was fine—it was just a little cold and a little scary going downhill.

“[I have so much] gratitude for the opportunity to enter this world, because people don’t knowwhat they are missing out on. Hopefully the film inspires people who, like me, never would have gone camping by themselves. Find a buddy to go with and enter this world because it’s incredibly nourishing and healing just to be able to go out in nature to learn what your body is capable of and see the stars in their full capacity.”

Analise Cleopatra is a Florida-based filmmaker who made a documentary, Pedal Through, of her first-ever bike-packing trip in 2019 to inspire other newcomers to pick up a bike. Her next trip? The backroads of Georgia.

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Photo by Mike Dicken/Adventure Cycling Association

Adventure Cycling Association’s Dan Meyer on the wildness of the Great Divide

“I’ve been dying to ride the entire Great Divide route for a while now, and I still hope to do it soon. A couple of years ago, I rode a [Montana] section of the Great Divide from Whitefish to Missoula. I did it by myself—it was a quick three-day thing. My now-wife and I had done a weekend loop north of Whitefish, and then she had to get back to work. She left me in Whitefish and I just rode myself back to Missoula. It was everything I was hoping for. It was gorgeous, it was quiet, there was nobody around. It’s just such beautiful terrain up there.

“You ride through a lot of dense forest on these rocky dirt roads—motorized vehicles are allowed but you don’t really see them for the most part. It’s just you spinning along, catching glimpses of wildlife. You get that nice, piney, fresh mountain air, you see a lot of alpine lakes and snow-covered peaks. I was going southbound and I did run into a few people riding northbound, but it was less than a handful. It’s the route for people who want to experience solitude in nature. There are other routes you can do where you’ll get to meet a lot of new people and have a lot of social interaction, but the Great Divide route, for the most part, is not going to be like that. It does pass through small towns and you’ll get to meet people in grocery stores and markets and campgrounds, but when you’re out on the road, it’s probably going to be just you, which I really enjoyed.”

Utah-based Dan Meyer, an avid mountain biker, is deputy editor of Adventure Cyclist magazine , published nine times a year as part of the nonprofit Adventure Cycling Association.

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Photos by Rolf_52/Shutterstock and courtesy of Pete Stetina

Pro cyclist Pete Stetina on the beauty of Sonoma County’s endless backroads

“Sonoma County has a pretty storied cycling history. This is a place that a lot of the pro teams would have their early season camps in the earlier days. It’s unique because there are so many little backroads that twist and turn and snake—for every main artery that a lot of people drive to commute, there are four or five alternative options.

“As a pro, when I am here training, preparing for the world’s biggest races, I can pick and choose any direction pretty much and always keep it fresh. There are hundreds of thousands of possibilities. I can hit those rolling pastureland Petaluma hills toward the south and hit the coast. In West County you’re talking Jurassic Park–size redwood trees and ferns and just deep woods, moist redwood forest groves and then [you’ll reach] the coast. Up north, you even start to get into Lake County and that’s more like a dry alpine feeling, almost a Colorado feeling, with a lot more pine trees. Then you have all the vineyards and you have a whole big mountain range called the Mayacamas that borders Sonoma and Napa County [and it has] a bunch of huge climbs.

“If you are an advanced enough rider, one quintessential rugged Sonoma County route is the West County Highlight. It’s a very hard ride that includes some very tough climbs, [but also] some amazing vistas, some rugged backroads. You’re gonna hit every microclimate you can think of in one four- to five-hour ride. I’m talking urban and then redwoods and then riverfront and then coastal and then redwoods again and then oak forest, all of that. If you’re passing through the vineyards, a lot of the time, you’ll smell the fermentation, you’re going to smell the grapes being crushed and a little bit of that alcoholic perfume in the air and then you’re going to get into the redwoods and that deep mossy moist air. The coast is real stinky in a good way. And then there are all these little eclectic artist communities that have bakeries and coffee shops.

“There’s not a lot of fake [in Sonoma County]. Everyone’s kind of content doing them and you’re doing you and we’re a part of this community together, which is really nice. It’s definitely the people and the extracurricular possibilities outside of cycling that have kept me there and kept me happy. It’s one of the easiest places in the world to do my job.”

Pete Stetina is a pro cyclist based in Sonoma County who switched to gravel and adventure racing in 2019. In March 2021, he partnered with the Sonoma-based Piazza Hospitality to offer cycling packages to hotel guests at Hotel Healdsburg , h2hotel , and Harmon Guest House that range from customized routes to the Pro Cycling Experience package , which includes a private, guided ride with Pete. For each package booking, the partnership will provide a bicycle, helmet, lock, and (when they’re happening again) a bike camp adventure to an at-risk kid through the B-Rad Foundation , a Sonoma-based nonprofit.

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Photo by Felix Lipov/Shutterstock

Pro cyclist Ted King on Vermont’s picturesque 200-on-100 route

“I’m in Vermont and there’s a cool route called the 200-on-100 and that refers to the 200 miles that spans the length of Vermont, from Canada to Massachusetts, and the route is entirely on Route 100. A lot of people will do it in one day . That said, it would also make for a really nice two-day trip or stretch it out and make it a three-day trip.

“At the beginning, you are literally at the Canadian border and that portion of Vermont is called the Northeast Kingdom. It’s just out there, it is rural, it is rolling pastureland, you can see mountains in the distance. The route is entirely paved and sort of inadvertently becomes a tour of Vermont’s ski towns. You’re going to go through Stowe and you go by Sugarbush and Mad River and you go right by Killington, you go by Mount Snow. It’s a relatively rolling route. There are no real extended climbs, except two, but over the course of a 200-mile ride they are relatively spread out.

“Detour off the route and find an Airbnb or a restaurant or brewery, all the things Vermont is well known for. . . . You’ll go directly by Lassen’s Finest Liquids in the town of Waitsfield, Vermont. Among beer nerds, their stuff is extraordinary. They’re a cycling friendly brewery and brewhouse—they just came out with Single Sip, [which is] absolutely delicious, and their double IPA is called Sip of Sunshine. It’s relatively early in the ride, so you might not want to have too much of that. But as you’re dividing [the route] up into a multiday trip, it might work out perfectly.”

Ted King is a retired pro cyclist who loves Vermont’s ubiquitous gravel roads. So much so that in 2019, he launched Rooted Vermont , a two-course (pick between 45 and 85 miles) ride, which is taking place for the second year from July 30 to August 1, 2021.

Jessie Beck contributed to the reporting of this story.

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Bicycle Touring Tips

The bicycle touring tips listed below, are the result of quite a few years spent cycling around the world.

During this time, I've had my fair share of joys and disasters, tricky situations and sublime experiences.

It's been an incredible learning journey, and one that continues almost every time I get on the bike.

By sharing some of the things that I have picked up along the way, I hope to make life a little easier for other cyclists planning their own long distance cycling adventures.

Dave Briggs cycling in Sudan

Bicycle Touring Advice

I've split this post of bicycle touring tips into four sections:

  • Before you go – How to prepare for a long distance cycling trip
  • On the Road – Bicycle touring tips aimed at making life on a long bike tour easier
  • After the tour – What to do when the bike tour is over
  • Useful bicycle touring articles – Further reading to take your bike trip to the next level!

There should be cycle touring tips, tricks and hacks of use here for everyone.

Whether you are planning a weekend bike tour, or a more ambitious around the world cycling adventure, I hope you pick up something that makes your life easier.

Whilst cycling across Europe I kept track of my travel budget

Keep in mind though, no one knows it all, especially me! So, please look on these bicycle touring tips as friendly advice rather than a rule book to follow.

After all when it comes to bike tours, half the fun is learning from mistakes made along the way.

Bike Touring Tips – Before You Go

Let's kick off by looking at how to prepare for a cycling trip.

Are you doing everything you can to prepare for your bicycle tour? I remember during the run up for my first tours, everything I did was geared towards making it succeed.

Here's some things to keep in mind.

Prepare for your bike trip

Remember your 6 P's (Proper Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance). Being prepared for the road ahead, whether you intend cycling a coast to coast over a weekend, or one end of Europe to the other, can take many forms.

Perhaps you need to build your fitness up, buy certain maps, work out where accommodation is, buy specific bits of gear etc etc. Just winging it works for some people, but being prepared before hand makes common sense. There is no point in making life harder than necessary!

Dave Briggs cycling in Athens

Educate – Bike Touring  Maintenance

Knowing how to look after your bike is going to save you a lot of hassle in the long run. If you are looking at touring for short periods of time, you should at least know how to fix a flat tyre and look after the chain correctly.

If you are going on a long distance cycling tour, it would be beneficial to know how to replace a chain , fix a broken spoke, remove the rear cassette, change cables etc.

Some people choose to attend a bicycle maintenance class to acquire this knowledge. Many bike tourers, including myself, pick it up as they go along over time.

You can take all the tools in the world, but if you don't know how to use them, they are dead weight. Knowledge, on the other hand, weighs nothing.

Related: Common Bike Problems

Test your long distance cycle touring setup

The time to test all your shiny, new gear is not on day one of your epic cycling trip around the world! Give your kit a run out before leaving, whether it is setting the tent up in the back garden, using a water filter , or cooking off a camp stove.

Perhaps more importantly, do a couple of rides with your fully loaded bike before you leave. A bicycle weighed down with stuffed panniers feels and handles a lot differently than a lightweight road bike.

Go out on at least one overnight trip to double check the practicalities of your setup.

It might change your mind as to how much stuff to take as well! Read more here: The importance of a shakedown bike trip

Camping on a bike tour

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Eat what you like when cycling

This does not get included in many people's cycle touring tips, but I really believe it's very important. The chances are, that you have decided what sorts of food you are going to eat whilst cycling. Maybe its lots of rice, pasta, fish, peanut butter, oats, bread etc.

Now ask yourself this. Have you ever eaten these same foods day in day out for a week or more? How many breakfasts does it take before you can't face the sight of oats in the morning again?

If you are going on a long distance cycling tour, and have worked out what sort of foods you are going to eat, try the diet first. Trust me.

What to eat on a bike tour - tips on what to eat when long distance cycling

Cycle Touring Tips – On the Road

Here's some more great tips as you head out on two wheels into the great outdoors for your tour:

  • Swap your front and rear tyres over every couple of thousand kms. They will last longer.
  • Getting up early, and doing most of the cycling in the morning is a good idea. It is generally cooler and less windy.
  • Avoid rush hour traffic wherever possible. This might seem common sense to most people reading this list of bicycle touring tips, but it's important nonetheless.
  • Take time to smell the roses. Sometimes literally. You are bicycle touring to enjoy yourself and the countryside, not break new land-speed and distance records. (Unless that's your aim of course).
  • Make the most out of every opportunity. A source of water? – Fill up all your bottles. A small store in the middle of nowhere? – Buy food, as it may be the last store for a while. Electric wall socket? – Recharge all your tech gear.
  • Don't be afraid to stop riding and take breaks. Nobody is watching you to see how “lazy” you are being, and an hour or more taken out for lunch will restore your energy levels beyond the calorific replacement.
  • When braking on long, downhill sections, alternate squeezing between the front and back brakes. On super long stretches of downhill, don't let the rims overheat by constant braking. Pull over and take five minutes out.
  • Balance your load out. If the panniers are heavier on one side than another, it will put unneeded strain on the hubs and wheels. Pack heavier items towards the bottom of the panniers.  Try also to get 60% of the load at the back of the bike, and 40% at the front.
  • Check this article out – How to cut costs on a bicycle tour

Bicycle Touring Tips – When It's All Over

  • When you get back home, unpack your stuff as soon as possible. You don't want to be leaving a wet tent rolled up in a bag for months on end, or it will rot and smell. Air your sleeping bag etc. It's surprising how “I will leave it a day” turns into leaving it for a week!
  • Label up all your photos. They might be fresh in the memory for a few days, but as time goes by, you may start forgetting where they were taken.
  • Start planning your next trip!

You might want to check out

  • Touring bike accessories and gear
  • Bike Touring Clothes
  • Cycling Alaska to Argentina
  • Cycling from England to South Africa
  • Bike touring from Greece to England
  • Cycling Across Europe
  • Bicycle Touring the Peloponnese, Greece
  • Touring bike reviews
  • City Bike Hire Schemes
  • Bike Touring Blogs
  • Best bike touring tires
  • Cycle around the world

Dave Briggs cycling in Colombia with a Bob Yak trailer

Related Articles on Bicycle Touring Tips

Here are some more articles that you could class as bicycle touring tips. Some of these are aimed at people looking to buy a touring bike, whilst others are practical tips.

Things to look for in a touring bike

Butterfly Handlebars – Are Trekking Bars The Best type of Bicycle Touring Handlebars?  – A look at whether or not trekking bars are the best type of bicycle touring handlebars in terms of comfort and practicality.

700c vs 26 Inch Wheels for Bike Touring – The Best Wheel Size for Bicycle Touring – Before buying a touring bicycle, you might want to take a look at which size wheel is best for bike touring.

Best Rear Bike Racks – A strong rear bike rack for panniers is essential when preparing for a long distance bicycle tour.

Preparing to cycle the Pan-Amercian Highway – Your questions answered.

Bicycle Valve Types – The differences between Presta and Schrader valves.

Rohloff Hub – Should you choose a Rohloff hub for bicycle touring.

How to change the oil in a Rohloff speedhub – How to maintain your Rohloff hub.

Best saddles for bike touring – Choosing a good bike seat is key for a comfortable ride!

Is the Brooks Cambium C17 good for bike touring? – A look at the C17 saddle from Brooks.

Brooks B17 saddle – The famous Brooks B17 leather saddle is the de facto standard for bike touring.

Duct Tape Bike Repairs – Duct tape can be useful in emergencies when touring!

Fully loaded touring bike with panniers

Bike Touring Gear

Bike Touring Gear  – A look at the bicycle touring gear I take with me on extended tours.

Touring Panniers vs Bicycle Touring Trailer – Which is best for bicycle touring? Having used both extensively, I give my opinion.

The Best Panniers for Bike Touring – Getting this right is essential in planning your next bike tour!

Ortlieb Back Roller Classic Review  – A review of the most popular touring panniers for long distance cycling trips.

Choosing the best handlebar bag for touring

Best Bike Tool Kit – The bicycle tools you have at home are different from your touring tools.

Bike Touring Tool – Are multi-tools any good for bike touring?

Best bike touring pump – How to choose the best pump for a cycle tour

More bike touring tips

Top 10 Bike Touring Essentials – Whether touring for a weekend or a year, I never leave home without these 10 items!

Wild Camping  – You can save a lot of money by wild camping during your bicycle tour. Here's some tips on how to wild camp successfully.

How to choose a camp stove for bicycle touring – Let's compare camp stoves, and work out which one is most suited for bicycle touring.

How to cope with being sick when bicycle touring around the world – It's never fun getting ill, especially when you are halfway around the world, and by yourself in the  middle of nowhere.

How to pack food in your panniers – How to keep food in your panniers so it doesn't get destroyed when long distance bicycle touring!

Travel tips on cycling in Peru – Some FAQs about cycling in Peru answered.

How much does it cost to travel around the world on a bicycle – A realistic look on how much cycling around the world costs.

Top Pillows for Camping – Getting a good night's sleep helps make each day on a bike tour go that much better!

Best Budget Bike Trainer

As I mentioned before, I hope you find these bicycle touring tips useful, and if you have any of your own to add, I would love to hear from you. Just leave a comment in the section below. Cheers for now!

Bicycle Touring Tips - Plan the perfect bicycle tour

Long Distance Bicycle Touring FAQ

Readers planning their first bike tour – or even their 30th long distance tour – for that matter, like to have their bases covered when it comes to touring bikes, making sure they have enough money, and gear.

Some of the most frequently asked questions they have include:

Which bike is best for long distance touring?

Specifically designed long distance touring bikes are the best choices when it comes to a long tour. The Surly Long Haul Trucker is perhaps the most well known, but other bikes from companies such as Stanforth, Thorn, Dawes, Koga, and Santos are also excellent choices.

How do I prepare for a long distance bike tour?

Once you have all the gear you think you'll need for your bicycle tours, the biggest preparation left is to make sure you're in shape. There's a huge difference between riding your bike on road as a leisure activity, and riding a full loaded bicycle on all types of terrain.

What is the difference between Bikepacking and touring?

The edges between bike touring and bikepacking become more and more blurred Generally speaking though, bikepacking takes place on predominantly unpaved roads and tracks, and frame bags are used to pack all the gear needed. Bike touring usually involves carrying gear in panniers or on a trailer, and while not strictly limited to paved roads, it's not normally practical to tackle singletrack like this. <h3″>What is credit card touring?

his minimal form of cycle touring is ideal for short trips. You can leave the camping gear and cooking kit behind, and instead travel by bicycle with as few things as possible apart from your credit card or cash. You'll simply buy what you need on the way, and stay in hotels at night.

7 thoughts on “Bicycle Touring Tips – Plan The Perfect Long Distance Cycling Tour”

I am trying to buy a weatherproof cycle touring map of the North Sea route (eurovelo 12). Do you know where I could buy one? Everything is GPS, GPX and for me, not very satisfactory. I don’t mind using GPX files, for localized areas, but an overview map is a must. I have cycled up and down North and South America, never even had a cell phone. Just a Rand McNally road map. Now it seems near impossible to get old-fashioned maps for old-fashioned cycle tourists. Help

Hi Dave, We have been reviewing your excellent Athens – UK trip – very helpful and inspiring videos, thank you! We plan to do reverse of part of your trip this June, from Dubrovnik to Athens, then fly out of Athens airport (to Zurich) after a few days visiting Athens. Just thinking about logistics – do you have any advise on best way to transfer to the airport from the city with bicycles, gear etc? The airline requires that our bikes be packed in a box and we can’t seem to figure out if we can buy cardboard bike boxes and/or get it packed at the airport. If not, what do you recommend where we might be able to buy bike boxes and on how we might get ourselves and the boxed bikes to the airport? Many thanks

The best idea would be to get up to the airport on the metro. Taxi might also be an option, but you’d have to get a specific car for the boxes which are pretty rare.

As for the boxes themselves – you could try these guys at the airport: https://www.care4bag.gr/ I’m not convinced though!

There are a cluster of small bike shops in Monastiraki you could try to see if they have spare cardboard.

There’s also a big bike shop called: https://www.cyclist.gr/ who you could contact. It’s outside of the centre, but conveniently on the main metro line (well close to it) that goes to the airport. If you could communicate with these guys for spare boxes, you might even be able to pack and store your bikes there if you are cheeky enough to ask!

First I want to thanks for your great tips. I think your all tips are very important for all biker. Mostly it will help, who want to raid a long drive. Your all tips help me lots.

I will participate in my first ever bicycle tour next week. I am so excited! Thanks for sharing these tips.

Incredible write-up, Dave! I know the idea of doing multi-day packs is weird to many, but I think it is the ultimate adventure.

One note is that taking the bike on a couple of test runs when fully loaded is important (you mentioned that.) One of the specific areas to test is on downhills as I’ve seen some bikes get bad “shimmies” when going downhill.

Also, I recommend stopping by your local bike shop and picking up a couple of spokes in each size you might need. You may not be able to replace the spokes yourself, but it keeps you from ending up with a broken spoke in a 2-horse town with a bike shop that doesn’t have your size. Seen that a couple times as well.

Excellent tips and guide on how to prepare for your cycling trip! I am currently on a 6-month trip through Central Asia and, unexpectedly, I am meeting so many travelers who are cycling around the Stans. I really admire their sense of adventure and, for the first time in my life, I am considering becoming a cyclist traveler. That’s why I was interested in your guide but, after what I’ve read, I think that it involves so much preparation! I don’t even know how to fix a flat tire, so I think it will be harder than I thought. Cheers!

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Tried and Tested Useful Tips on How to Prepare for a Long Bike Ride for Beginners

long bike trip tips

Is it your first time planning a long-distance biking trip ? You cannot just pack your bags and hop on a bike if you are a beginner. You need to consider so many factors to be fully prepared for what’s to come in your travel. This guide covers everything you need to know for a fulfilling biking experience, even if you are a beginner. We have prepared a complete checklist for you to keep in your mind before setting your foot outside. Read on!

If you’re planning a long ride, check out Global Cycling Network tips on Youtube on how to prepare and finish it in style! Check their video out!

Do Your Research 

Whenever you plan for a long-distance ride , this question always pops into your head, what to do? And the answer to this question is research. Research where you’re planning to go. Know everything about the place, trail, elevation, time, etc. The best way to do that is by downloading any beginner-friendly mobile app on your phone. There are so many beginner-friendly android and iOS apps like Starve, Bikemap, Google Maps, Ride with GPS , and MapMyRide that make your research easy and breezy. Make sure you’re taking full advantage of them before starting your journey. Don’t just download these apps on your phone to use later. Use them NOW to know how they’re working!

Know Your Stopovers

The next thing to consider is your stopovers. On long journeys, you have to make a list of all the places where you will be stopping for a nap or drink or just resting for a while. It’s equally important to plan your itinerary and study your route as well. For example, if the average cycling distance for beginners is 12 km, you should aim for an 8mph speed. Therefore, the distance between two stops should be 12km for you ideally. We suggest spending some time checking the locations where you will be going on Google Maps. In case you plan on setting up camp, ensure you know all the details about the surrounding areas to avoid any problems. 

Bring All the Essentials

If you have no idea what essentials to bring along with you, watch some youtube videos on what stuff to pack for the travel. Keep your stuff to a minimum, though. Any useless items will only add to your load. While you may not feel it when you start the journey, bringing along a lot of items can actually slow down your speed. In case you are traveling alone, bring a cooking set gear, a stove, and a lightweight tent. Similarly, a GPS training watch is one of the essentials. It can help you monitor heart rate, and work as a compass as well as a barometer to stay on the right track. Besides, never go out without a waterproof cycling jacket . You never know when it might rain, and shades aren’t always available. 

Prepare Yourself – Mentally & Physically

Long bike rides can be physically taxing. Think about all the pain you might have to go through on the road. Are you capable of enduring all the hardships that come with a long-distance ride? Experts say setting out on a bike ride is 70 percent mental and 30 percent physical, and we fully agree. If your mind isn’t ready and you doubt your physical health, you will carry all the anxiety with you. As a result, you won’t be able to fully enjoy your ride. It’s best to prepare yourself physically and mentally with a cycling schedule before you start your journey. Getting yourself checked by a physician is also a good option to be mentally satisfied with your good health. 

Build up the endurance

When you are planning for a long trip, assess yourself. If you think you can jump from an hour ride to six-hour without any physical injury, you are wrong. Before taking a big jump, one has to start with baby steps. So, you have to work on your endurance and build it up gradually.

So, the best thing is to add time to your workout slowly. For instance, if you ride one hour a week, add half an hour to it. This technique will help in the building of your stamina. Keep adding hours to your riding, and eventually, you will have the stamina to ride for 6 hours. Your aerobic capacity will develop during this time.

While training, you can keep a power meter to count your lactate threshold. The lactate threshold is a measure of your anaerobic activity. Cyclists achieve the lactate threshold at 95 percent, close to their maximum heart rate.

For building muscle endurance, you have to do strength-building exercises. Squats and lunges can help you in it. Stretch after every workout to develop stiffness and strength.

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Know Your Food in Long Distance Rides

Food is another important consideration. The human body has the capacity to absorb 60-90 g of carbohydrates in an hour, whereas water requirement depends on the temperature and activity. The body utilizes the energy derived from carbohydrates as fuel. 

When riding, you require a good amount of energy. You can add this energy to your body in the form of nutritional supplements such as gums, gels, bars, juices, cereals, jellies, candies, or even liquids. It is of least concern that in what form you are taking them, keep up your stock so that you will not be out of energy during riding. 

 You can store a good quantity of food on your cycle. However, if you remain on cycle for the whole day, at one point, your stock will eventually end. 

Thus , be aware of the food available in the area and what you eat. When planning to have a dine-out, make sure you are not having anything unhealthy. Get yourself used too of eating energy-rich food that may not even taste good to your buds. Any stomach issues will result in delays, can prolong your journey, or even abort it altogether. When you ride, make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Drink as soon as your body tells you it’s thirsty. Delaying can weaken your body. Also, bring a hydrate along with you. During long-distance rides, you’re burning a lot of salts and sugar. Therefore a hydrate can help keep your essential body nutrients in optimum amount.

Prepare your cycle for the long journey!

As it is a famous saying: ‘one who fails to plan, plans to fail.’ So if you are not planning well before going on your cycling journey, you are actually failing. There is always a chance of any fault in the equipment going wrong, so prepare well before going. 

Ensure that everything is working in the proper order. Check the health of the tires so that there is no tearing. Make sure that the chain doesn’t need replacement, and that the gears are absolutely fine.  

Keep the spare parts with you that you might need on the ride. Pack some spare brake pads, gear cable, and chainlinks with you. They will aid you if any unfortunate circumstance occurs on the way. 

Plan to adventure in a Pack

Although it is exciting to go on a solo adventure, if this is your first experience and you are not very sure about it, I recommend you go with the other riders. A pack of riders will keep you motivated, and your chances of success will significantly increase.

Group riding is also beneficial in a way that you will not face any navigation-related issues. If your bike meets any problem, there are people with you to help you out. 

Value your body over your mind!

When you are riding, consider the signals your body is giving you. If your body is telling you that now you need rest, abruptly take rest as it may impact your health in the long run. 

Sometimes your brain may deceive you and wants to give up even before your body gets tired. In such a situation, you have to motivate yourself slightly and give yourself small targets.

A Good Bike

Finally, the most important gear is your bike. Make sure you have a good mountain bike if you are hiking on a mountainous trail. Train yourself for the long ride by taking multiple small rides every once in a while. Never go with a bike you aren’t already familiar with. You don’t want it to break down in the middle of the road and end your journey abruptly. 

Comfort should be your first priority. With a comfortable bike, you can cover long distances with ease and convenience. Many adventure and bikepacking bikes come with multiple sections where you can store your stuff easily. Likewise, tourism bikes have racks and water bottle cages to make sure you have all the supplies you need for the ride. 

Steel Vs. Aluminum Bikes

Do people often wonder whether to go for a steel frame bike or an aluminum bike on long trips? We suggest steel bikes over aluminum ones because: 

  • Steel bikes are stronger
  • Steel bikes are also cheaper
  • Steel bikes are less likely to bend, deform or warp under your weight 
  • Steel bikes can carry more load
  • Steel bikes are better at absorbing any road vibrations
  • Steel bikes are more durable

Bike Components to Consider For a Long Ride

Final thoughts.

So, that’s pretty much all the helpful cycling tips for long-distance biking for beginners. While your rides will mostly be smooth, bad things can happen at any time on long rides. Therefore, you should always hope for the best and plan for the worst. We hope you know how to prepare for a long bike ride with these tips, and you are well prepared if something goes wrong along the way. Besides all the items we suggested above, you should always keep your ID, documents, and some extra cash stashed somewhere apart from your money. That’s all for now. Thank you for reading! 

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8 Tips for Long-Distance Cycling

8 Tips for Long-Distance Cycling

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s nothing quite like the euphoria you experience after crushing a long bike ride. A rite of passage for any avid cyclist, pushing that two-hour mark is a significant accomplishment that warrants celebration. Like many cycling milestones, though, it can be an intimidating undertaking to pursue. It shouldn’t be one that is off-limits though, even to beginners. If you plan a reasonable route and prepare properly, there’s no reason you can’t tackle a longer ride even if you only have what you’d describe as a “moderate” level of fitness. Here are some tried and true tips to help you feel more confident setting out.

1. Use your pedalling power wisely

You’re eager and motivated to put the miles behind you, right? We understand—it can be hard to contain your excitement. If you want your legs to last though, you can’t go full tilt from the get-go. Especially on a long bike ride, you need to focus on staying in an efficient gear that allows you to maintain a steady cadence and input of effort. The pedals should be moving smoothly beneath you, and you should look to maintain a cadence of at least 90 RPM . At this pace, your aerobic and muscular systems won’t get too stressed, and you’ll be able to keep your overall effort steady. It can take a little patience off the bat, but you’ll be thanking yourself later in the ride.

2. Fuel well and often

Geraint Thomas Eating

To keep yourself feeling strong throughout a long bike ride, it is essential to put some thought into nutrition and hydration before heading out. Exact fluid amounts will be influenced by heat and exertion level, but you generally want to aim to drink around one bottle per hour. You can mix something in the water if you prefer, but it is really the H2O that your body needs to maintain a sustained effort. You should also eat consistently throughout the ride, taking a bite or two every 20 minutes or so.

3. Keep your pre-ride meal carb-heavy and easy to digest

Speaking of fuel—a plate of bacon and eggs might be just what the doctor ordered for a post-ride recovery meal, but before heading out, you want to take it easy on the protein and fats. They both take a bit longer to digest and can be an added drain on your body. Prior to riding, top off your glycogen stores by sticking with plenty of whole grains and fruit.

4. Make segments your friend

The mental challenge of taking on a long bike ride can be the better part of the battle (more on that below), so it’s helpful to break your route down into more manageable chunks. Working each segment individually will help you stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed. Have a plan for each segment and be willing to adjust your goals accordingly. Everyone’s legs let them down from time to time, and there’s no shame in going back to the drawing board.

Winter cycling

5. Focus on RPMs and cut yourself some slack

Hills and winds can be friends or foes, but it’s important not to lose your cool when they get together to gang up on you. Remember that you’re focus should be on maintaining RPMs rather than speed. Don’t hesitate when it comes to dropping as many gears as you need to to keep the wheels in motion. Remind yourself that it won’t be long before the wind shows up at your back to help you out.

6. Avoid aches and pains with a few simple moves

You might notice that your legs are the least of your problems on longer rides. All sorts of other aches and pains can present themselves if you’re not careful to introduce a bit of movement into the rest of your body. Periodically change hand positions, shrug or roll your shoulders to make them and your neck happy, and stretch out your legs by standing up and dropping one pedal, so your leg is straight. Hold for several seconds before switching legs.

Outdoor ride

7. Don’t underestimate the power of the mind

Cycling is both a mental and a physical feat. You take everything going on inside your mind and body onto the bike with you, and sometimes this can mean a predisposition to frustration or defeat. Make a promise to yourself before heading out that you’re going to focus on generating positive energy. Enjoy your surroundings, congratulate yourself for doing something healthy, and push yourself to get to that next rest point. You have the power to banish those negative thoughts!

8. Expect the best but be prepared for the worst

Positive thinking can go a long way, but longer rides also come with an increased chance of an incident. Most of these can be quickly dealt with if you’re prepared for them, though. You should ensure you have the gear to fix at least two flats, a mini tool, your cell phone, ID, and a bit of cash for any longer ride. Remember that it’s better to have it and not need it than the other way around.

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Zdeněk Štybar, a Freshly Retired Cyclo-Cross Legend: “If I stop my career on Sunday, on Monday, I want to be back to work, whatever that is“

In this episode of the We Love Cycling podcast, Matt Stephens is revisiting one legendary pro career that just recently reached its conclusion. In his virtual studio, he welcomed Zdeněk Štybar, a Czech native and a road cycling and cyclo-cross household name.

Tom’s Bike Trip

15 Unorthodox Ways To Train For Cycle Touring & Bikepacking (Bicycle Optional)

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So you’re dreaming of life on the open road on that epic long-distance cycle tour or bikepacking trip. 

Yet you’re doing nothing proactive about it, because (among other reasons) you think you’re not fit enough .

The odd commute or day-ride isn’t enough; it’s waaaaay too big a leap from your current lifestyle to the kind of physical fitness required for that big bicycle-mounted adventure.

Well, no, actually.

For most people in this scenario, the truth about training for long-distance cycle touring or bikepacking is actually this:

Training yourself mentally will serve you far better than attempting to train yourself physically .

You can read all the detailed cycling fitness articles you want, but they can all be summarised thus: the best way of physically training for a big bike tour or bikepacking trip is to ride a really heavy bike a really long way over a really long amount of time.

Guess what? You can do that by actually going on a big bike tour or bikepacking trip .

Start off gently, sure. But in anywhere between a few days and a few weeks, depending on your starting fitness and what your natural range turns out to be, you’ll be as fit as you’ll ever need.

It’s the lifestyle that’ll prove the real departure from the norm. If you’re still on the couch after years of dreaming, this is probably worrying you more than you’ve admitted to yourself. 

But the good news is you can train for lifestyle changes too. Indeed, doing so might be the thing that gets you to the starting line.

long bike trip tips

Here, then, is an alternative kind of training programme for you; one that’ll take you on a gradual psychological adjustment towards the daily routine of the long-distance bicycle traveller.

This training programme will also allow you to keep your home and your job until the very last minute — and won’t involve pedalling pointlessly around in circles in an attempt to ‘train’ for a Big Trip.

Some of my suggestions are rather tongue-in-cheek. But do try implementing a few of them; perhaps one new exercise per week. In just a few short months, you’ll be ready to roll right out the door, fighting fit or not. I promise.

(Now’s a good time to go and put the kettle on. You’re going to need at least two cups of tea for this.)

1. Start hanging out with other bicycle travellers

Go to Warmshowers.org , sign up for a host account, and fill out your profile. ( Here’s mine .)

You will soon start to receive emails from wandering cyclists looking for a place to stay and some company for the evening.

Invite them to stay. Encourage them to stay longer. Spend as much time as possible with these people. They are your best friends now. Listen to their stories. Learn from their experiences.

You’ll soon realise that they are, on the whole, just like you, except that they’re doing what you’re still dreaming about. You’ll get inspired – and you’ll get jealous. And that’ll soon motivate you to start taking your own plans seriously. It’s a cruel hack, but it works.

As a side benefit, you’ll build up a list of testimonials from people you’ve hosted, which will come in very useful when you’re sitting in a smoky internet cafe full of small boys playing astonishingly violent video games, trying to find the right key on a Turkish keyboard to produce an ‘i’ with a dot on top of it in order to email other hosts with requests to stay the night yourself.

Nobody biting with Warmshowers? Try Trustroots , Cou ch surfing , Hospitality Club , or BeWelcome . Or all of the above. It’s a game of numbers. However you achieve it, start hanging out with other bicycle travellers.

2. Reduce your intake of social media

Just sign out, that’s all. I’m not going to tell you to delete your Facebook profile. Just sign out. And uncheck the ‘Remember me’ box next time you do feel compelled to sign in.

Most bicycle travellers are happy to stay in touch with friends and family back home occasionally — in proportion to being connected with the ground beneath their feet the other 99% of the time. And when they do use social media, they’ll be happy to make it a one-time effort before getting back outdoors and back to reality.

Signing out of social media prevents one thing: the compulsive ‘checking’ behaviour so many of us now exhibit to check our social media accounts every few minutes, meaning our brains are in two places at once, causing us to walk out in front of moving vehicles and into each other while ‘checking’ what’s happening in the world.

You don’t need that. Your friends and family are getting on just fine, and if they aren’t, they’ll call you or come and see you. Instead, start using that reclaimed time to work more seriously towards your upcoming trip. Read books, stare at maps, just sit and daydream, or go for a bike ride. The possibilities for your bike tour are endless – if you’ve got the headspace to let the idea grow.

As an additional step, uninstall the smartphone apps for these networks and use the mobile browser versions instead. This’ll get rid of all those notifications you get every few seconds; further instant-hit distractions from reality. Better still, put your smartphone on airplane mode. 

Or on eBay.

3. Disconnect from the twisted world of mainstream media

Throw out your TV today. Better still, eBay  the damn thing. And transfer the proceeds immediately into a limited-access savings account marked ‘Adventure Vault’. (I use Starling Bank , which has a cool ‘spaces’ feature to keep savings in a separate virtual account.)

And the money you’ll reclaim on your TV license – put that in too. The earlier you chuck out the telly, the bigger the rebate. Do likewise with the money you’re about to save each month on the satellite/cable subscription. If you buy a daily or weekly newspaper, stop that right now. It’s doing nothing but making you anxious about a world that’s as safe as it’s ever been to travel in.

Aside from the logistical hurdles associated with taking a television on a bike tour, bicycle travellers don’t need to be permanently connected to whatever the international news media is spewing out about ‘the world’.

Why? Because bicycle travellers are far too busy actually experiencing ‘the world’ to bother with what the media want to tell us what’s happening in ‘the world’ that we’re supposed to care about, think about, and more importantly be afraid of so we’re easier to sell stuff to.

Travelling the world on a bike consists mainly of pedalling, interspersed with tea and charades with strangers. 

If you want to know how human society really works, read a good history book, make peace with the fact that every bad thing happening today is a repeat of a bad thing that happened yesterday, that you have no influence over anyone else’s fate so you might as well take hold of your own, and then go and cycle a lap of the planet to get a measure of the rest of it.

While you’re using the time freed up by your new low-information diet to set up the monthly standing order into the Adventure Vault that’ll eventually fund your journey, add in the accumulated cost of your daily latté and start brewing your own coffee in a camp-stove-friendly espresso pot .

4. Redecorate your home

If there’s one thing we adventure cyclists spend almost as much time staring at as all the stunning landscapes this planet has to offer, it’s maps .

Maps, before a journey begins, infest every aspect of our lives. Usually this is less for practical route-planning and more to remind us just how much road there is to explore. Whether a blow-up globe or a 10K topo, maps are fail-proof fuel for wanderlust.

You too can tap into this unlimited font of motivation simply by visiting the Stanford’s website (or their stores in London or Bristol) and ordering a selection of maps of places you fancy cycling in* — whether that’s regions, countries or continents — and putting them up on your walls.

Find yourself gazing longingly at them for several hours a day, mentally planning routes, realising how much damn choice there is, that you’ll never actually be able to claim to have ‘seen the world’, and that it therefore really won’t matter too much where you go as long as it’s somewhere new.

5. Cook one-pot meals

No truly self-sufficient cycle tourist rides without a good camping stove with which to cook a hearty and delicious hot meal at the end of the day. 

Far from being bushcraft maniacs capable of lighting, using and extinguishing a cooking fire in 10 minutes flat (though such people do exist), we have instead mastered the art of getting breakfast, lunch and tea (and coffee) ready over a single tiny burner .

You can imitate this easily. If your stovetop is a gas-burning model, simply remove three of the four flame spreaders, thus rendering all but one of them inoperable. If, on the other hand, you have an electric hob, you’ll find that the temperature knobs will come off with an enthusiastic tug (they’re designed to be replaceable; I take no responsibility for broken hob-knobs). 

For the ultimate in authenticity, ensure that the one remaining hob is the smallest available.

You’ll find that — while your recipe range is somewhat reduced — you’ll nevertheless be able to create all manner of delicious meals with creative use of that single hob, along with a few unorthodox cooking methods and some clever tricks involving two or more cooking pots and careful timing.

Once you have mastered this, feel free to abandon the stovetop altogether and switch to the more purist approach of a using an actual camping stove and camping cookware to prepare your meals, preferably on the living room floor.

6. Sell your fridge

Fridges have been the default in homes for less than a century. Most of the food in your fridge, however, is unlikely to actually need  refrigeration. Society has just developed a supermarket-assisted obsession with hoarding food for longer. (My mother-in-law even refrigerates flour .)

As adventure cyclists without fridges, we’re all-too aware of this, happily carrying butter, cheese, yoghurt, cured meat, pastries, fresh fruit and vegetables, jars of jam and chutney, and mayonnaise inside our non-refrigerated panniers for a few days at a time and suffering no ill effects whatsoever.

So sell your fridge. Raid all those mystery jars at the back of the top shelf. Quit hoarding food for weeks, stop generating leftovers, and only buy what you can eat before it perishes — which includes more types of food than you might think.

7. Turn out your wardrobe

Your average bicycle traveller will possess a maximum of two sets of clothes: one set for riding in, and one set for not riding in.

This makes a lot of sense, since time spent travelling by bicycle is generally divided between — you’ve guessed it — riding, and not riding. You can replicate this today with incredible ease.

To figure out what clothes to wear for riding in nice weather, imagine you’re going hiking on a sunny day, then add a pair of padded cycling shorts and a set of waterproofs. 

To figure out what clothes to wear for not riding, imagine that you’re choosing a single outfit that you’d just about get away with wearing for a night in on your own, a night out with friends, a dinner invitation with your in-laws, and the wedding reception of a distant relative where you’ve been seated somewhere in the far corner.

You may now sell the remainder of your clothes on eBay, or perhaps take them to a nearby charity shop.

8. Move out of most of your house

We bicycle travellers have the luxury of almost unlimited space in which to play, restricted only by the planet’s landmass and a handful of slightly inconvenient border crossings. 

When it comes to a temporary dwelling, however, the best we can usually hope for is a two-berth lightweight tent , a spare room, or a diplomatically-judged amount of space immediately surrounding a sofa.

Imitate this in your own home by moving your entire domestic life into a single room.

Yes, you may visit the bathroom when you need to. No, the remaining rooms are not to be used for anything except temporary storage of all the furniture and belongings now earmarked for immediate eBaying , Freecycling or the next community yard sale.

Soon enough, you’ll wonder what the point of all of those extra rooms was in the first place — at which point you can start to think more seriously about selling your house and using the proceeds to pay off the rest of the mortgage and hit the road once and for all. 

Alternatively, consider enlisting the services of a letting agent and paying a property management company 10% of your monthly rental income to look after everything on your behalf, allowing someone else to pay off your mortgage while you cycle round the world.

And in the meantime, you can host random travelling cyclists in all of those spare rooms you’ve freed up. You could even go all the way and operate an open-door policy, turning your private home into a much more useful travellers’ commune.

9. Get off the grid

Homes were originally electrified in order to provide lighting after dark, which — let’s face it — has achieved little more than disconnecting your modern lifestyle from the natural cycle of day and night. 

But the daily schedule of us touring cyclists is set around just these cycles; one of the many things about the lifestyle that imparts a deeply satisfying feeling of connectedness with nature.

Yes, we do use electricity now and again — specifically for charging the batteries that power the headtorches we use exclusively for reading books at night, and perhaps the occasional phone or laptop charge if we’re feeling particularly futuristic.

You too may take up this routine by restricting yourself to these applications alone. You’re already using a camping stove on the living room floor for your culinary needs, and you’re no longer using a fridge. So taking the fuse out of the oven won’t be an issue. Nor will selling the kettle on eBay .

Unscrew and sell all of your lightbulbs. Carry a headtorch in your pocket or around your neck at all times. Wash clothes by hand inside a drybag from this point forth (surprisingly effective; they don’t make ’em waterproof for nothing) and take only cold showers (seriously invigorating; proven health benefits). Dishwasher? HTFU !

Now divert the money you’re saving on your utility bills into that ever-growing Adventure Vault. Magic!

10. Camp

On the whole, adventure bicycle travellers tend to spend a heck of a lot of time sleeping outside. Oftentimes this’ll be in a tent , the closest thing we have to a home; on particularly sumptuous nights it might well be beneath the stars in just a sleeping bag.

We’ve learned through experience to do this comfortably: warm, dry and undisturbed. And most of us love it. There’s little you really need to do to follow suit, of course: simply swap your traditional bed and bedding for a camping mat and a sleeping bag, and begin a brand new routine of sleeping on your living room floor with the doors and windows wide open. Not enough space? Sell your three-piece suite and turn your Therm-a-Rests into armchairs .

If you’re lucky enough to possess a garden, balcony or terrace; even better! You truly can sleep al fresco on a nightly basis without leaving home, starting tonight. Just add a tent , bivvy bag  or tarpaulin when the rain comes in.

Once sleeping outside has become the norm, simply take this practice out of town on a regular basis. Woods, hilltops and riversides are all good bets for stealth camping undetected . Closer to home, sleeping in parks and other green spaces is often easier and more fun than you might think — yes, even if you live in central London .

11. Become an observer

Bicycle travel not being a remotely destination-centred way of doing things, we adventure cyclists develop the ability to engage constantly with our surroundings in an intimate and observant way in order to make our experience ‘interesting’.

While it can be difficult to see what’s worth staring at in a big town or city, especially one you’re familiar with, it’s usually just a case of creating the headspace to actually see what’s going on around you. Not just to glance about sometimes while you’re thinking about something else, going somewhere else, but to pay attention to the details and the seeming insignificances, for these all add up to something just as interesting the stuff that is supposed to be interesting to look at, like architecture and billboards.

One easy way to train yourself to do this is to take up macro photography. Carry a camera everywhere — not your phone; an actual camera — and look for beauty on a small scale everywhere you go.

It’s much easier when you’ve got a purpose, so hack yourself one by committing to a Photo 365 project, training your eye and your brain to see the world as we long-term bicycle travellers do. Soon enough you’ll wonder why the majority of people seem to be wandering around staring at the ground or at smartphone screens when there’s just so much else to see!

12. Do nothing more

Once the initial trauma of jacking it all in and leaving the status quo has worn off, we bicycle travellers tend to find ourselves with a lot of thinking time. It’s often said that we have too much thinking time, what with all those miles we pedal every day.

The best remedy for this, of course, is to stop treating free time as ‘thinking time’ and instead practice the doing one thing that we in the West have all but forgotten how to do: not think.

There is this underlying cultural trait — so deeply buried that it is near-invisible — that the present passes us by while we’re using the past to inform future plans. The problem is that — as becomes obvious when you stop and think about it (ironically) — the past and the future don’t actually exist. At least, not while ‘exist’ is being used in the present tense, which it is right now, and now, and now, and now.

Repetitive actions, such as pedalling or walking for long periods of time, allow the conscious mind to wake up to this collective insanity, in turn allowing you to retrain your brain to exist in the present. But hanging around in parks doing nothing is another great way to do this.

Don’t think. Don’t think. Just hang around, listening to all the past and future crap flying around in your head. As soon as you acknowledge them, these voices tend to lose their influence, leaving you to better appreciate the here and now.

13. Talk to strangers

One of the defining features of life on the road is the sheer number and variety of people you’ll meet. To begin with, it feels a bit strange — we’re used to opening up with people in our trusted social circles, but restricting our interactions with strangers to financial transactions and customer support calls.

Soon enough, though, it becomes normal, and when you return home to find everyone milling around in the street totally oblivious to each other, that’s what feels a bit strange.

You can begin to recreate this frankly enlightened relationship with humankind today. Simply start talking to strangers. One easy way to do this is to offer to help someone who could use a hand with something, whether that’s carrying a suitcase up a flight of stairs, picking up something they’ve dropped, weeding the allotment, or something else altogether.

If this perfectly natural mode of behaviour is still new and uncomfortable and you’d prefer it to happen in a vaguely socially acceptable setting, check out the local Couchsurfing events and meetups and attend them. Use networks like HelpX , Workaway and Worldpackers to meet new people and work together on something constructive. Join a club. Volunteer with a local charity.

Once you’re more comfortable, consider talking to your neighbour on your next long bus or train journey, sitting on park benches chatting away to whoever comes along (commenting on the state of their dog is a great ice-breaker). The pinnacle of achievement in this field, perhaps, is to go out alone to your local pub, bar or nightclub and ingratiate yourself with the local revellers.

Again, it’s a game of numbers, so if the first few people glare at you for violating their warped sense of normality because you, a stranger, spoke to them without invitation, simply consider it ‘their loss’ and move on.

14. Repack your life into four panniers and a bar-bag

Now you’re living in a single room, hanging out almost exclusively with total strangers and other cycle travellers, wearing just two sets of clothes, cooking your meals over a camping stove, and are sleeping in the garden on a Therm-a-rest, you might as well take the obvious next step of packing what few belongings you have remaining into four panniers and a bar-bag.

For the sake of practicality, you might as well use that space left by the TV cabinet to store your touring bike, which will act as a place to hang these five aforementioned bags. No need to move or ride it; just use those handy horizontal rails as natural locations for your luggage to live.

This, of course, is also a good excuse to actually get yourself a touring bike or start building one from scratch . No need to ride it, but then again, if you do feel like selling your car and starting cycling everywhere instead, feel free to go right ahead.

Put everything you can’t fit in your panniers on eBay. Seriously. People will buy everything else. Just check out eBay’s Everything Else category . See?

15. Practice the art of non-verbal communication

Once we bicycle travellers leave the zone of our spoken languages, we develop the ability to communicate through more or less purely non-linguistic means. 

Our miming skills become razor sharp, as do our abilities to scribble incomprehensibly on bits of paper while making ourselves understood, all the while flicking through pocket-sized dictionaries and gesticulating in wild and unimaginably creative ways which strangers really do understand.

It’s possible to leapfrog this learning process as part of your normal daily life. Simply give up speaking your native language. Restrict your interactions with members of the public entirely to the aforementioned techniques, plus as many words from other languages as you can muster. If in the UK, shop exclusively in eastern European and south Asian grocery stores, where this technique may work particularly well.

If you commit wholeheartedly to this principle, you will undoubtedly also find that — as a byproduct of being unable to speak to your colleagues — you get fired from your job.

At this point, all of your previous preparations will slot neatly into place. 

For it is now surely a simple case of transferring your savings into your current account, wheeling your touring bike and its already-packed panniers out of your empty house, giving the key to the letting agent, and riding away from your home.

You’ll find that every element of your now-current lifestyle remains the same — save, of course, for physically training to get fit enough for long-distance cycle touring.

And physically training for your bike tour is what you’re going to do right now.

By riding your goddamn bike.

Cover image of How To Hit The Road: The Beginners Guide To Cycle Touring & Bikepacking by Tom Allen

Bogged down in research for your next big bicycle adventure?

I wrote a whole book to help with that. How To Hit The Road is designed to be read at your leisure, making planning a bike tour simple and achievable, no matter the length, duration or budget. Available globally as an ebook or paperback.

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  • What’s Really The Difference Between Bikepacking & Cycle Touring?

Comments ( skip to respond )

52 responses to “15 unorthodox ways to train for cycle touring & bikepacking (bicycle optional)”.

[…] fuel for wanderlust,” as self-unemployed creative explorer Tom Allen notes in #4 of his 15 Unorthodox Ways to Train for Cycle Touring & Bikepacking (Bicycle Optional) — if my memory serves me well, that’s where i got the inspiration for this […]

Cynthia avatar

I think the part I feel least prepared for is the one-pot cooking. Any good pointers or list of favorite bike tour recipes to point me toward? Another question — how do you check out of technology while maintaining a detailed blog and web presence? Do you bike tour with a small laptop?

Jamie avatar

Loved this …so loved it, sent it on to many. 

I’d stopped listening to the news some months before reading this…have recently bought a garmin 810, walking boots, and have touring bikes. Loking forward to clearing out surplus stuff and tasks in the winter and starting afresh in the spring.

I have a happy life already but the bits in here that can add to it …so much for the better!

Richard Jolie avatar

Hi Tom, zany but incredible. I’ve started dreaming right now. A real inspiration. Thanks.

Penny Fleckenstein avatar

Wonderful article. I really enjoyed reading it. A little crazy, outlandish and great if you can ditch everything to tour the world, but I have kids so not quite so feasible We’re planning a Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. trip for this summer. Wish I could be more flexible and just take it easy like a good month of touring but, alas, we have responsibilities and limits on money, but it sure would be a lot of fun. I’m not a camper either so won’t be tenting it. I also have a guidedog to consider. Anyway, you gave me a lot to think about, and I sure appreciate that! Penny

Gray Simpson avatar

Well, I deleted my facebook and Twitter apps! Can’t work with your two-bags-only approach though. One: If I’m doing street photography I need film. If I’m doing film, I need a fridge to store it in. (About a roll a day to the end of the year. Would almost-fill a pannier.)

Two. The books, man! I need my books and my maps. So, I hire a storage lock up. If I ever went ‘off-grid’ I’d have to keep paying for it… But all it would contain is a few bookcases and a coffee table. (Oh ok, and my guitar.)

Sam Barker avatar

Tom, you’re the man, man!

Too much hassle at home, too much needless worries and screens, too much fear! Booking the ferry to France this week with a friend! I’ll stop when I can’t go anymore! Morocco destination #1!

Here’s to not thinking! Peace out!

Tom Allen avatar

Peace out and good luck! 🙂

[…] How To Train For Long-Distance Cycle Touring (Bicycle Optional) […]

Oscar Jimenez avatar

Human beings like you gives me trust (not faith as I am athiest) that “the world” out there is full of amazing beings dying to reach out… Thank you for helping me keep my dream alive!

[…] Another great way to prepare yourself is by joining bike race competitions. While these activities are normally lesser in scope as opposed to the usual long-distance bike races, they still make for good practice. By joining, you get yourself accustomed to the pressure and mental stress that usually come with competitive sports. The more you get used to these things, the easier it becomes for you to manage your own training for long-distance bike riding. […]

[…] read an article for How To Train For Long Distance Cycle Touring and it blew my mind how much the ideologies of Bikepacking overlapped with Homesteading. In […]

[…] sier. Når han får spørsmål om hvordan man bør forberede seg på en lang sykkeltur, sier han: «Hva med å ta en lang sykkeltur?». Genialt. Jeg følger det rådet, tenker jeg. Og så har jeg spist en del is de siste dagene, så […]

GRAEME avatar

Love your articles and style of writing Tom…but I swear you’re getting weirder! Maybe it‘s spending all that time on your own,with just your bike for company?! I‘m currently tearing myself apart and still trying to overcome that final mental hurdle…actually to just pack my bike and set off! Last year I split with the missus after 26 years of marriage and 2 kids,gave my job up and moved in with my ailing father,acting as his fulltime Carer. The plan was to look after him for a short while,then sort out something with Social Services for him before going travelling.…but over 12 months later I‘m still here! The only difference is my dad wanted me out in March and so I‘m currently sleeping on cushions on the lounge floor of my estranged wife’s house! Part of my benefits have been stopped now and I‘m currently surviving on £62 a week,half of which I give to the missus for having me here. That does not include food! I‘m booked to ride at L’Eroica in Derbyshire next month and have the wedding of a Polish mate to go to in Poland at the end of August. I‘m contemplating going on the bike,but having not really travelled independently since my early 20s(I‘m 55 now) I‘m shitting myself to be honest! Just need summat ‚or someone, to give me that final shove…can you offer it me Tom? lol!

Buy your ferry ticket and tell everyone you’re going to do it! 🙂

Terri avatar

Loved this article: I AM plotting the trip, when the ancient dog shuffles off. Have been doing Warm showers for a couple years. Got the gear and tried it out on a couple mini adventures (one with the dog in a trailer, before he got too decrepit) and camped wild. And, funnily enough, I spent today going thru the wardrobe chucking most of the contents out. You’re so right that the mental stuff is the important bit. Thanks Tom.

Markeff avatar

Tom, are you saying that if you put your heart into it your body will follow? I loved the article, I did the end to end thing as a school boy along with a few other ‘adventures’, then for some reason stopped, well not so much stopped but rested on my laurels. Now having just turned 50 I can realistically say that I have revived my sense of adventure and in the light of your inspirational writing will be incorporating the bike into these adventures, thanx for reminding me bud. M

[…] partly by the uplifting, ‘Delight’ by J.B. Priestly and this comical blog post on Tom’s Bike Ride, I decided to pull together a quick list of the small things that I […]

Cee avatar

Great writing Tom. I’m enjoying your take on this life style. Very informative.

I’m still weirded out and new to the blogoshere, yet have a burning question for you and all that care to comment… 

how does one securely store your bike when you have a need to part from it. Say to play tourist, visit a restaurant, go for a swim… any environment or activity that requires you to leave eye sight of your wheels, your gear, gadgets and roving homestead?

thanks, Cee

Purak avatar

Hey Tom, Loved your article, subscribed to your blog. May not manage to read it all as I’m due to head off in two months myself, but I like to offer some support in any way I can with the limited time I have. so, handed in notice on flat, handed in notice to job, bought bike, did my first ever 50km trial run on Monday! Ouch! The bike seat kills! but motivation levels have gone through the roof! Anyway, thanks again for your blogs, and any tips and advice you have would be highly appreciated. Hope our paths cross in some distant land!

[…] isn’t restricted to material items though, so whilst selling your possessions read Tom’s blog I’ve mentioned previously on mental preparation which outlines other ways to save cash by living […]

Jimmy Ceballos avatar

This is farthest the most complete, inspiring, houmorous, declarative, energizing article i´ve had ever readed about cycle touring..the thruth itself, besides the financial advices from Ramona..a lot of concerns i had vanished and then came a lot of creative ideas on how to keep paying my duties for my two sons education and expenses, and, at least, begin to travel..thanks a lot!

Laureene avatar

another great article Tom i particularly liked that you used photos from some of my favourite places on earth almost every cyclist i have met has always said ‘just get on your bike and go’. no amount of preparation can prepare you for the adventure ahead as a hitchhiker, i am mentally preparing myself for switching from travel by foot to actual travel by foot/ pedals. Your blog keeps me focused, Thanks for sharing the wisdom and love,

Bram avatar

In my experience being mentally ‘fit’ is so much more important than being physically fit. If you want to go cycle touring, it’s all about the mindset. Even if you’re not a proper physical shape when you start out, you will be after a few weeks. It is impossible to improve a mindset when on the road. Mental strength is everything!

Strength — and flexibility!

Elea avatar

Stamina, and flexibility!

Joseph avatar

Nice mix of practical eccentricity, thanks — I feel encouraged!

Gaetan avatar

Excellent article, made me laugh. You’re right that bicycle travel is a lot more than just cycling and I´m surprised at how specifically you’ve pinpointed some of the elements like how time seems to slow down, we are more appreciative of the outside worl, but also more appreciative regarding the value of the little things we have. Very good piece Tom. As usual.

Rob avatar

Hey Tom, great article that I think many people could take on board, not just round the world travellers! My favourite in a while 🙂

Kelly Diggle avatar

Excellent! I particularly like #2 — it’s a shame to see so many people living behind the screen of a phone/tablet/laptop/camera these days to ensure facebook/twitter/instagram see what they are doing that very moment. Put them down and enjoy the moment for yourself!

Ron Hillberg avatar

I hear so many people say I can’t ride that far, but I don’t ride far I just ride. It’s like hitchhiking, you have to live in the present. You don’t know or control the future and the past is gone so you just roll with what you have and you get where you’re going when you get there.

Tim Fisher avatar

2Just some thoughts.

1: the more physical training you do, the less likelihood of a strain or similar early on in the trip and the more likelihood of you enjoying day on day riding since your recovery will be superior as you will be fitter.

2: I have never hung out with other cycle tourists, nor do I want to do so. I have my trip and have little interest in other’s trips outside of a good book.

4: I have only a vague idea of where I am headed and look at the map 10 minutes before heading out on the day. I you get bogged down in the big picture it can seem all too much, threatening to swamp you; so put that map down until the morning.

8: I rented out spare rooms in my home, later, I rented the whole thing out, last year I sold it. Today it is worth £70,000 more than Easter last year. Sell your home and the likelihood of climbing back onto the housing ladder evaporates almost overnight.

9: Electricity took us a Humans into a whole new era, do not squander it. Never use a camp stove, BBQ or similar inside, the carbon monoxide is odourless, tasteless and heavier than air. Every year people die in their sleep because they used cooking devices meant for outdoors, indoors. This is abject folly.

9: if you want to alienate friends and neighbours, lose your girlfriend, and ensure people view you from afar, remove all your light bulbs and wander about wearing a head torch. You tour on two wheels, that’ s all. Get over it, thousands do so, you do not need to mark yourself out as an evangelist, people are not drawn to zealots and fundamentalists, you tour by bike. That’s all — no one back home really cares, there is little worse than a travel-bore, 10 minutes of travelling tales is enough, possibly too much.

If you want to tell the tale, do so via a blog, but be warned, no one bar your patents can stick more than ten minutes of travelling stories, so don’t even go down this route.

9: Any fool can make life awkward for themselves. Make life easy on yourself. Use the launderette or the facilities provided on site or in the town, no one hand washes as well as a washing machine. Period. No debate. No one likes a stinking traveller.

Camp as often as possible if you are new to sleeping outdoors and try a couple of days out on the bike to see what works and what does not.

Stop debating this question: it’s not about the bike or the kit, nor paring back your life, it’s about You, so just ride out and get on with it, no more lists, no more debates, no more dilly-dallying, the longer you faff about the less likelihood you will never cross the Threshold.

Go and ride the goddamned bike!

I’ve approved your comment assuming you got the note about this being a ‘tongue in cheek’ article?

Oops — my Whisperlite’s boiling over…

Ah! No, never got the Whisper. Assumed you’d been out in the sun too long!

Try: http://www.lifewithoutlights.com Or any image of North Korea at night, be it from a satellite or the capital at night.

For my trip I did two months of road riding training, bought the Dawes SG, had a three day trial ride, three weeks later I rode away, that was 16th May, and I am still turning the pedals.

Looking at America for 2015.

James avatar

I’d like to debate that no one likes a stinky traveller please.

Roger avatar

Tongue in cheek?? Tongue in Cheek!?!?!? Now you tell us! Did it all. Sold the TV, sold the fridge. Wife left me when I had the electricity turned off. Sold the house…part of the divorce proceedings. Pretty much down to the two sets of clothing, bike, panniers and camping gear. And, yeah, don’t try cooking on a camp stove in the house. I just thank the Lord the carbon monoxide detector was battery powered. Tongue in cheek!?!? I oughta sue your a**! Seriously, great piece. Kind of reminds me of the lyrics to the old John Prine number: “Blow up your TV, throw away your paper Go to the country, build you a home Plant a little garden, eat a lot of peaches Try an find Jesus on your own”

Peace, brother!

Jesse C avatar

Disagree on your last statement, “it’s not about the bike,” when it has a lot to do with the bike. If your bike is not set up properly, you’ll be disenchanted with your adventure in a hurry with broken spokes, flat tires, etc, etc, etc. Make sure you have the appropriate bike set up for the amount of weight you’ll be carrying, you’re vagabond life will be more pleasant.

It depends entirely on how you respond to mechanical breakdowns. It sounds like you’d rather avoid them and take measures to prevent it, but other people will happily spend all day tinkering with and fixing bicycles (myself included). Everyone has a different definition of ‘pleasant’!

Huguette avatar

I absolutely loved what I read. I’m 57, intend on quitting smoking so I can enjoy all the benefits of an eastern Canadian bike ride from Montreal to Newfoundland. I’m in no hurry and intend to camp whenever I feel like it’s time to stop…where ever that may be. One thing that was boggling me was all the different advice about what kind of bike to get etc, etc. Of course I need something that’s suitable and durable for my needs, but spending over 1,000,00 on a new bike and more money on all the gadgets was just getting me frustrated. A decent second hand bike with at least 10 gears (I supose) and some affordable saddle bags (use a tarp to cover in rainy weather) and I should be good to go. Hey, if the bike breaks down I can leave it behind and walk till I find help. Its all about the adventure. I’ll build up my strength in the next two months and then just take off with a huge smile on my face. It’s not Everest. It’s a bike ride for pleasure, freedom and improved health. Everything else will be a bonus.

Mark avatar

I set off on a north to south Japan trip using a bike I’d bought for local riding around where I was living before the idea of the trip came into my head. It was heavy and pretty basic I imagine (I have no idea since I’m not a bike ‘techie’). I did do a little bit of riding beforehand, but was pretty sporadic about it since I figured that I would up my pace as my increased fitness dictated. The bike took me over a 1000 kms without a single problem. I think there are no ‘rules’ about all this. It’s like walking — you see people out for a hike with the latest gear, walking poles and all kind of stuff, and you see others with nothing.

Personally, I prefer the loose attitude.

Pete avatar

Lovely read, never heard of warmshowers about now a member thank you, and I know it’s tongue in cheek but just getting a bike and going would hard going for anyone that’s not been on a bike for years, I can do over 60 miles easy now but when I first started 10 miles was pushing it for me, now I hardly use my car

Mike from Missouri... avatar

Wow. Where have you been hiding? This is absolutely the best bikepacking source I have come across. Inspirational, informative, and authoritative. Your doing it. I am 62 and commute and love the bike life. I call myself a bikest. Preparing for my spring trip now (my first extended one) and I am taking this all in.

Larry Barnhill avatar

Thanks for a “Genius” article, Tom. I particularly liked the way it led to its “inevitable” conclusion. Absolutely brilliant. I must admit, I am about half-way there but not using a ThermaRest. Thanks Again, and my Respect for not running out of ideas for new articles 😉

Kenny Fagan avatar

Like this advice. Bit extreme. I suggest to make the transition quicker. Just start travelling. Agree no need to train if going on an extended trip. For those short two or three week trips may help to have been in the saddle. Keep up the writing I enjoy your posts.

Blanche avatar

Hahaha Hi Tom — as you know we are just back from a trip of 13 months. Still in a culture shock we can’t adjust to it anymore…the speed and the speed and ridiculousness of things. We didn’t train before our trip — just cold turkey starting in Mongolia. How this was and how we enjoyed the nothingness is in our Mongolia video which you already saw in dutch (and probably didn’t understand at all) but I will translate it in english subtitles before sharing it with the world. It’s actually really well going with this article.

Brian M avatar

Brilliant! Love it.

#2 is spot-on. Put down your phones, people!

Ironically, I saw this post on Fazebook, and posted this comment from my phone. Sigh.

You’re allowed to use a phone/Facebook if it’s to read my blog 😉

Hahaahaha!..if it is for it it´s OK..

Allysse avatar

This article is probably the single most useful one I have ever read about bicycle touring. It is so very simple and easy to put into practice that it becomes very reassuring about this whole business of wandering off into the world.

I’m happy to report that I am already applying most steps to my everyday life even though I have no immediate plan of going off into a long distance cycle trip (but am going on a two weeks cycle trip to Scotland soon). And it makes life a million times better 🙂

Thanks a lot Tom for this genius article!

Never thought of it applying these things to life regardless of touring plans… but now you mention it, perhaps we should!

josh tk avatar

I really liked #13. I’ve been on the road for about a month (yes, still addicted to/using social media as I travel!), and I’ve got to say, talking to strangers has made an already amazing trip that much better. When we reach out to others, people will invite you in to their lives, whether it be for a few minutes, or a few days. I’ve been given food, clothes, a place to stay, and more (and its only been four weeks!). And for those of you who are a little hesitant to talk to strangers, don’t worry; if you’re traveling on a bicycle, people WILL come to you… it’s inevitable 🙂

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long bike trip tips

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Long Distance Cycling: Tips and Training Guide

By Team Veloforte March 29, 2022

Long distance cycling

Are you ready to go long? Not sure what to pack, or how to go about training for a long ride?

Veloforte Creative Director, Gareth Winter, knows a thing or two about long distance cycling, having ridden with icons like Bradley Wiggins and Eddy Merckx. We got his insight into the best ways to prepare, train and fuel for a long ride .

Read on for a comprehensive guide to stronger, happier long rides.

10 crucial tips for long distance cycling

Pace yourself, build up gradually, pedal smarter, not harder.

  • Go together

Get your gear right

  • Prepare don’t repair

Protect your assets

Fuel. a lot., break it into sections.

  • Don’t neglect your post-ride recovery

Download the ebook above.

Let’s start with the obvious. You’re not going to be able to go all-out for six hours, and if you set off all guns blazing you’ll probably find yourself flagging long before you reach the finish line.

Don’t burn all your matches in the first quarter. Aim for a steady flame — you’re endurance pace, also known as Zone 2 (for those who ride and train with data), feels relatively comfortable and you should be able to hold a conversation. 

You will have to dig a little deeper on the climbs, but you can recover on the descents to even it back out. If you pace it right, you can light your final match in the last hour and burn the box to the finish line.

getting ready for cycling

We’ll go into more depth on how to train for long distance cycling below, but the golden rule is: build up to it gradually. Adding on the miles to your training too soon is a one-way ticket to overtraining and injury.

Instead, try adding 10% to your weekend-long rides to develop leg strength, aerobic fitness and the all-important mental toughness to go long.

When you’re going long, you’re going to get to know your bike pretty well. So it’s important that you work with your bike — choose efficient gear to save your legs.

It’s wise to pedal with a higher cadence in a lower gear, which will cause less resistance — and less muscle soreness over the duration of your ride.

A 100km cycle isn’t just a challenge on the legs. It can be a real test of mental strength too. So it’s always good to go together, especially if you’re new to long rides. Don’t underestimate the mood-boosting properties of having somebody to share the experience with, and drafting other riders will save you a lot more energy. 

Going together is also great insurance against things going wrong.

long bike trip tips

“Bike fit is everything” , is Gareth’s motto. 

Comfort is speed, especially over long distance. If your bike fit is optimised — saddle height and position, reach, stack, bar width, crank length, cleat position, etc. — you won’t be tortured by numb hands, stiff shoulders, sore saddle area or, worst case, develop a knee strain.

Wider tyres with lower pressure are much more comfortable over long-distance, they are also proved to be faster when paired with a wider rim — aerodynamically and with a lower rolling resistance.

Personally, I ride a 28mm tyre with a 30mm (externally) wide rim. Now you need to decide on how tough your tyres need to be. Generally speaking, a lightweight tyre will have lower rolling resistance and lower rotational weight. This is great if you’re on beautiful smooth roads all day, but if you are riding on heavy roads, gravel sectors or cobblestones, you will need a tougher tyre, otherwise you will lose time and patience fixing punctures all day.

tyres

Saddles get a bad reputation, many people that have a bad experience with saddle discomfort blame the saddle. In most cases, the issue is with the saddle position: 

  • too high or low
  • excessive rotation up or down
  • or too far forwards or back.

Again, I cannot emphasise enough the importance of getting your bike fit right.  

Write a list of everything you are going to need a fortnight before your ride, so you have time to keep adding to it, and if you need to order anything - it will arrive in time (such as a Veloforte top-up). A few nights before, lay it all out. I use the notes app on my phone, so I can add a tick box next to each item.

long bike trip tips

Prepare, don’t repair

“Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.”

Of course, mechanical issues, punctures and technical issues happen. But you can limit them from happening by regularly checking your equipment before you set off. To save yourself from standing on the side of the road fixing your companions' bikes, don’t be afraid to give their bikes a little glance when you meet for a pre-ride coffee.

For example, the night before a big ride, I inspect my tyres — you’ll often find little pieces of glass or flint buried in the tread. Pick them out with tweezers, otherwise they will slowly work their way deeper.

Long distance is all about efficiency. A clean, freshly lubricated drivetrain is far more efficient than a dirty one. Otherwise, you are wasting watts turning gritty gears.

maintenance

You’ll also get intimately acquainted with your saddle, which means your rear end will likely develop some aches and pains throughout the ride. Practice shifting your position, and taking regular standing breaks to take the pressure off. And padded shorts go a long way.

Gareth works to a simple principle: “If you’re hungry, it’s too late”. Make sure you’re properly fuelled with a carb-forward breakfast before you start, and keep regularly topping up during your ride to avoid the bonk down the line.

Your body will need around 30–60g of carbohydrates per hour, with some people needing even more, so aim to eat every 30 minutes. And don’t neglect your hydration too.

Before I found Veloforte, I used to make my own date and almond energy balls. Halfway through my ride, they would turn into mush, due to the heat from my body. With Veloforte, I can eat delicious, natural, high-performance energy without all the mess. 

My favourite ride snack is the Veloforte Avanti bar . It tastes incredible, is conveniently packaged into perfect pocket-sized portions, and holds its shape, unlike my homemade energy balls.

avanti on bike

SHOP AVANTI

You need a lot of carbs. Sometimes it’s hard to keep eating, so don’t be afraid to drink your carbs too. 

The most effective way to top up your engine is with a gel, our Veloforte gels aren't like others on the market. They’re made with natural ingredients, taste fantastic, and are easy to digest. I flush them down with plenty of water for absorption. Also, our Vivo hydration powder has 22g of carbs and will replenish your electrolytes.

Stick something savoury in your pockets too, my favourite is a cheese roll. 

We’ve got an in-depth breakdown of nutrition for long distance cycling here .

collage of the products above

SHOP CYCLING NUTRITION

60km, 80km, 100km or more. It can sound like an impossible distance, especially if you’re new to long distance riding. So mentally break down your ride into sections.

Three equal parts is a good rule of thumb. Working towards a mental checkpoint 10km or 20km away can give a huge positive boost. Checkpoints are also a great time to check-in: how am I feeling? How am I fuelling? Do I need to make any checks or changes?

Don’t neglect post-ride recovery

You’ve ridden all day. You’re exhausted, hungry and hopefully feeling pretty good about yourself. Your next ride is probably far from your mind right now, but don’t neglect your recovery. 

For cycling recovery , make sure you’re restoring your body’s carbohydrate stores and taking on protein within 30 minutes of your ride. You’ll thank yourself tomorrow.

cycling recovery

Training for long distance cycling

Your long ride starts way before you get in the saddle. Here are our top tips to get you to your long ride feeling strong and confident.

Where to start

The key to long ride training is to build up your aerobic capacity and tolerance for heavy mileage. That means increasing your long, steady rides at the weekend.

To avoid overtraining, gradually build up your Saturday or Sunday ride by 20-30 minutes each time. These sessions aren’t about bagging Strava segments, so focus on riding easy and getting miles in your legs.

Route planning

Spend time properly planning out your route. Take note of the terrain, elevation, what kind of surfaces you’ll be riding on. This will help you visualise your day in the saddle and also help you tailor your training to best replicate the kind of conditions you’ll be riding in.

long bike trip tips

Prepare for hills

Even if you’re not attacking mountains on your long ride, you’re going to end up covering some hills. Over several hours that elevation gain can add up — even on a seemingly ‘flat’ ride —  and if you’re not prepared for it your legs won’t thank you.

To be well prepared for the terrain, incorporate hill sessions into your training. You’ll thank us later.

Train with your fuel

You’ve heard the expression, “nothing new on race day?”. Well that goes for your long ride fuelling too. An all-day adventure on the bike isn’t the time to be experimenting with new fuels and flavours (especially if you’re miles away from the nearest toilet).

Train with your fuel. Get used to opening and eating your energy bar or gel while pedalling. Find your favourites and learn how frequently your body needs to fuel.

fuelling on bike

Wear in your gear

You should make sure to wear in your gear too. You don’t want any unexpected chafing from new clothes on the day of your long run. Find the best combo for you and make sure you practice riding in it. And don’t neglect the little things — like cutting your toenails.

Exercise off the bike

You knew it was coming. Enduring a long ride will be a whole lot easier and more comfortable if you’re focusing on strength and conditioning. Make sure to factor in one or two strength and conditioning sessions a week.

gareth in gym

Don’t neglect your core, as this will give you balance and stability in the saddle and help prevent any weird posture, which can hurt down the line.

Recover strong

Don’t leave recovery to chance. Restore your body’s energy supplies after exercise and take high-quality protein on board to give yourself the best chance of recovery.

What to pack for long distance bike rides

Preparation is key to peace of mind on a long ride. Here’s what you should be packing:

  • A minimum of two spare inner tubes
  • Tyre levers
  • A bike multi-tool
  • A pump (CO2 inflators are handy too, but we’d always carry a pump)
  • Emergency cash or debit card
  • Plenty of cycling nutrition (and a bit extra for emergencies)

Sufficient clothing including warm layers

collage of some of the above products

What to eat for long distance cycling

Nutrition can be the difference between a successful long ride and a disappointing failure. Get your fuelling right and you’re already halfway there.

We’ve done a deep dive into nutrition for long distance cycling , but here’s some wisdom from Gareth:

  • Keep your fuel natural
  • Train with your fuel so you know how your body will respond
  • Don’t be afraid to drink your calories
  • Make time for savoury foods. A cheese sandwich can work miracles a few hours into a ride

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  • Tags: Cycling

consuming Veloforte gels

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2 people training for LEJOG

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Really Big Bike Ride

bike ride around devon

8 Cycle Touring Tips For A Long-Distance Bike Adventure

Unconventional cycle touring tips for an adventure to remember.

This article details a decade of cycle touring tips gathered from far-flung places on short and long-distance bicycle-based adventures.

In my early days of multi-day bike trips, I was obsessed with collecting the best advice on bicycle touring. I’d sup a pint down the pub with Ade and he’d say the magic words; ‘I’ve found a nice hill over yonder.’

Over the years, I’ve learned a lot from Ade about cycle touring. In this article, we’ll explore the basic principles and top tips to planning a long-distance bike ride for maximum enjoyment.

plan a bike ride with destinations like these - pubs!

Cycle Touring Tips For Bicycle Adventures Around The World

Embarking on a cycle touring adventure is not just about the destination; it’s about the journey itself. With over 40+ countries under my belt, here are my top cycle touring tips to help you make the most of your two-wheeled odyssey.

A doorstep adventure

My first cycle touring tip is to start local. There’s been a popular movement towards local adventures. Inspired by the constraints of lockdowns, folks have taken to exploring the first few miles from their doorstep.

I’ve particularly enjoyed my old Uni friend, Carrie, the Doorstep Explorer . Taking the concept a little further, popular blogger and adventurer, Al Humphreys, has written a book* about his exploration of the map square of his own neighbourhood.

He’s also written extensively about his own cycle touring tips having cycled around the world for four years.

the doorstep mile by al humphreys

Ask Google: ‘cycle touring tips’

This principle in cycle touring is a perfect starting point to plan a bicycle adventure. Use a simple Google search to ask ‘top cycle touring tips?’.

Likely Google will make suggestions of many and varied examples on how to plan a bicycle adventure.

Better still, pack your bag, load your bike and see how you get on

Pro cycle touring tips

A keen bike explorer knows that the best bicycle adventures take place off the beaten track, away from traffic, somewhere green. Plan your long-distance bike trip like a pro and only use the bike touring tips that resonate with you.

In the past, Ade and I have planned our bike tours around countries, continents and causes depending on our desires at the time. Pro bike touring tip: do it cos you love it!

enjoy the view on your bike ride

Enjoy the view

Traditionally, our Mash-Up and District bike tours have started and ended with a climb. It’s a Really Big Bike Ride custom. While it can be hard on the thighs, the view from the top is nearly always worth the effort.

Plan, but Stay Flexible

Have a rough itinerary, but leave room for spontaneity. Embrace detours and unexpected discoveries; they often lead to the best bicycle adventures.

Invest in Quality Cycle Touring Gear

Your bike and gear are your best companions. Prioritize comfort and durability over flashy gadgets. A sturdy bike, like a Dawes Galaxy , comfortable touring saddle , and reliable panniers can make all the difference.

Expensive cycle touring kit is not essential, but it does help. Invest early on and this stuff will last for years.

Pack Light, Pack Right

Less is more when it comes to packing. Prioritize essentials like spare tubes, a multi-tool, and versatile clothing. Remember, you can find most necessities on the road.

Train Smart, Ride Easy

Build your stamina and endurance before your trip. Incorporate long rides and hill training to prepare your body for the challenges ahead. It’s better to be over-prepared than struggling on the road.

bose portable bluetooth speaker

Shop waterproof Bluetooth speakers on Amazon*

Songs for a bike ride

I myself in particular enjoy riding along to the sound of music. I have a snazzy portable Bluetooth speaker* that blasts out the tunes direct from my smartphone. When I plan a bike ride I tend to make a juicy playlist to accompany me.

While I do love the peace and quiet of being alone in the woods I find that a few choice records help energise my legs later in the day.

Stay Connected, Stay Safe: Invest in a reliable GPS device or smartphone app for navigation. Additionally, share your itinerary with someone trustworthy and check in regularly to ensure your safety.

map skills required for uk cycle routes

Cycle Touring Mantra

Ade and I have a selection of bike ride quotations we like to wheel out while riding. After a meal, Ade loves the saying ‘just what the doctor ordered’.

In the early years of my cycling career, I was a young punk and a bit gobby with it. Oftentimes in the local pub, I’d invite folks to ‘feel my legs,’ after a few pints of ale. Happily, I’ve outgrown this tactile phase.

Prioritize Rest and Recovery

Listen to your body. Take regular breaks, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest. Overexertion can dampen your spirits and make the journey more challenging than it needs to be.

A smile communicates a thousand words

Pack a Positive Attitude

Challenges are part of the adventure. Approach them with a positive mindset and a sense of humour. A can-do attitude can turn the toughest situations into unforgettable anecdotes.

zero cycling drinks supplement

Eat first, think later

Another of our favourite cycle touring phrases and philosophical musings is this mantra, ‘eat first, think later.’ This is important to remember when planning a long-distance bike ride because hunger is the enemy of enjoyment.

Generally speaking, if you’re hungry or thirsty on a bike ride, it’s already too late.

This is one of the key tenets of the Mash-Up and District Cycle Touring Club philosophy. Riders must agree to this first rule of engagement ahead of any planned ride.

Embrace Local Cuisine and Culture

Food is an integral part of the journey. Embrace local delicacies, engage with the locals, and immerse yourself in the culture of the places you visit. It’s the best way to create lasting memories.

Document Your Journey

Capture the moments, write a journal, or start a blog . Documenting your experiences not only helps you relive the adventure but also inspires others to embark on their own cycling escapades.

beer in devon - perfect for a summer bike ride

Be prepared

Self-sufficiency is the name of the game when it comes to a bike ride of any length. Like any good boy scout, being prepared and ready for any eventuality is essential. In cycling terms that means having the necessary tools and equipment to repair the bike in the event of mishap or folly.

When I cycled around the world (sort of), I had most of what I needed but not everything I could have taken. I didn’t for example have a chain whip (the tool required for removing the cassette from the rear wheel).

I managed to fudge a method with a local Vietnamese mechanic but it was clunky and nearly ruined the spokes. A cheeky smile can help you wing it so far but it’s far better to carry the correct kit.

Master the Art of Repair

Learn basic bike maintenance and repair skills. From fixing a flat tire to adjusting brakes, having these skills can be a lifesaver when you’re in the middle of nowhere.

Remember, every pedal stroke is an opportunity to create lasting memories and forge connections with the world around you. So, gear up, saddle up, and get ready to embrace the open road. The world is waiting to be explored, one cycle tour at a time.

Will you plan a bike ride route this summer? Share your stories in the comments below:

Are you ready for your longest bike ride? Here’s how to prepare in the lead up and succeed on the big day

There's still time for an epic summer cycling adventure. We guide you through the essential preparations to conquer your longest ride of the year

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Female cyclist on her longest bike ride of the year

  • Planning and preparing
  • In the lead up

The day itself

The after-party.

  • ‘I rode for 18 hours, and here’s what I learnt’

Make your own mile munchies

Tom Couzens

The summer is a great time for ticking off your longest ride of the year, but time is running out on the sunniest season. Whether to explore new roads and scenery, to challenge your limits, or just for a sense of accomplishment and adventure, there is something very special about pulling an all-dayer. Right from the moment you decide to do it, heading into the unknown, both in terms of distance and physical endurance, is incredibly exciting.  

Of course, this bigger-than-usual ride requires some careful planning and preparation – and that’s the purpose of this feature. We’ll break down the challenge into manageable chunks so that you can head out feeling confident and ready to make the most of every moment.

Planning and preparing for your longest bike ride

How far is too far? 

The first and most important question is, how far? This must be tailored to your experience and current fitness. “Consider what you’ve done before, and make the goal further than that,” suggests coach Amira Mellor ( edgecoaching.cc ). “If you have only ever ridden 100km, don’t go attempting 360km.” Perhaps you’re ready for your first 100-mile bike ride , but be realistic and don’t try to add more than about 20% on top of the distance you’ve achieved before. 

How much training is needed?

Ideally you’ll have put in at least 10 weeks of consistent riding, steadily building up your endurance and mileage. “If you’re aiming for 100 miles, I would suggest doing a five-hour ride nine weeks out, followed by a six-hour ride six weeks out,” advises Mellor. “After that, shorter rides of three to four hours should be enough. Accumulated time on the saddle is what matters most.” Focus on putting in the hours at a sustainable pace and keeping stops to a minimum.

Do I need to complete the target distance in training?  

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No, you do not need to have completed the distance in a single ride during your training. Nor should you ramp up your volume too dramatically. “If your normal volume is six hours a week, you can’t jump straight into a 12-hour training week,” says Mellor. “Instead, aim for a slow progression, increasing volume by 10% per week.” This steady progression allows your body time to adapt to the increase in volume, reducing the likelihood of overtraining , injuries and illness .

How hard should I ride in training? 

“Long, easy rides are the key,” says Mellor. “There’s a time and place for shorter interval sessions, especially when working a full-time job, but for long rides, you need base endurance.” A long day out, such as a 100-mile ride, places big demands on your aerobic system, meaning you need to be able to churn out Zone 1 and 2 intensity for long periods of time. 

Sweetspot training is great for long ride preparation. Riding at around 90% of your FTP is a level of intensity that is uncomfortable but manageable and fast-tracks your sustainable power. Be warned, though, long blocks of sweetspot are hard! Start with two times 15 minutes, adding a third and fourth interval only once you feel ready. Repeat the session once every seven to 10 days.

In the lead up to your longest bike ride

Do I need to taper?

Yes, a taper allows your body to freshen up and consolidate training gains. “Around 10 days out from the event, start cutting down the duration of your long rides to a maximum of three hours,” says Mellor. “Include at least two rest days in the final week before the big ride.” One or two short, sharp sessions during the final 10 days can be effective in keeping your engine primed without causing too much fatigue.

What about the bike?

Your bike as well as your body is taking on its biggest challenge of the year, so it needs to be in tip-top condition. Make sure it is clean and that there is plenty of life left in the brake pads and chain. Safety and peace of mind are paramount, so do not leave these checks until the last moment. 

How many layers? 

Be ready to amend your kit choices accordingly. Hopefully it’ll be warm enough for bib shorts and short-sleeved jerseys , but if you’re starting early in the morning, you’re likely to need a thin gilet and/or arm-warmers to begin with – both of which are easily stashed in your jersey pockets once the heat of the sun breaks through.

What am I forgetting? 

A long day under the sun won't just drain your water supply but also your batteries. Fully charge all your electronics: phone, cycling computer , shifters and bike lights (the latter just in case). 

How to research the route? 

Technology has turned route-planning from a chore into a pleasure. Apps such as Veloviewer or Google Maps provide so much data it’s as though you’re previewing a Tour de France stage. Scout the route from the comfort of your sofa. Are there going to be any steep climbs towards the end that you’ll need to save some energy for? Are there any dangerous descents ? Where’s the best place to stop for lunch? Get it all mapped out in advance. 

How to navigate? 

Most routes are available as a GPX file which can then be downloaded onto your GPS head-unit. To do this, you must first open the GPX file in your chosen app, e.g. Garmin Connect , where you can select to share the route with your head-unit. Within a few minutes the route will be accessible on your bars via the navigation menu; click and go!  

What to eat for breakfast?

The most important meal of the day? Well, it certainly is today. Make sure you get up early enough for a hearty breakfast. “Eat breakfast at least an hour before you start riding, and prioritise carbohydrates over other macronutrients,” advises performance nutritionist Danilo Coppola ( @danilo.copp on Instagram ). “You should aim to consume at least a gram of carbohydrates per kilo of body weight – but don’t eat so much that you feel uncomfortably full. Starting the day with gastrointestinal discomfort could seriously hamper your performance.” 

Here’s a sample breakfast for a 70kg cyclist (scale up or down as suits):

  • 60g oats 
  • 150ml skimmed milk 
  • 10 sweet cherries 
  • 1 tsp of honey 

How to pace it? 

Remember, this is not a race, so don’t get carried away early on while you are still feeling fresh. Pacing yourself is crucial. Keep an eye on power and heart rate as well as perceived effort, and stay within the effort level you proved to be sustainable during your training. “Even if this means dropping off a group up a climb, making sure your heart rate is not drifting over threshold will keep you from blowing up,” Mellor explains, who recommends using heart rate to stay in Zone 2 throughout. At the most basic level, your effort should be low enough that you’re able to chat.

How to save energy? 

As well as thoughtful pacing, smart positioning and road craft can save you a huge amount of energy. If you’re riding with others, alternate the lead so that everyone gets roughly equal time drafting. Cycling in the slipstream saves 20-40% of energy. An efficient cadence plays a part too: aim for 80-90rpm to keep your legs spinning without overstressing the muscles. ‘Spin to win’ as they say. 

How much do I need to eat on the bike?

As a minimum, you’ll need to consume one gram of carbohydrate per kilo of body weight per hour. “For very long rides, the recommendation is 90-120g of carbs per hour,” says Danilo Coppola, “with the caveat that the athlete’s digestive system has to be able to tolerate these high amounts.” Before the big day, you should have tested out your cycling nutrition to make sure your gut can handle it. “Eat solid sources of carbs such as bananas and flapjacks in the first few hours,” Coppola recommends, “before switching to energy gels and liquid carbs in the later stages, as these are easier to digest.” Sticking your nutrition plan to your stem can be a useful reminder.

How much to eat afterwards? 

Although it can be tempting to order the biggest, greasiest burger and chips on the pub menu and wash it down with several pints, spare a thought for your depleted body. “Athletes should prioritise glycogen replenishment,” says Coppola, “and this is best done within the first 30 to 60 minutes after you finish riding”. A 70kg rider should aim to consume about 70g of carbohydrates and 20g of protein in this post-ride meal, equating to 1g carbs and 0.3g protein per kilo of bodyweight. Adding a protein shake is an easy way to boost that protein figure. 

Where’s my soigneur?!

Sadly most of us don’t have the benefit of a personal soigneur – so you’ll thank yourself for having pre-cooked pasta ready to reheat and wolf down as soon as you get home. Without a soigneur to massage your legs, an easy spin the next morning can work wonders. This very, very gentle ride can be paired with some yoga and foam rolling to further mitigate the delayed-onset muscle soreness felt the next day. 

Learning the long way: ‘I rode for 18 hours, and here’s what I learnt’

At the end of April I took on the Traka, a 360km (224 miles) gravel race around Girona in Spain . This was my longest ever ride – but quite a big margin – and I learnt some important lessons along the way…

  • Dry lube was my best friend: Over very long distances in dusty conditions, chain lube wears off and needs replenishment to prevent the loss of precious watts in unnecessary friction.
  • Pack some caffeine pills: I was riding for nearly 18 hours, and inevitably sleepiness was kicking in by the end. With no time to stop for a coffee , caffeine pills were my go-to alternative pick-me-up.
  • Company keeps you merry: Having someone to ride with helped the kilometers tick by, breaking up the silence of my own thoughts.
  • Tantalise the taste buds: Eating can become very monotonous during an ultra event. Combat this with a wide range of snacks. Personally I prefer to have some savoury snacks to hand.
  • Don’t forget the multi-tool : A lot of things can go wrong with a bike in a full day’s riding. So don’t get caught out. 

Making your own on-bike nutrition is a cost-effective alternative to shop-bought energy products. During lockdown, I let my imagination run wild and created a whole book’s worth of DIY recipes (available in PDF – drop me an email: [email protected] ). 

Here are two of my favorite, easy-to-follow recipes:

1. White chocolate and peanut butter crispy bars

  • 200g puffed rice
  • 100g peanut butter 
  • 150g white chocolate 
  • 100g marshmallows 
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract 
  • Roughly chop 100g of the white chocolate into small chunks before placing in bain marie to slowly melt. Once fully melted, stir through the marshmallows and peanut butter until all has melted.
  • Pour in your puffed rice and vanilla extract, using a wooden spoon to combine mixture together.
  • Line a small baking tray with baking parchment before adding the mixture and using a wooden spoon to compress the mixture and properly press it out into the corners. 
  • Melt the remainder of your white chocolate and use a small teaspoon to drizzle over the marshmallows to decorate. 
  • Place in the fridge for one to two hours to set before cutting into the desired number of slices.

2. Chocolate peanut balls

  • 200g oats 
  • 100g golden syrup 
  • 100g pitted dates 
  • 50g salted peanuts 
  • 3 tbsp cocoa powder 
  • To a powerful blender add the peanut butter, golden syrup and dates. Blitz until the dates have broken up to create a smooth sticky mixture. 
  • Pour in the cocoa powder and blend again. 
  • Finally add in the oats and salted peanuts, using a wooden spoon to combine the mixture. 
  • Using your hands, roll out the mixture into 12 roughly equal-sized balls. 

Here you can find more homemade energy bar recipes .

This full version of this article was published in the print edition of Cycling Weekly.  Subscribe online  and get the magazine delivered direct to your door every week. 

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Tom Couzens is a racing cyclist currently representing The Ribble Collective on the road and the Montezumas cyclo-cross team off road. His most notable results include winning the Monmouth GP national series race as a junior; finishing sixth in the 2022 British National Cyclo-cross Championships; and he was selected to represent Great Britain at the European Cyclo-cross Championships in 2020/21. Tom draws on his high-level racing experience and knowledge to help Cycling Weekly readers maximise their potential and get as much as possible out of their riding.   

The Briton has finished eighth and ninth at the Giro d'Italia since his Vuelta podium

By Chris Marshall-Bell Published 23 March 24

Fitness gadgets use very emotive language, but should we be allowing them to press our buttons? Dr Josephine Perry investigates

By Josephine Perry Published 23 March 24

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long bike trip tips

what we carry

Check Out What These Cyclists Packed for a Long-Distance Bike Trip

From the practical to the sentimental, what we carry on the bike says a lot about who we are

After hosting more than 100 cyclists, and having three amazing long-distance bicycle experiences myself, I realized there are so many different ways that people set up their bicycles and gear for touring.

what we carry

Using my photography, I wanted to show the different ways cyclists travel, what they carry, what is important for them and, most of all, I wanted to demonstrate how anyone can go places on a bicycle.

I started this photo project in February 2019. As a graphic designer and photographer, I liked how the grid format displays all the items in an organized way. I use a DSLR Nikon D750 with a 24-70 2.8 lens and two remote flashes. So far, I have photographed 22 participants. Here are 11 of them.

what we carry

José Luis Osornio Ramírez

29 | San Luis Potosí, Mexico | Rides a seven-speed urban bike

I got the idea to ride Mexico end to end unsupported when I was on a ride in early 2019 and my gear cassette broke. It was Sunday afternoon and there were no bike shops to save me. I had to go home pushing myself on a skateboard.

My holidays were approaching, I had money saved, and the support of my family. Four weeks later, I got off the plane in Tijuana. I did not believe it. It seemed absurd and impossible. What am I going to do now? I wondered. I will pedal until I become sand that dries between the toes of Mexico.

In all the forums I read, the same advice was repeated: Travel light. However, I decided to travel heavy because I wanted to strengthen my legs. Everything was meticulously selected. I paid close attention to covering my skin. In order not to get sunburned, I wore two pants, clothes with UV50 protection, gloves, and glasses for hot days on the beach. Though I had never used saddlebags, they became a wonderful ally. My action camera was always at hand even though I didn’t use it very often. What fascinated me the most to use was the drone. When you reach the end of a road, the drone takes you further. I made it 5,000km from Tijuana to Playa del Carmen in four months.

what we carry

Abril Georgina Morales Rodríguez and Maku

40 | oaxaca, mexico | rides a giant liv tempt 29 v.

Traveling with my dog, Maku, has created a strong bond between us. It has been full of adventures that we have enjoyed and overcome together with patience, perseverance, and love. We started from Oaxaca, Mexico, in June 2018, and have traveled 2,500km so far. Our final goal is to reach Africa.

As a woman traveling without the company of a man in this macho world, sometimes it can become the worst experience when unknown men see you as a sexual object and believe they have the right not only to comment on your body, but to decide what to do with it. Fortunately, Maku and my strength—not physical but mental—have saved me in the most difficult situations. I’ve learned that I must never let my guard down.

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what we carry

Two very useful items for me as a woman are my female standing urinal device and my menstrual cup. I also carry a children’s book, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls , a green handkerchief in favor of women’s right to decide on our bodies, a photograph of me from when I learned to walk, and three photos of infants that I had in my charge while I lived 13 years in Africa.

what we carry

Giuseppe Gemelli

41 | genoa, italy | rides a surly disc trucker.

I was not a cyclist before. I had a time with a little depression. I separated from my ex-wife, and this saddened me. Searching the internet, I found that there were people who traveled the world by bicycle. I found it incredible. So I bought a bicycle, and two months later I was at the top of the world in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, with the dream of reaching the bottom of the world in Ushuaia, Argentina.

At first I didn’t know anything about a bicycle. Now after 18,000km I can say that the bicycle has blown my mind. It has been a great experience. Incredible. At first, I suffered quite a bit, especially my butt and my muscles. I was also afraid to sleep alone in Alaska with bears and other animals. Little by little I got used to it.

The bicycle has blown my mind. It has been a great experience. Incredible.

Each day was incredible, sometimes pure happiness and others crying like a child. This is what the bicycle gives you.

I really liked the ease of moving from one place to another without paying for gas or insurance. Or thinking about where to sleep. So many good people, they help you, they invite you to their home.

The Agata shirt is important because of a family bond. Agata is my niece; I take a photo with her shirt in places that are significant to me. I send them to my sister; they are making a collection.

A very important thing that I care for is the bicycle itself. It has all my things and takes me everywhere. I try to keep her well and take care of her as best as possible as if she were my girlfriend.

what we carry

The Delgorgue Family

Jacques (43), pauline (42), élise (15), octave (13), solène (10), charlotte (10), marseille, france | ride a vsf fahrradmanufaktur t-700 (2), vermont 21-speed (2), cube 21-speed (2).

In August 2019, we cycled through the Americas for seven months with our four kids. We call ourselves 6 à Vélo (6 by Bike). We rode almost 6,000km through Canada, USA, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Cuba, and Chile. Through this adventure we discovered our children’s strengths and weaknesses, and they discovered who their parents really are. We met a lot of amazing people through Warmshowers, but also on the road, especially in Cuba. Many were living in poverty, but they were extremely generous. We want to model this generosity in our daily life.

Cycling is slow and cycling is tough, but this way of travel is so nourishing.

We had only basic and necessary equipment. To sleep: two tents, warm sleeping bags, and mattresses. To cook: one multifuel stove, two pans, one saucepan, six plates. To dress (each): three T-shirts, one long-sleeve T-shirt, two cycling shorts, one long cycling pant, one pair of trousers, rain- and cold-weather gear. We carried a drone, a GoPro, an iPad, and a phone to take pictures and make our film and blogs. Basically that’s it, plus medicines and spare parts for the bikes. The children also carried their school books and notebooks in their panniers. Cycling is slow and cycling is tough, but this way of travel is so nourishing. Now we can’t imagine traveling any other way.

what we carry

33 | Zhongshan, China | Rides a Marin city bike

I had been working in Puerto Morelos, Mexico, and a coworker said that he just finished a bicycle trip from Chiapas, which is a little more than 1,000km away. I was interested in going to Oaxaca, which is next to Chiapas, and traveling by bike seemed like an excellent option. So I bought a bike.

I had fears and doubts but wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. As a beginner, I struggled to keep my stuff from falling apart, namely my rack and pannier bags. After getting those in order, I was happy with just the bare minimum. If I had to name one essential thing that made me happy, it would be my bivy tent. I had to use it twice when I couldn’t find accommodation; it kept a barrier between me and some angry dogs at a park!

As for the actual traveling part, I took pleasure from how simplified the days became. No complicated thoughts and a million things to do, only keeping those wheels spinning, satisfying that hunger and thirst with the simplest food, and finding shelter.

After a 120km day with not a cloud covering the sun, drinking a chilled cup of pozol with jalapeño was heavenly. I loved just living the simplicity and feeling the ups and downs of my emotions each day. But the greatest gift was becoming a part of a Mexican family by fate. I only planned to stay one or two nights, but ended up living and working the land and doing everything with them for a month. In the end I gave them my bike because I think they need it more than I do.

what we carry

Detlev Swoboda

66 | perth, australia | rides a 25-year-old batavus dasher.

From 2016 to late 2019, my bicycle took me south from Brazil to Ushuaia, Argentina, then north to Alaska and Canada, covering 55,000km. My way of traveling includes a bit of comfort. And rather than speeding through the wonderful and interesting countries, I take my time.

I long for the freedom and solitude you can only achieve on the road.

Covering alpine to tropical climates, I need a good tent and two different sleeping bags. Another essential item is my Trangia stove which works with alcohol and is basically maintenance-free.

At the moment I’m waiting out the end of the travel restrictions so I can cycle from Germany to Australia. In my life, I have cycled approximately 115,000km around the world in all the different continents, starting my first journey in 1971, from Germany to Spain and back. Ever since then, I long for the freedom and solitude you can only achieve when you’re on the road exercising in the fresh air, experiencing foreign countries and cultures, and making new friends.

5 Great Touring Bikes

ADV 2.2 Bike

Co-Op Cycles ADV 2.2 Bike

Great price point to get up and get out.

Marrakesh Alivio

Salsa Marrakesh Alivio

Can be converted to a singlespeed.

Disc Trucker

Surly Disc Trucker

Carry more gear with pack mounts on the fork.

AWOL Expert

Specialized AWOL Expert

Integrated lights powered by a Dynamo hub.

RLT 9 STEEL

Niner RLT 9 STEEL

Massive tire clearance, and compatible with internal droppers.

preview for HDM All Sections Playlist - Bicycling

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10 Tips for Preparing for Your First Long Distance Bike Tour

November 11, 2015 by Mark Kelley 9 Comments

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The author atop the first climb of his first long-distance bike tour, biking across America.

The author atop the first climb of his first long-distance bike tour, biking across America.

Kudos to you if planning to leave the comfort zone of bike riding along the familiar roads and trails around your home and opting for your first long distance bike tour.

When planning a self-contained bike tour, use our Self-Contained Cycling Checklist and Budgeting Calculator

Taking a bike ride through many cities and states is an awesome adventure that will pay rewards in physical and mental well being as well as character shaping experiences.

Long distance bike tours have allowed me to meet new friends (both riders and “locals”) while exploring popular and obscure places in the United States.

Of course, proper preparation is essential to the enjoyment and success of your first long distance bike tour.

Picking up a bike after years of dormancy and jetting out on a 500 mile bike is potentially dangerous and could make it your last ride because of injury, displeasure, or other mishap.

There are always going to be unexpected circumstances over a long distance ride that might end your tour early, but proper preparation with these 10 steps will help increase your chances for a fun and successful adventure.

Find the Right Bike for your Long Distance Tour

Since you’ll be spending 5-6 hours or even more a day on your bike, it’s important to have one that is a comfortable fit and meets your needs.

Many people preparing for a long distance bike tour try out 4 or 5 different bikes before finding one that lets them sit at the right angle, is the correct height, and is just overall comfortable to be on for extended periods of time.

Choose a Supported or Non-Supported Ride

An early decision in the preparation for your long distance ride is whether to do a supported or non-supported ride.

A supported ride is planned by a company and features other riders as well as a ‘hospitality’ vehicle to carry gear, bring meals, etc.

A non-supported ride means you’re going rogue, planning your own route and being accountable for your own food, lodging, etc.

Depending on the option you choose, you’re planning will look quite different.

Be Honest About Your Physical Condition

When I was cycling across America, a large number of cycling adventurers I met were people in their late 50s to early 60s or older.

Some of these folks were in tremendous shape. They could burn me in a race and beat me up a mountain, while others had to be cycling more slowly and deliberately.

No matter what your age you should be honest about your physical conditions so that you can plan and carry out a feasible tour.

Every tour will provide some challenges and pains, but bike tours turn bad when you sign up for way more than your body can reasonably handle.

Overestimating your abilities may result in a poorly planned or poorly executed adventure. In the worst cases, it may lead to injury.

Start Training for your Bike Tour at Least 3 Months Out

You’ll get stronger as you complete the route on your long distance tour, but it will help in the early days and help prevent injury if you build up a fitness foundation first.

You should be riding frequently to get comfortable on a bike and doing other cardiovascular exercises to build up your heart and lung capacity.

Plan Your Long Distance Bike Tour

The Adventure Cycling Association has implemented almost 30 routes through America, giving you options on what part of the country you’d like to see and terrain you’d like to tackle.

There are Atlantic Coast maps, North to South, Transamerica, Pacific Northwest, and even routes that delve into Canada so options are plenty.

We recommend Adventure Cycling’s maps, and we found them really useful on our bike ride across America , as they showed climbs, descents, accommodations, stores, libraries, etc., all of which were helpful in the planning and on-the-spot decisions.

Don’t skimp on maps. Buy the maps meant for long-distance cycling.

Like, Really Plan Your Bike Touring Route

After deciding which route to ride, it’s important to make a day by day (or close) itinerary.

By estimating mileage traveled per day you can plan your nightly accommodations, meals, sites, and know if you need to increase your pace or can be more leisurely.

Have New Brakes Installed

Before leaving on a long distance bike trip, you should have your brakes changed to promote safety and also reduce the likelihood of having to deal with them on the ride.

Many riders cycle 4,000 miles or more on new brakes without having to change them (although adjustments may be necessary).

Familiarize Yourself With Bicycle Repair

You should practice changing your tires, adjusting derailleurs, and just overall familiarizing yourself with the parts of a bicycle and how they work.

Odds are you’ll at least have to change a tube on your ride but you should be prepared for any and all other repairs.

Join Bike Forums and Do Online Research

If you’re reading this article, you’re probably checking this one of the list.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of people have traveled the routes before you, and these experienced folks are often more than willing to share their experiences with you online.

Riders who have actually pounded the pavement and have encountered the unpredictable on their journey are the best resource for what to expect on a given ride.

Create an Adventure Travel Budget

Although the general costs of a long distance bike tour can be much lower than a traditional vacation, you’ll still want to create an adventure travel budget and set aside enough money for the unexpected.

When planning your bike tour, make use of our free Self-Contained Cycling Checklist and Budgeting Calculator

Some cost considerations to keep in mind…

Many cyclists find that average daily food costs increase as they must replenish their bodies from the 5,000 to 6,000 calories burned per day.

Camping is relatively cheap and can be great on the budget, but there will be nights you prefer a hotel. If you are planning on hotels, call ahead while planning your adventure to find the best deal. Unexpected or more frequent hotel stays can quickly blow up a budget.

And make sure that you set aside enough money for attractions and fun. A long distance bike tour is an awesome opportunity for unique experiences, but many experiences may not be free. Be prepared to spend on museums, parks, concerts, or whatever else gets you excited.

If this is your first long distance bike tour, you find that a fair amount is going to be learned ‘on the fly’, but with proper preparation you can be ‘as ready as you’ll ever be’ for a long distance bike tour.

Got other tips for riders planning their first long-distance bike tour? Leave a comment.

More adventure, please!

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July 20, 2016 at 12:14 pm

I like the suggestion to find the right bike for your long distance tour. What you are riding on can really make a difference during your trip. Make sure you are comfortable on the bike seat as well since you will have to be on it for a while.

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September 27, 2016 at 2:08 pm

I have always wanted to go on a long bike tour, but I know I’m not quite in shape enough for it yet. That’s where the planning comes in, I suppose. When I finally get comfortable with the idea, I’ll be referencing this list again so I don’t miss anything.

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September 27, 2016 at 3:28 pm

Thanks for sharing, Jack. Good luck on your bike tour.

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January 26, 2017 at 3:59 pm

Thanks for the tip on starting the training at least three months before the tour! I’m going on my first bike tour later this year and I want to make sure I’m prepared so I can really enjoy it. It’s good to know that this is also a great way to prevent injury in the early days of the tour!

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April 20, 2017 at 10:38 am

I like your tip to find the right bike for the tour. When I was younger I went on a fifty mile bike ride with some friends. I was using a mountain bike instead of a road bike, so it was a lot more work for me than anyone else.

June 15, 2017 at 8:22 pm

Thanks for the comment, Leviticus.

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November 18, 2017 at 3:17 pm

I have a plan for long distance bike ride. Thanks for the tips.

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August 1, 2018 at 11:53 am

My ultimate goal is to head on a huge cycling trip in America, for now its the pennine trail!

' src=

December 3, 2018 at 1:33 pm

Before biking you must be trained to ride a bicycle. Although it is not a big deal to ride a bicycle but it involves fitness and health issues.

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Your 'go-to' guide to prepare for a cycling tour

Cycling on the Otago Rail Trail | Lachlan Gardiner

Getting ready to strap on your lycra to ride some of the world's most amazing cycling trails? Here's everything you need to know about bike training and riding gear to best prepare you for your cycling tour – with added insider tips from our bike tour experts.

After months of dreaming and weeks of researching your ultimate cycling tour , you’ve booked your trip. Now all you have to do is sit back and wait for the day when you can finally head off on your long-awaited adventure… if only life could be that simple!

As with most things in life, you get out what you put in. So, you’ll need to do some physical conditioning to prepare. It’s also important to consider the appropriate clothing and gear to take on your trip. Adequate preparation will make your riding experience even more enjoyable.

To help you prepare, we’ve consulted our in-house cycling experts and bike addicts to compile the best tips and tricks on training and gear essentials you'll need to ensure you are comfortable and confident on your biking adventure .

Enjoying the ride on the 'Vietnam by Bike' trip. Image credit: Richard I'Anson

11 helpful training tips

1. consider your trip grading.

It's very important to be mindful of your trip grading and read your trip notes well in advance so that you know what type of cycling you'll face on your trip. There are a number of factors to consider preparing for which will help make your tour more enjoyable. Do you have one big day of hill climbing? Will the weather be quite hot at the time of year you are travelling?

Understanding your trip itinerary and grade will help shape your training sessions and give you guidelines on how much training you should do leading up to your trip.

If you are new to cycling and are feeling unsure, don’t be put off! It’s normal to feel a little nervous. Just remember, it’s not a race. Go at a pace you are comfortable with so you can soak up your surroundings along the way.

Furthermore, many of our tours have vehicle support, so if you aren't feeling up to riding one day there is always the option to have a rest. There's also the option to choose an e-bike for that extra pedalling boost.

2. Get miles on your legs

It may sound obvious, but the key to getting 'cycling fit' is spending as much time on your bike as possible. Don't make the mistake of thinking that running or swimming will suffice.

While it is good to mix up your workouts with cardio and weight bearing exercises, it is essential that you fit some riding time in your weekly workouts. Cycling regularly will activate different muscle groups, as well as get you used to sitting in your seat (or 'saddle') for long periods.

- Garry Corbett (journalist and avid cyclist)

Crossing Hyde Bridge on the Otago Rail Trail. Image credit: Tom Powell

I jog a few times a week and this was the preparation I thought was enough for my cycle trip. But once on the bike, and facing 700-metre road ascents, I realised there is a big difference between running fit and cycling fit. Now, I always recommend people actually cycle in preparation for their cycle trip – a few times a week and not just on the bike in the gym (although, that is better than not cycling at all).

- Kate Baker (UTracks Manager)

3. Train consistently

Try to keep up a consistent amount of exercise each week, especially during the weeks leading up to your trip. Consistency and repetition are important for getting cycling fit.

To keep up consistent workouts, it’s a good idea to schedule them at the same time every week and fit them into your daily schedule. Also, remove as many barriers as possible, so you can’t come up with excuses not to train. For example, organise your gym clothes the night before, set reminders on your phone and keep a workout calendar.

4. Practice climbing hills

Let’s face it, not many people love riding up hills but the more you ride up them, the more you'll be prepared for them on your trip.

Basically the trick is to choose the “right” gear that allows you to pedal at your optimum speed. Choose a gear that is too low and you will spin the pedals too fast with the result that you will tire quickly or conversely choose a gear that is too high and you will have to expend too much energy with each turn of the pedals, with the result that you will tire quickly or potentially cause injury to your knees or hips.

- Garry Corbett

Cycling the Tibetan Plateau. Image credit: Bas Kruisselbrink

5. Be flexible

We all lead busy lives and it can be hard to fit specific training sessions into your everyday life. To fit in more time on your bike, try adding cycling to your daily routine, for example riding to the shops or work. This can also help build consistency.

The main thing I did to train was to get out on my bike as much as possible. I’d try and incorporate cycling into my every day life. Do I need to take the car to the shops? Maybe I could just pop to the shops on my bike if I only needed a couple of things. Making sure I had time in the ‘saddle’ (to prep butt and legs) was a key part of my preparation. Seeking out a few hills and stairs also helped me increase my leg strength.

- Kate Harper

6. Push yourself

The more you prepare, the more you’ll enjoy yourself. If you are only ‘just’ fit enough you won’t get as much out of your trip.

To put it bluntly if you want to get the most out of your long-awaited cycle tour you will need to do some sort of physical conditioning. This fact applies whether you have booked a so-called “easy” tour with few or no hills or if you have booked a tour that tackles some of the most arduous mountain climbs in the world.

Clients riding along side the beautiful Tekapo canal system on one of our New Zealand cycle journeys. Image credit: Colin Monteath

7. Train in a variety of weather conditions

Some of your training should reflect the trip conditions. If it might rain on your trip, then train in the rain and test your wet weather gear. See how rain impacts your riding style.

8. Get familiar with handling your bike

If you haven’t done lots of bike riding previously, make sure you are very comfortable with bike handling and functions. This includes changing gears, breaking and adjusting the bike.

On my first guided tour along the Loire Valley in France one lady in the group had never previously ridden a bicycle with gears. I chivalrously volunteered to spend the first half of the first day riding alongside her either changing the gears for her or supervising her own very ordinary attempts at what is, after all, a very basic task. The reality of the situation was that she should have been prepared for this basic task before she left home.

9. Practice riding with other vehicles

If you’re going on a cycling trip in Southeast Asia for example, it’s important to practice cycling with other vehicles so you can build confidence near them.

Fitness is one thing, however, in Asia you are also dealing with other bikes, traffic, horns and people going about their daily lives. Building confidence riding with other cars, bikes, traffic etc, was also good preparation as it gives you an awareness of yourself on your bike in relation to other moving objects!

Cycling Rural China

10. Ride on different surfaces

Your trip notes will give you an idea of the types of surfaces you will ride on during your trip. Will you be riding on dirt tracks, paved roads or rocky paths? Practice training on these surfaces so you are comfortable handling your bike in similar situations.

11. Mix up your workouts

If you are doing a multi-activity trip which might include cycling, kayaking or hiking, make sure you mix up your training sessions.

It was tricky training for the Bike, Hike and Kayak North Vietnam trip because of the three different elements.  About three months before departure, I introduced swimming a couple of times a week to my regular walking routine because I thought it would help with the kayaking.  Also, I sought out walks with rougher, steeper terrain to my regular routes.  I made the mistake of thinking the extra walking would be my bike training, so it was lucky I got on the bike a month or so beforehand.  My legs were jelly the first few rides but I improved fast due to my baseline fitness.  In hindsight, I should have started on all three activities from the beginning.

– Michele Eckersley 

6 essential bike gear tips

What clothing and equipment should you take on your cycling tour? It may seem like a mundane subject to think about, when all you want to do is hop on your bike and go. Yet, it is absolutely essential that you get the gear right!

The bottom line is that you have booked a cycling tour because you enjoy cycling. You want to soak up the culture of a new country at a relaxed pace from the comfortable saddle of your bike.

1. Ensure you have quality wet weather gear

Invest in good quality wet weather gear – including a rain jacket and pack cover. You won’t regret it!

On a social ride, which for all intents and purposes the vast majority of organised cycle tours are, there is nothing worse than riding in the rain without adequate protection – especially if it is cold rain!

2. Replicate your comfortable set-up

Whilst it’s not a requirement on our cycling trips that you bring all your own gear if you already have a comfortable set-up at home, it’s a good idea replicate it on your trip. This could include your saddle, clip-ins for SPD’s and ergonomic handlebar grips. If you don’t have these, buy them is not essential. It’s just recommended to replicate your own set-up if you already have one.

Some of our trips may need you to bring your own helmet, and most seats can be adjusted to our bikes in country. You will be sent a pre-departure kit before you leave with all sorts of important information, including a comprehensive gear list. Our travel experts are also always on-hand to advise on recommended gear.

Cycling along the Nelson Great Taste Trail in New Zealand. Image credit: Dean McKenzie

3. Consider wearing a bike jersey

Bike jerseys with a number of pockets on the back are another good addition to your wardrobe for both comfort and convenience. Don’t worry, not all of them look like a brightly coloured billboard.

The pockets can conveniently hold everything from snacks to cameras and money. It is important to note here that if you shop around you can purchase cycle jerseys that do not make you look like a Tour de France contender.

4. Cycling gloves make a big difference

Cycling gloves are another addition to your wardrobe that are highly recommended when cycle touring. While gloves may seem like a small consideration, they serve a number of very important functions including grip and sun protection.

First and foremost, gloves keep the hot sun off the back of your hands, but on a more practical level they stop blisters, chafing and other discomfort caused by the constant friction of handlebars and road vibration against the skin of your hands - especially when they are damp with sweat. If you have booked a mountain bike tour, the extra grip provided by gloves could mean the difference between staying on your seat or taking a tumble and landing on the ground. The improved grip enables better control of your bike because your hands are less likely to slip on the handlebars each time you turn.

The east coast of Tasmania is perfectly suited to cycling.

5. Comfort is key

While it’s important to focus on fitness, one shouldn’t forget about comfort. If you’re feeling uncomfortable it will make it hard to enjoy your trip.

All your contact points must be really comfortable including your hands, backside and feet. If you are not used to long periods of riding we recommend buying a gel seat pad or padded cycling pants.

Sitting on a bike seat for multiple hours can present some challenges if you haven’t done so for a long time, or at all. Some people like to bring padded bike pants, others gel seats, and while they all help to some degree nothing aids your buttocks better than getting it used to being on a bike seat gradually before your trip. Just like you wear your boots in to avoid blisters before a trip, wear your bum in by sitting on the bike before you travel.

- Brad Atwal

6. Wear synthetic clothing – not cotton

Carefully consider the clothing you pack before you leave and consider investing in some quick-drying clothes. Cotton does not dry quickly and can hold too much moisture.

It is best to bring along fast-drying clothing that is predominantly synthetic or of a synthetic blend. Cotton holds onto moisture and can be a cyclist’s worst enemy. Not only does it look unsightly to be wearing a T-shirt and shorts soaked with sweat, but the moisture magnifies both heat and cold and can make things very uncomfortable.

Explore the world on two wheels with World Expeditions

Cycling adventures are the perfect means to explore destinations at a relaxed pace, allowing you the time to delve into the local culture and discover hidden gems which are off the beaten path. You don’t have to be a cycling novice to explore the world on two – we operate a range of cycling holidays to suit all levels of cycling ability from beginners to more advanced.  Browse all cycling adventures >

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10 top tips to tackle your first bike tour in 2022

Feb 3, 2022 • 6 min read

Two male mountain bike riders enjoy a cross country trail in British Columbia, Canada.

Taking the long route is always the best way to see a destination; mountain biking through British Columbia © GibsonPictures / Getty

Long-distance cycle tours are a cheap, challenging and entirely unforgettable way to see the world. But are you willing to swap planes and hotel beds for a tent, two wheels and the open road?

Here are 10 top bike tour hacks to get you off the couch and onto the saddle.

By all means, take the scenic route – so long as you know where you're going © Westend61 / Getty Images

Save the date and start planning

Deciding to go really is the hardest part. Setting the date (and having a rough idea of duration) helps concrete your trip, giving you a deadline to work towards. First-timers should head off during the warmer months and – unless you’re keen to channel Sir Ranulph Fiennes – pick an easy route for the first week or two. Training before your tour helps, but it’s not imperative – you’ll get fit on the road.

For tried-and-tested planning, tips check out bike touring blogs and websites such as Travelling Two and Facebook’s Bicycle Touring & Bikepacking  group.

On Québec’s Route Verte, not knowing what I was getting myself into was the best part

Weather can be your worst enemy when it comes to achieving minimum distances per day © Sarah Webb / Lonely Planet

Buy the right kit

Invest in the essentials: a good free-standing tent, a decent touring bike, waterproof panniers (bike bags) and a cooking stove. Opt for a sturdy, steel-framed touring bike with steel front and rear racks to hold your panniers. Your bags should be hard-wearing as they'll carry everything you need such as the tent, stove, sleeping bag and mat, electronics and clothing.

Every gram and inch counts. Opt for lightweight gear and use dry bags to compress your clothes. Resist the urge to overdo it and blow your budget on gear that might not last; real kit gems, such as baby wipes, mosquito spray and chlorine tablets, often cost virtually nothing.

Head for the hills – or the flat cycle paths, if that's more your style © kilicki / Getty Images

Plan the right route for you

Wherever you’re planning to cycle, consider ditching main roads as they’re busy and often uninspiring. Countries such as the Netherlands are renowned for their flat and bike-friendly trails, while thrill-seekers tend to make a beeline for the likes of Tajikistan and Patagonia .

Tap into regional resources and infrastructure such as Europe’s Eurovelo bike routes which offer excellent off-road rides. The USA’s Adventure Cycling Association and England’s Sustrans network  print terrific maps with alternative routes and amenity lists.

The best cycling tours in India   

Avoid unnecessary detours

Once upon a time, a wrinkled, dog-eared, hard-copy map was the ultimate bike tour companion. Now, it’s a reliable GPS or navigation app. Opt for a durable and multi-use GPS product designed with adventurers in mind.

Smartphones are also a fantastic option if you’re likely to have regular access to electricity and the internet. You can download maps that don’t just show you the best roads, but the best off-the-beaten-track routes for cycle touring. The Maps.me app is detailed, easy to use and now shows the route elevation on the bike option in most countries.

When it comes to tour bus vs tour bike, there's just no competition © Michael Jones / Getty Images

Create a budget and start saving

Bike tours can cost very little; if you’re willing to live on rice and porridge and wild-camp at every opportunity, then an incredibly lean budget is achievable.

Visas, hotel stays and restaurant visits add up, but if you’re hoping for a happy medium (a tight food budget and plenty of low-cost or free accommodation with occasional splurges) then you could keep daily costs quite low, depending on the country. However, it's important to factor in travel insurance and emergency money for bike repairs and kit replacements.

These are the world's best cities for cycling   

Set your own personal goals

World cyclist Jonathan Kambsgaro-Bennett  says the question he gets asked most is how far he pedals in a day. His answer? "It depends on the hills, the wind, the road and about a million other things… Especially the wind."

Setting daily distances can be tough but having a rough idea of what you want (and are able) to achieve will help you plot an itinerary. Many bike tourers average between 60km and 80km per day, depending on conditions, while those just starting out may aim for much less. Besides the weather and quality of the roads, your personal goals should also influence the decisions you make along the way – and will often push you to keep going.

Putting up a tent at 11pm isn't much fun, but waking up to views like this makes it worthwhile © vovashevchuk / Getty Images

Become a camping pro

Pitching a tent in the wild after a long day in the saddle can be stressful. Fortunately, fatigue often overrides fear – and the more you do it, the easier it gets. Some places welcome wild camping as long as you're out of sight (Scotland, Iran, Japan) while others forbid it which makes things much tougher (Switzerland, Australia and the USA) – it’s worth being aware of the laws wherever you choose to cycle.

While a nice, secluded, flat piece of turf near a river is the goal, anything can make a fine camp spot and the key to overriding those initial fears is to keep off private property, or to simply ask the landowners for permission to camp. Locals are often keen to help – and if you have their blessings, you’ll sleep like a baby. Check out world cyclist Tom Allen’s top tips on how to wild camp .

Become familiar with cyclist resources

If you like Couchsurfing , then Warmshowers – a tight-knit international community of cycling enthusiasts catering to pedal-powered travelers – will be your best friend on tour.

While it’s tough to find hosts in Central Asia, Africa and parts of the Middle East, Warmshowers has a huge network throughout Europe , Iran and the Americas. Many hosts will do more than give you a place to rest your head after a day on the bike, often feeding you dinner and sharing their own tales of adventure.

Why cycling is the future of urban transportation around the world  

Today's special: spaghetti alla Dave © Jeff Diener / Getty Images

Learn how to cook on a camp stove

Unless you’re happy with a two-minute noodle diet, spend some time getting to know your stove. Most small camp stoves have just one setting and few bike travelers carry more than two small pots, but with a little creativity you can whip up a delicious meal after a tough day of pedaling.

Pasta, rice and porridge are great value staples. To make your meals more exciting, throw some chili, garlic salt, pepper and curry powder in light, plastic containers. Peanut butter turns even the worst meals into a satay delight and soup mixes make for lightweight yet delicious sauce bases.

Overcome your fears

"What if someone steals your bike? What if you get attacked while camping? What if you get hit by a truck?" These aren’t just the questions people might ask you – they’re the ones you’ll ask yourself repeatedly before setting off.

To deal with those recurring fears, expect the best but prepare for the worst. Commit to reading the fine print and get insurance with a comprehensive cover that will replace your kit if it’s stolen. Keep a personal alarm or bear spray in an accessible place and consider carrying a SPOT tracker; these devices (when turned on) emit your location to allow friends and family to keep an eye on where you are. Stay vigilant and you’ll be fine. The majority of cyclists report overwhelming generosity and kindness from the road.

You might also like:  In Iceland’s remote Westfjords region, a new bicycle route takes shape A mountain biker shares how Nordic Europe combines the best of food and biking The 10 best long-distance bike rides around the world

This article was first published February 2017 and updated February 2022

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Lightfoot Cycles

Bike Touring Tips for a Memorable Long-Distance Cycling Trip

Posted by Stefan B on March 14, 2024

Embarking on a long-distance cycling trip can be one of the most fulfilling experiences for adventurers at heart. Such an expedition offers an unparalleled sense of freedom, physical challenge, and the opportunity to immerse oneself in diverse landscapes.

However, the success of such a journey heavily relies on thorough preparation and smart decision-making.

Choosing the Right Equipment

long bike trip tips

Selecting Your Bicycle

Choosing the right bike is the cornerstone of a successful trip. Opt for a model that balances comfort with functionality. Touring bikes are designed for long distances, offering durability and the ability to carry loads. Ensure the bike fits well to avoid discomfort on the road.

Test the bike with a full load before your trip. This practice run will highlight any adjustments needed to enhance comfort and performance. Remember, a slightly heavier, stable bike is preferable over a light but unstable one for touring.

Essential Gear for the Journey

Your gear list should include multi-tool kits, spare tubes, a pump, and a patch kit. Additionally, invest in quality panniers or bike bags. Waterproof options are ideal. These essentials will keep you rolling, no matter what mishaps you encounter.

Consider ergonomic enhancements like padded gloves and a comfortable saddle. They can significantly improve your riding experience. Remember, comfort on long rides is not a luxury; it's a necessity.

Packing Smart

Packing is an art. Prioritize lightweight, multi-use items to conserve space and reduce weight. Think in terms of layers for clothing, and choose quick-dry fabrics.

Organize your belongings into categories and pack them in separate bags within your panniers. This method simplifies finding items and keeps your gear tidy. Balance the weight evenly across the bike to maintain stability.

Navigation Tools

In the age of technology, GPS devices and smartphones with mapping apps are invaluable. However, always carry a physical map and compass as backups. Technology can fail, especially in remote areas.

Learn basic navigation skills before your trip. Knowing how to read a map and use a compass can save time and prevent frustration when digital navigation options are unavailable.

Maintenance Knowledge

Before embarking on your journey, familiarize yourself with basic bike maintenance. Knowing how to fix a flat tire , adjust brakes , and perform minor repairs can make or break your trip.

Planning Your Route

long bike trip tips

Researching Destinations

Invest time in researching your route. Consider factors like terrain, weather patterns, and points of interest. This preparation ensures you're ready for the physical demands and fully enjoy the journey.

Distance and Endurance

Be realistic about daily distances. Overestimating your endurance can lead to exhaustion and diminish your enjoyment. Aiming for 40-60 miles per day allows time for exploration and rest.

Build up your endurance with shorter trips before attempting long distances. This preparation will help your body adjust to long hours in the saddle and improve overall performance.

Rest Days and Flexibility

Plan for rest days, especially after strenuous segments. These breaks are crucial for recovery and will enhance your overall experience.

Maintain flexibility in your itinerary. Allow room for spontaneous adventures or rest due to unexpected challenges

Accommodation and Camping

Decide in advance whether you'll be camping or staying in accommodations. Both options have their advantages, but planning is key to ensure availability and budget management.

If camping, research campsites along your route. Look for reviews and recommendations to find the best spots. Always have a backup plan in case sites are full or closed.

Nutrition and Hydration

long bike trip tips

Meal Planning

Efficient meal planning is crucial for maintaining energy levels. Opt for nutrient-dense, lightweight food that's easy to prepare. Consider packing a small stove for hot meals, which can be a morale booster.

Include snacks high in protein and carbohydrates for on-the-road refueling. Nuts, energy bars, and dried fruits are excellent choices.

Staying Hydrated

Hydration is critical, especially on hot days or challenging terrain. Carry enough water for the day's journey and know where you can refill along the route.

Consider using electrolyte supplements to prevent dehydration and muscle cramps. They can be a game-changer on long, strenuous rides.

Food Safety

Food safety is paramount. Ensure perishable items are stored properly, especially in warmer climates. A foodborne illness can quickly derail your trip. When purchasing food locally, opt for fresh, unprocessed items.

Alcohol Consumption

While enjoying local beverages can be part of the travel experience, moderate alcohol consumption. Excessive drinking can impair judgment, reduce endurance, and increase dehydration risks.

Physical Preparation

long bike trip tips

Training Regimen

Start a training regimen months before your trip. Include long rides, strength training, and flexibility exercises. This diverse approach prepares your body for the demands of long-distance cycling.

Increase the length and intensity of your rides gradually. This method builds endurance safely and effectively, reducing the risk of injury.

Recovery Strategies

Incorporate recovery strategies into your training and touring. Stretching, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep are key components of recovery.

Listen to your body. If you're feeling worn out, take a rest day. Pushing through fatigue can lead to injuries and prolonged recovery times.

Injury Prevention

Focus on injury prevention through proper bike fit, riding techniques, and equipment use. Ergonomic adjustments can significantly reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.

Carry a basic first aid kit for minor injuries and know the signs of more serious conditions that require professional attention.

Safety and Security

long bike trip tips

Road Safety

Always wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing. Use lights and reflective gear, especially in low light conditions. These precautions make you more visible to other road users, reducing the risk of accidents.

Follow road rules and signals. Riding predictably and signaling your intentions helps avoid misunderstandings with drivers and other cyclists.

Securing Your Bike

Invest in a sturdy lock and learn the best techniques to secure your bike. Whenever possible, bring your bike indoors overnight or lock it in a secure, well-lit area.

Consider registering your bike with a national database or using a GPS tracker. These measures can deter theft and aid in recovery if your bike is stolen.

Personal Safety

Keep personal identification, emergency contacts, and important medical information on you at all times. In case of an emergency, this information is crucial for first responders.

Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. Avoid risky areas and situations, especially when traveling alone.

Travel Insurance

Invest in comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and bike theft or damage. This coverage provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.

Read the fine print to understand what is and isn't covered. Prepare accordingly to ensure you're fully protected.

Integrating Technology

long bike trip tips

Utilize cycling and navigation apps to enhance your trip. These tools offer route suggestions, elevation profiles, and location-based services that can enrich your experience.

Charging Solutions

Invest in portable charging solutions, such as solar chargers or power banks. These devices ensure your electronics stay powered, keeping you connected and safe.

Plan your stops around access to power when possible. Cafes, libraries, and campgrounds often offer charging facilities for travelers.

Emergency Communication

Carry a satellite phone or personal locator beacon in remote areas. These devices provide a lifeline in areas without cell service, ensuring you can call for help if needed.

Inform someone of your route and check-in regularly. This practice ensures someone is aware of your whereabouts and can alert authorities if you don't check in as planned.

Documenting Your Journey

Use technology to document your trip. Cameras, smartphones, and action cams can capture memorable moments and stunning landscapes.

Consider starting a blog or social media account dedicated to your journey. Sharing your experiences can inspire others and provide a digital scrapbook of your adventure.

Weather and Terrain Apps

Weather apps can provide real-time updates and forecasts, helping you plan your day and adjust your route as needed. Terrain apps offer insights into road conditions, gradients, and alternative paths.

By adhering to these tips, your long-distance cycling trip can transform from a mere idea into an unforgettable journey. Preparation, respect for the environment , and mindfulness of your physical and mental well-being are the keys to a successful adventure.

Embrace each moment, whether challenging or exhilarating, and remember that the journey itself is the ultimate destination.

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Training for long distance cycling: training plans, tips + more

Training for long-distance cycling is really important if you’ve got a long-distance cycling event on the horizon or are booking a multi-day, back-to-back cycling trip.

Cycling a long-distance – particularly over consecutive days – isn’t for the unprepared. You’ll want to put in place a long-distance bike riding training programme and you’ll need to consider nutrition, hydration and your kit. This will ensure you’re ready and raring to go!

In this article we interview John Dewey, who back in 2017 recorded the 3rd fastest time over 25 miles ( here ) and also successfully completed an Everest up Alpe d’Huez a couple of years ago. He shares his tips for getting ready for endurance riding and taking on many of the kinds of tough, long-distance rides we talk about elsewhere on this website.

Our aim is to help you with preparing for long-distance riding and perhaps even help you create your own long-distance cycling training plan. Whether that’s for the holiday of a lifetime, or your biggest challenge yet!

Read this for our top tips for preparing for long distance cycling.

What is a long-distance cycling training plan?

Cycling any distance that’s beyond what you’d normally tackle requires planning and preparation. If you’ll be taking on a multi-day cycling trip or a long-distance sportive in future, then you need a plan that will ensure you’re up to the challenge. Knowing how to train for long-distance cycling is the key to becoming fit and fast enough to cope with your upcoming event.

Before you start training for long-distance (or even ultra-distance) cycling, you’re already likely to have a decent base level of fitness. You might already be cycling several times per week, for instance, but training for cycling a long-distance will involve ramping this up on readiness for your endurance objective.

A good long-distance cycling training programme will make sure you’re ready to take on those mountain climbs, multiple days spent in the saddle or many miles more than you’ve ever ridden in that time frame before.

Benefits of having a training plan

  • You’ll be faster when it counts
  • Your overall fitness level will improve
  • You can perform at your absolute best when you really want to
  • You’ll be able to make the most of every moment of the cycling sportive or holiday

First step: what’s your goal?

When considering how to train for cycling a long-distance, the first thing is to focus on the event or ride that you’re planning to tackle. Preparing for a long bike ride – or a series of shorter ones spread over a series of days – involves thinking about the target.

What is the overall aim you have in mind? If it’s a sportive, do you simply want to complete it – or would you rather set yourself a time goal?

When you’ll be tackling rides over consecutive days, your aim may be more general. You might simply want to keep up with the pack. If you’ve spent a lot of time and money on a cycling holiday, then you don’t want to be spending your days struggling.

best sportives uk photo of cyclists

Training volume

Getting your training volume right is important. In addition to how many sessions per week to schedule in when it comes to training for distance cycling, you need to weigh up training duration versus intensity. Active recovery and rest days also must be factored into the equation.

How much to train per week?

If you’re used to riding three or four days per week in the normal run of things, then you may be tempted to head out training every day. One of the key tips for long-distance cycling, though, is that you need to pace yourself.

What you’re looking at is a training programme for long-distance cycling. Not a sprint, but rather a marathon. Five days of training per week factors in a couple of rest days, which are important when you’re working towards an endurance goal.

Training intensity vs. duration

When working out how to bike a long-distance, it’s not only about the amount of time spent in the saddle. The intensity of your training also counts for a lot. Any endurance race or multi-day cycling trip is likely to involve different levels of intensity, and your training programme ideally needs to reflect this.

The higher the intensity, the less time you’re going to be able to sustain it for. A mix of shorter, harder rides plus longer, slower ones is ideal. Some cross training will also give your cycling muscles a rest while strengthening others.

Rest days and active recovery

Another of the long-distance cycling tips you might want to bear in mind is to factor in active recovery as well as rest days. Gentler, lower intensity exercise such as swimming or walking can help to stabilise your muscles while releasing tension.

Allowing time for rest and active recovery can allow your body to reset, making it more ready than ever to take on the next training session.

Cyclist on an indoor turbo trainer training for a long distance ride

Training routine

So when training for a long-distance cycling trip, it’s all about mixing it up as much as ramping it up. Rides of various intensities and lengths plus rest days, cross training and active recovery can all play their part.

Base phase of training

Base training is the first stage of any cycling long-distance training programme. This can be seen as the foundation or introductory phase. It’s all about preparing for the more intense workouts that will come later.

Your base training phase may last for six weeks to three months. This phase is about building a strong aerobic base to build on later. Four to six hours of training per week is average during the base phase, but this will depend on how much time you have at your disposal plus your existing fitness level at the outset.

Interval sessions for endurance rides or races

Undertaking some interval training can be a powerful tool when you’re working out how to increase cycling distance. Intervals are something no one tends to look forward to (they hurt!), but they can be one of the fastest and most efficient ways to build endurance. Intervals are also ideal for those short on time, and twice per week can be enough to really reap the benefits.

Interval sessions involve going for the burn. But for a very limited time only: we’re talking between just 30 seconds and a full five minutes each time. Begin with just 30 seconds at the start, building up to one and then several minutes as your fitness levels improve. Don’t forget to factor in a minute or two of recovery time for every intense burst.

Working with power meters, heart rate monitors and turbo trainers

If you want to fully understand how hard you’re working during training, then a power meter could be a very sound investment indeed. This can help you to understand your strengths and weaknesses better. It can also help you to see the tangible effects of your preparation for long-distance cycling. Find out more in our guide to power meters for cycling .

A heart rate monitor can also be a useful tool when you’re facing long-distance cycling challenges. This can help you to measure your training intensity – and can tell you when to take a break. Fitness tracking watches can be used for this purpose, or you can buy chest strap versions.

Turbo trainers are another part of the cycling tech equation. Using one gives you a way to train indoors on your own bike, so it can be a great time saver. It’s also good when you don’t want to deal with inclement weather. (On a side note, turbo trainers can be hired rather than bought if you want to test the water before committing – read all about hiring a turbo trainer in this article .)

Off bike training

When preparing for long-distance cycling races, core strength can be a formidable weapon in your armoury. When we talk about the core, we mean the centre of the body, minus the limbs. A strong core can improve your posture, assist with power transfer and even reduce your risk of injury.

Off-bike training is the key to developing good core strength. Push, pull, hip and knee dominant movements are ideal, and these can be done at home or in the gym. Ab rollers are also an excellent tool to increase your core strength.

Increasing the training volume over time

The build-up to long-distance cycling events involves preparing for the marathon ahead. Slowly but surely. Once you’ve covered the base phase, it’s all about increasing how much time and intensity you pack in per week. Consistency over the weeks is key – don’t fall into the trap of pushing too hard for too long on group rides if it will take you three days to recov er!

Rest days are equally important, though, and you’ll need to allow a couple of days per week to let your body recover. Once you’re in the training phase, around nine hours per week is a good volume to aim for. As outlined above, this should include a mix of intensities and activities.

The best bike tour companies will have excellent guides

Plan your training rides

Vary your routes.

One thing I find essential for long-distance cycling training is mixing things up. With that in mind, a simple way to achieve this is to vary the routes you take when training. Including a variety of terrain – and gradients – will ensure you’re ready to tackle a range of these during the event itself.

One of the key benefits of long-distance cycling training is that you can get out there and explore while maximising your fitness levels. Switching up your routes can therefore help to keep you motivated.

Take the long way home

If time is of the essence, then it might be about fitting in some long-distance road cycling wherever you can. Could you, for example, take a longer route home from the office? Perhaps covering a steeper incline or longer stretch of smooth tarmac en route?

Try multiple days

It’s also sensible to include consecutive days of riding on your long-distance cycling checklist. It’s no good booking a long cycling trip or signing up for a multi-day event if you’ve never done any multi-day cycling before you go. This will also help you iron out any problems with your kit set up.

Training camps and coaching

A dedicated training camp can form an integral part of preparation for long-distance cycling event.

A cycling training camp involves training on your bike for a set time period. They’re ideal for those preparing for any kind of endurance event. During a typical camp, you’ll become familiar with spending hours in the saddle while improving your speed, stamina, strength and fitness.

Discover more about cycling training camps in this complete guide , or take a closer look at Spanish cycling camps here .

Food and drink prepared for a long distance ride

Nutrition and fuelling for long-distance cycling

A key factor in how to ride long-distance cycling is to get your hydration and energy levels just right. You can read our in-depth blog post on nutrition – but here are some of the key of the points to consider.

Hydration strategies to maximise performance

Keeping hydrated is vital. A good rule of thumb can be to take a drink every 10 to 15 minutes while on your bike. Take two or three sips each time to avoid dehydration. So make sure you have a good water bottle, plus a spare, and have found out in advance where you’ll be able to refill this along the way.

Your performance will soon suffer if you don’t get enough fluid on board. The symptoms of dehydration include overheating plus decreased sweating, and less effective use of muscle glycogen. A good sports drink will provide energy, improve absorption and provide salts and other key nutrients.    

Your performance will soon suffer if you don’t get enough fluid on board. The symptoms of dehydration include overheating plus decreased sweating, and less effective use of muscle glycogen.

Hydration in the run-up to a big ride is also critical, so pay particular attention to this during the 24 hours before setting off.

Energy bars and gels for sustained energy levels

Getting enough fuel on board is critical for endurance riding. When you’re pushing yourself to the limit, the last thing you want is to hit a slump.

It’s easy to underestimate quite how much energy is required . Depending on the conditions and your physiology ,  intensive cycling may require as much as 1,000 calor ies per hour, with the body quickly depleting its reserves of readily available glycogen. That’s more than four Mars bars every hour (this is not a nutritional recommendation!).

On-the-go sources such as energy gels and bars mean you can keep going without getting off your bike, though it requires focus and effort to remain well fuelled for long periods .

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Tips on when to eat during long rides

There’s no need for carb loading the night before a long ride. Fish or poultry are good, light sources of protein, and you can add some carbs such as pasta, potatoes or rice.

A breakfast such as an omelette or porridge can ideally be eaten 90-minutes to two hours before setting off.

A protein drink at the end of the ride will help you to recover, and during the ride you can also refuel en route by taking on energy bars and gels. Research also suggests that some protein during prolonged exercise is beneficial to recovery. 

Real food too  

Many riders tackle long events relying on the same type of energy bars, drinks and gels they would use for shorter events. There are g ood physiological and psychological reasons why you should plan for variety in food and drink during long events .

Under heavy exertion and unpredictable event conditions , your body may not want or be able to ingest one particular form of nutrition . This could result in reduced appetite for nutrition or gastro-intestinal problems , a dry or sticky mouth, sickness or other discomfort, ultima tely reducing performance as well as enjoyment. You don’t want to accidentally lose a bar from your jersey pocket to find that this leaves you short of fuel for your ride .  

Having option s of natural, protein rich , caffeinated or sugary snack s will help you meet your nutrition needs and achieve your best performance  irrespective of unpred ictable factors like what your body is craving or if the event conditions are different from expected ( heat , cold , wind , length , etc.). Read this article for the inside story on the best snacks for cyclists .

Train with your ride-day fuel

How much to take on board during a ride varies enormously. So it’s important to try out the fuel you plan to use on the ride day when training. This way you can tweak what works for you in terms of what to take along – and how often to consume it.

Wear in your gear

Pushing yourself physically of course involves some discomfort. To ensure this isn’t overwhelming, our advice for long-distance cycling has to cover your kit. Is your bike itself as comfortable as it could be? If not, could you adjust the height, or replace the saddle?

Though it may be tempting to wear box-fresh clothing and footwear on the first day, old faithfuls are a more sensible choice. Comfortable clothing that fits like a second skin is the way to go. Rather than contending with surprisingly scratchy fabric, or cleats that rub every time your foot turns.

Cyclist on a long training ride at Mt Ventoux

Recover well

It’s not only about preparing for long-distance cycling. What you do afterwards can also be very important.

Tips for recovery

Once your big ride is complete, taking on a protein drink is the ideal way to kick-start the recovery process.

A dinner rich in important nutrients will also help your body to heal after being pushed to its limits. If you’ll be back in the saddle the next day, plenty of light protein can help your system to rebalance as you sleep.

Quantity and quality of sleep is important – p rofessional cyclists sometimes sleep in excess of 10 hours per day . Try taking a nap in the afternoon if you have this luxury!

Avoiding too long in the bar is wise if you’ve got to be riding again the next day!

Preparing for a long cycle ride is so much easier when you plan well ahead of time. Things to think about include what to wear, how to refuel, the weather at your destination and of course making sure your bike is in tip-top condition.

Plan your kit and fuelling

As touched on above, choose clothes and shoes that are comfortable and worn-in rather than opting for the unknown. Try out your energy gels and bars in advance, making sure you stock up on plenty before your trip.

Route planning

If you’re taking a cycling holiday with a tour operator or are taking part in a sportive, then it may be that the route is already taken care of. When this is not the case, you’ll want to weigh up your options and pin down the best routes before you go.

This guide to route planning and the best apps for cyclists should help when you need to map out where you’re going.

Gearing is something that is often overlooked. However, if you’re tackling an event or multi-day ride in the mountains, you want to make sure you don’t run out of gears!

Think ahead and consider whether your bike needs a trip to the bike shop for a new cassette or chainrings to give you some more gears. If it does, make sure there’s still time to practice using it before the big day.

If you’re taking your own bike to the sportive or on holiday, then having it fully serviced before you go is surely a no-brainer. Why take the risk of running into avoidable mechanical issues? If you hire a bike, tell them you’ll be tackling long-distances. Don’t be afraid of asking – politely of course – whether the bike you’re renting is up to the demands of the job.

Weather and climate

Lastly, no list of long ride cycling tips would be complete without some mention of the weather wherever you’re headed. This could make or break your holiday or sportive, especially when the climate is very different from where you live and what you’ve been training in. Take this into account when planning where to go for your ride, during your training and packing.

In the mountains, in particular , temperatures and weather conditions can change rapidly. Allowing for a drop in temperature of 1 degree Centigrade for every 100 metres climbed is a helpful rule of thumb. A sunny 25 degrees Centigrade at the start of a sportive can easily become rain and freezing temperatures crossing an alpine col a few hours later , even in mid summer .  You could be descending on wet and icy roads, soaked with sweat and depleted after a long climb. In this scenario, a thin long-sleeve shell can be a vital necessity , even if you’re determined to carry the minimum on your ride. There’s more on Alpine weather in this article.

While the long-distance cycling benefits are huge, preparation is crucial. Whether it’s a cycling holiday to discover somewhere new over multiple days or the challenge of an as-yet uncharted sportive, the only way to get the best out of the experience – and yourself – is to train and plan ahead during the months leading up to the endurance event.

We hope this article has provided some useful tips for long bike rides.

If you want more info on cycling training camps , check out our guide here.

If you want someone to guide you through the process of creating a tailored training program just for you and your event, professional cycling coaching is definitely something to look into.

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John Dewey

John Dewey , is an avid cyclist with a tendency to underestimate total riding time (or over-estimate his speed)! It’s been a few years since he hung up the TT skinsuit, but his love of riding continues unabated.

The contents of this website are provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on it. You should carry out your own due diligence and take professional advice. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content on our website is accurate, complete or up to date. If you use any information or content on this website, download from, or otherwise obtain content or services through our website, it is entirely at your own discretion and risk. Epic Road Rides Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the information and content on this website. Find out more here .

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Cowboy launches all-road electric bike to attract riders beyond European city centers

long bike trip tips

Cowboy is better known for its sleek electric bikes that you can see in many major cities across Europe. And if you look at the persons riding those Cowboy bikes, most of the time, you’ll see a young adult heading to an office with a laptop in a backpack.

That’s why the company is launching a brand-new bike called Cowboy Cross. It’s an all-road model that aims for comfort and long-distance trips.

I had the opportunity to see the new Cowboy Cross last week and take it for a test ride for a few minutes. When it comes to design, it definitely looks like a Cowboy bike with its pill-shaped front light, angular design and soft matte colors.

Similarly, Cowboy is betting on a fully integrated design with as little maintenance as possible. There’s no (physical) gear, braking cables are hidden as much as possible and the company uses carbon fiber belts.

What’s new with the Cowboy Cross are the tires. The wheels are slightly smaller (26.5 inches), but the custom-designed tires are much larger.

At the front of the bike, you’ll see front fork suspension. But unlike most road bikes, the front fork is inverted with the suspension near the wheel. In addition to a better design, that’s how Cowboy manages to hide the front brake cable in the frame.

There’s also a seat post suspension for navigating rough terrain. For both the front fork and the seat post, the suspensions can be adjusted with a screwdriver.

And if you’re a small person who just can’t ride a Cowboy bike due to your height, the saddle can go a bit lower on the new bike. The handlebar is a bit larger as well. Again, everything has been designed to make the Cowboy Cross more comfortable than existing Cowboy bikes.

long bike trip tips

Image Credits: Romain Dillet / TechCrunch

There are two designs for the aluminum frame as the Cowboy Cross is available in step-over and step-through variants. The bike is available in three different colors — light gray, dark gray and green. You’ll also find a rear rack that can support a child seat or various bags.

The battery is a bit larger with a 50% increase in capacity. The company claims that you should be able to ride for 60 to 120 km on (37 to 75 miles) on a single charge.

That’s about it for specifications. However, potential customers expect to keep their new bike for years to come. So it’s going to be important to make sure that the Cowboy Cross can easily be maintained over the long haul. But it’s hard to tell how it will fare on launch day. In addition to this hardware release, Cowboy is also announcing a new “Check My Bike” diagnostic tool.

Preorders start today with an early-bird price of €3,499 (that’s $3,800 at today’s exchange rate). Eventually, Cowboy expects to sell the Cowboy Cross for €3,999 ($4,350).

As a reminder, Cowboy’s “classic” bike models cost €2,699 ($2,940), but there are two software upgrades that cost €199 and €299 each. The €199 Cowboy Connect pack is included with the Cowboy Cross models.

“According to our studies, this will double our total addressable market,” Cowboy co-founder and CEO Adrien Roose told me. “I think it’s a different customer overall. It’s a customer who’s looking for more comfort. So they’re usually a little bit older and have a bit more budget.”

long bike trip tips

In my test ride, I also played with Cowboy’s mobile app. This app hosts all the smart features of the electric bike. You can turn on the lights, switch between Eco mode and AdaptivePower , get turn-by-turn directions and see historical data. AdaptivePower is the feature that automatically adjusts the power of the motor depending on the current slope and weather conditions — and that was under the spotlight following a patent suit with eBikeLabs.

The company also added some minigames that should encourage you to push harder without distracting you too much. For instance, the app will tell you to push as much as possible during 30 seconds. Or the app might say that you’ve entered a popular segment and tell you if you’re faster than your friends.

These Strava-like features won’t replace Strava just yet — they can even be disabled in case you find them too distracting. But it’s interesting to see the company going down that road and making software a first-class citizen.

Different models for different needs

Cowboy mostly sells its bikes to customers living in Belgium (its home country), Germany, France, the Netherlands and the U.K. Instead of launching in new markets, the company has decided to expand its product range with more form factors.

“We mostly spent the first two years of the company prototyping. During the next five years, we refined our platform. Now we want to offer our product in different form factors to meet different needs,” Roose said. So you can expect other models in the coming months and years.

In July 2023, Cowboy’s main competitor VanMoof filed for bankruptcy . This led to a difficult summer for Cowboy, too, as many potential customers dismissed Cowboy’s products. “There was a big overlap of customers considering both VanMoof and Cowboy bikes,” Roose said.

But he now believes that Cowboy can move forward, as the company is in a different position than VanMoof. “There are about 100 employees at Cowboy. The figure I saw when they closed shop was that 700 people were working for VanMoof,” Roose said.

With a gross margin of 40% on each bike sold directly to consumer, Cowboy expects to become breakeven on an EBITDA basis this year and generate a net profit next year.

long bike trip tips

Passing Thru Travel

Passing Thru Travel

Master the Art of Endless Exploration: 12 Essential Tips for Long-Term Travel in 2024!

Posted: February 29, 2024 | Last updated: February 29, 2024

<p><strong>Long-term travel is an enriching and life-changing adventure but requires meticulous planning and strategic packing. Whether you’re embarking on a months-long global exploration or a prolonged backpacking trip, this guide will provide essential tips and insights to help you navigate the complexities of extended travel. From financial planning to choosing the right gear, we’ll cover everything you need to know to confidently embark on your long-term journey.</strong></p>

Long-term travel is an enriching and life-changing adventure but requires meticulous planning and strategic packing. Whether you’re embarking on a months-long global exploration or a prolonged backpacking trip, this guide will provide essential tips and insights to help you navigate the complexities of extended travel. From financial planning to choosing the right gear, we’ll cover everything you need to know to confidently embark on your long-term journey.

<p><span>Effective financial planning is the foundation of any successful long-term travel. Begin by outlining a comprehensive budget for all foreseeable expenses—consider accommodation, transportation, meals, activities, insurance, and contingencies. Explore the cost of living for your chosen destinations; this will help you set realistic daily budget goals.</span></p> <p><span>In the digital age, managing your finances on the go is easier than ever. Consider travel-focused financial tools, like no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards or a dedicated travel savings account. Regularly monitor your expenditures; numerous apps and tools can assist in tracking and categorizing your spending.</span></p> <p><span>This vigilant financial oversight is a strategy to extend your travel duration and enhance your experiences. Remember, the unexpected can and does happen, so a financial buffer is essential.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Always have a financial buffer for unexpected expenses.</span></p>

1. Financial Planning and Budgeting

Effective financial planning is the foundation of any successful long-term travel. Begin by outlining a comprehensive budget for all foreseeable expenses—consider accommodation, transportation, meals, activities, insurance, and contingencies. Explore the cost of living for your chosen destinations; this will help you set realistic daily budget goals.

In the digital age, managing your finances on the go is easier than ever. Consider travel-focused financial tools, like no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards or a dedicated travel savings account. Regularly monitor your expenditures; numerous apps and tools can assist in tracking and categorizing your spending.

This vigilant financial oversight is a strategy to extend your travel duration and enhance your experiences. Remember, the unexpected can and does happen, so a financial buffer is essential.

Insider’s Tip: Always have a financial buffer for unexpected expenses.

<p><span>Long-term travel involves carefully selecting destinations that align with your interests, budget, and travel rhythm. Research is your ally here. Research the specifics of each location, from the cost of living and cultural experiences to weather patterns and safety standards. </span></p> <p><span>Weigh up the charm of off-the-beaten-path destinations against well-trodden tourist hubs. Diverse destinations enrich your travels and balance your budget—mixing more affordable regions with pricier locales.</span></p> <p><span>Visa regulations are another crucial factor; some countries offer long-term visas or visa extensions for nomadic travelers, which can significantly impact your itinerary.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Balance out expensive countries with more affordable ones to keep your overall budget in check.</span></p>

2. Choosing Destinations Wisely

Long-term travel involves carefully selecting destinations that align with your interests, budget, and travel rhythm. Research is your ally here. Research the specifics of each location, from the cost of living and cultural experiences to weather patterns and safety standards.

Weigh up the charm of off-the-beaten-path destinations against well-trodden tourist hubs. Diverse destinations enrich your travels and balance your budget—mixing more affordable regions with pricier locales.

Visa regulations are another crucial factor; some countries offer long-term visas or visa extensions for nomadic travelers, which can significantly impact your itinerary.

Insider’s Tip: Balance out expensive countries with more affordable ones to keep your overall budget in check.

<p><span>Securing the right accommodation is key to a successful long-term travel experience. Unlike short vacations, where a hotel might suffice, extended stays require thinking more like a local. Options such as Airbnb, extended-stay hotels, or house-sitting can provide comfort and a deeper immersion into the local culture.</span></p> <p><span>These choices often come with the added benefit of kitchen access, allowing you to save money by cooking your own meals. Engage with local online communities or expat groups for leads on affordable, long-term rentals.</span></p> <p><span>In popular tourist destinations, look beyond the central areas to neighboring towns or suburbs where you might find better deals. The length of your stay can often be a bargaining chip for negotiating lower rates, so don’t hesitate to ask for a discount for extended bookings.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Negotiate rates for longer stays to save money.</span></p>

3. Accommodation Strategies

Securing the right accommodation is key to a successful long-term travel experience. Unlike short vacations, where a hotel might suffice, extended stays require thinking more like a local. Options such as Airbnb, extended-stay hotels, or house-sitting can provide comfort and a deeper immersion into the local culture.

These choices often come with the added benefit of kitchen access, allowing you to save money by cooking your own meals. Engage with local online communities or expat groups for leads on affordable, long-term rentals.

In popular tourist destinations, look beyond the central areas to neighboring towns or suburbs where you might find better deals. The length of your stay can often be a bargaining chip for negotiating lower rates, so don’t hesitate to ask for a discount for extended bookings.

Insider’s Tip: Negotiate rates for longer stays to save money.

<p><span>The art of packing for long-term travel is finding the balance between preparedness and minimalism. Choose versatile, durable clothing suitable for different climates and cultural environments. Favor quality over quantity, selecting items that can withstand repeated use and washing.</span></p> <p><span>Remember, you’ll carry everything you pack, so keep your luggage manageable. Essentials like a reliable, multi-purpose travel backpack, lightweight rain gear, and comfortable, all-terrain shoes are non-negotiable. Opt for travel-sized toiletries and consider eco-friendly, multi-purpose products. Packing cubes are a lifesaver for organization, helping you keep track of your items over months of travel.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Use packing cubes or compression bags to maximize space and organize your belongings.</span></p>

4. Packing Efficiently

The art of packing for long-term travel is finding the balance between preparedness and minimalism. Choose versatile, durable clothing suitable for different climates and cultural environments. Favor quality over quantity, selecting items that can withstand repeated use and washing.

Remember, you’ll carry everything you pack, so keep your luggage manageable. Essentials like a reliable, multi-purpose travel backpack, lightweight rain gear, and comfortable, all-terrain shoes are non-negotiable. Opt for travel-sized toiletries and consider eco-friendly, multi-purpose products. Packing cubes are a lifesaver for organization, helping you keep track of your items over months of travel.

Insider’s Tip: Use packing cubes or compression bags to maximize space and organize your belongings.

<p><span>In today’s connected world, ensuring reliable communication channels during long-term travel is crucial. A global SIM card or an international data plan can connect you across borders. Portable Wi-Fi devices offer flexibility, especially in remote or rural areas. A lightweight, durable laptop is essential for those working on the go.</span></p> <p><span>Cloud storage and online backup services safeguard your important documents and memories. Equally important are offline resources like downloaded maps or translation apps that you can access without an internet connection.</span></p> <p><span>Staying connected also means staying informed — regularly check local news and travel advisories for your current location.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Use communication apps that work well on low bandwidth to stay connected in remote areas.</span></p>

5. Staying Connected

In today’s connected world, ensuring reliable communication channels during long-term travel is crucial. A global SIM card or an international data plan can connect you across borders. Portable Wi-Fi devices offer flexibility, especially in remote or rural areas. A lightweight, durable laptop is essential for those working on the go.

Cloud storage and online backup services safeguard your important documents and memories. Equally important are offline resources like downloaded maps or translation apps that you can access without an internet connection.

Staying connected also means staying informed — regularly check local news and travel advisories for your current location.

Insider’s Tip: Use communication apps that work well on low bandwidth to stay connected in remote areas.

<p><span>Comprehensive travel insurance is a must for long-term travelers. Your policy should cover a broad range of scenarios, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost or stolen luggage, and emergency evacuations. Read the policy details carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered, and make sure the coverage limits are adequate for your needs.</span></p> <p><span>Choosing a policy that offers flexibility in case your travel plans change is also wise. Store a digital copy of your insurance policy in an easily accessible online location, and carry a physical copy as a backup.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Choose a policy that allows for extensions if you decide to prolong your travel.</span></p>

6. Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is a must for long-term travelers. Your policy should cover a broad range of scenarios, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost or stolen luggage, and emergency evacuations. Read the policy details carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered, and make sure the coverage limits are adequate for your needs.

Choosing a policy that offers flexibility in case your travel plans change is also wise. Store a digital copy of your insurance policy in an easily accessible online location, and carry a physical copy as a backup.

Insider’s Tip: Choose a policy that allows for extensions if you decide to prolong your travel.

<p><span>When embarking on long-term travel, your health and safety should be at the forefront of your planning. This involves more than just packing a basic first-aid kit; it’s about proactive health management. Ensure you’re up-to-date with all necessary vaccinations and understand the health risks associated with your destinations.</span></p> <p><span>Research the countries’ healthcare systems you’ll be visiting and identify reputable clinics or hospitals in each area. Additionally, be aware of the local safety conditions, including political unrest or environmental hazards. Adapt to the cultural norms and standards to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts.</span></p> <p><span>Regularly update a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency services and your home country’s embassy or consulate. Being prepared and informed can make all the difference in handling unexpected health or safety issues during your travels.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Register with your embassy or consulate in each country for safety alerts and assistance.</span></p>

7. Health and Safety

When embarking on long-term travel, your health and safety should be at the forefront of your planning. This involves more than just packing a basic first-aid kit; it’s about proactive health management. Ensure you’re up-to-date with all necessary vaccinations and understand the health risks associated with your destinations.

Research the countries’ healthcare systems you’ll be visiting and identify reputable clinics or hospitals in each area. Additionally, be aware of the local safety conditions, including political unrest or environmental hazards. Adapt to the cultural norms and standards to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts.

Regularly update a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency services and your home country’s embassy or consulate. Being prepared and informed can make all the difference in handling unexpected health or safety issues during your travels.

Insider’s Tip: Register with your embassy or consulate in each country for safety alerts and assistance.

<p><span>Navigating local transportation is an integral part of long-term travel. Each destination will have unique options, from intricate public transit systems to more traditional methods like rickshaws or tuk-tuks. Familiarize yourself with the most common forms of transport in each location and consider purchasing longer-term passes for savings in places you plan to stay for a while.</span></p> <p><span>For more independence, renting a car or a bike can be excellent options, but always ensure you’re comfortable with the local driving conditions and legal requirements. Utilize ride-sharing apps where available for convenience, though be mindful of the costs.</span></p> <p><span>Understanding a few key phrases related to transportation in the local language can immensely simplify your daily travels. It can also aid in getting fair prices.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Learn a few key phrases in the local language related to transportation to navigate more easily and negotiate fares.</span></p>

8. Local Transportation

Navigating local transportation is an integral part of long-term travel. Each destination will have unique options, from intricate public transit systems to more traditional methods like rickshaws or tuk-tuks. Familiarize yourself with the most common forms of transport in each location and consider purchasing longer-term passes for savings in places you plan to stay for a while.

For more independence, renting a car or a bike can be excellent options, but always ensure you’re comfortable with the local driving conditions and legal requirements. Utilize ride-sharing apps where available for convenience, though be mindful of the costs.

Understanding a few key phrases related to transportation in the local language can immensely simplify your daily travels. It can also aid in getting fair prices.

Insider’s Tip: Learn a few key phrases in the local language related to transportation to navigate more easily and negotiate fares.

<p><span>Long-term travel offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in diverse cultures and understand and respect local customs, traditions, and social etiquette. Investing time in learning about your destinations’ history and cultural nuances enriches your experience and fosters deeper connections with local communities.</span></p> <p><span>Language is a key to unlocking these cultural insights. While fluency is not necessary, knowing basic phrases makes daily interactions smoother and demonstrates respect for the local culture.</span></p> <p><span>Regular practice through language learning apps or local classes will enhance your confidence and ability to engage with locals more meaningfully.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Use language learning apps or take local language classes upon arrival to quickly pick up essential phrases.</span></p>

9. Cultural Immersion and Language Skills

Long-term travel offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in diverse cultures and understand and respect local customs, traditions, and social etiquette. Investing time in learning about your destinations’ history and cultural nuances enriches your experience and fosters deeper connections with local communities.

Language is a key to unlocking these cultural insights. While fluency is not necessary, knowing basic phrases makes daily interactions smoother and demonstrates respect for the local culture.

Regular practice through language learning apps or local classes will enhance your confidence and ability to engage with locals more meaningfully.

Insider’s Tip: Use language learning apps or take local language classes upon arrival to quickly pick up essential phrases.

<p><span>Documenting your long-term journey serves multiple purposes: it preserves memories, allows for self-reflection, and allows you to share your experiences with others. Whether through a travel blog, a journal, photography, or video, find a medium that resonates with you and commit to updating it regularly.</span></p> <p><span>This documentation can become a valuable resource for other travelers and a cherished personal memoir. It’s also a way to reflect on your growth and experiences over time. Remember to back up your digital data regularly on cloud storage or an external hard drive to safeguard your memories.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Regularly back up your photos and notes to cloud storage to avoid losing them.</span></p>

10. Documenting Your Journey

Documenting your long-term journey serves multiple purposes: it preserves memories, allows for self-reflection, and allows you to share your experiences with others. Whether through a travel blog, a journal, photography, or video, find a medium that resonates with you and commit to updating it regularly.

This documentation can become a valuable resource for other travelers and a cherished personal memoir. It’s also a way to reflect on your growth and experiences over time. Remember to back up your digital data regularly on cloud storage or an external hard drive to safeguard your memories.

Insider’s Tip: Regularly back up your photos and notes to cloud storage to avoid losing them.

<p><span>As a long-term traveler, you have a unique opportunity to practice and promote sustainable travel. This means making choices that positively impact the local environment and community. Opt for eco-friendly accommodation, engage in responsible wildlife tourism, and judiciously use resources like water and electricity.</span></p> <p><span>Supporting local businesses by dining at local restaurants and buying local products enhances your travel experience and contributes to the local economy. </span><span>Be mindful of your carbon footprint and seek ways to offset it, such as choosing overland travel over short-haul flights when possible.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Participate in local environmental or community projects where possible.</span></p>

11. Sustainable Travel Practices

As a long-term traveler, you have a unique opportunity to practice and promote sustainable travel. This means making choices that positively impact the local environment and community. Opt for eco-friendly accommodation, engage in responsible wildlife tourism, and judiciously use resources like water and electricity.

Supporting local businesses by dining at local restaurants and buying local products enhances your travel experience and contributes to the local economy. Be mindful of your carbon footprint and seek ways to offset it, such as choosing overland travel over short-haul flights when possible.

Insider’s Tip: Participate in local environmental or community projects where possible.

<p><span>Long-term travel can strain personal relationships, but with effort and technology, staying connected with loved ones back home is possible. Regular communication is key; schedule regular calls or video chats to keep in touch with family and friends. </span><span>Social media and messaging apps are great tools for sharing updates and staying a part of each other’s daily lives, even from afar.</span></p> <p><span>While nurturing relationships back home, don’t overlook the importance of building new connections on the road. Meeting fellow travelers and locals can lead to lasting friendships and provide support and camaraderie during your journey. </span><span>These relationships can enrich your travel experience, offering local insights and adding a personal dimension to your adventures.</span></p> <p><span>Remember, balancing old and new relationships requires effort and intention. However, the rewards are immense, making your long-term travel a more fulfilling and less lonely experience.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Set regular times to catch up with loved ones to maintain consistency in your relationships.</span></p>

12. Maintaining Relationships

Long-term travel can strain personal relationships, but with effort and technology, staying connected with loved ones back home is possible. Regular communication is key; schedule regular calls or video chats to keep in touch with family and friends. Social media and messaging apps are great tools for sharing updates and staying a part of each other’s daily lives, even from afar.

While nurturing relationships back home, don’t overlook the importance of building new connections on the road. Meeting fellow travelers and locals can lead to lasting friendships and provide support and camaraderie during your journey. These relationships can enrich your travel experience, offering local insights and adding a personal dimension to your adventures.

Remember, balancing old and new relationships requires effort and intention. However, the rewards are immense, making your long-term travel a more fulfilling and less lonely experience.

Insider’s Tip: Set regular times to catch up with loved ones to maintain consistency in your relationships.

<p><span>Embarking on a long-term travel adventure is an exhilarating and transformative experience. However, it comes with its own set of challenges. With careful planning, efficient packing, and an open mind, you can navigate these challenges and maximize your extended journey.</span></p> <p><span>Remember, long-term travel is about the places you visit, your experiences, and the growth you undergo along the way. Embrace each moment, stay adaptable, and enjoy the journey of a lifetime. Safe travels!</span></p> <p><span>More Articles Like This…</span></p> <p><a href="https://thegreenvoyage.com/barcelona-discover-the-top-10-beach-clubs/"><span>Barcelona: Discover the Top 10 Beach Clubs</span></a></p> <p><a href="https://thegreenvoyage.com/top-destination-cities-to-visit/"><span>2024 Global City Travel Guide – Your Passport to the World’s Top Destination Cities</span></a></p> <p><a href="https://thegreenvoyage.com/exploring-khao-yai-a-hidden-gem-of-thailand/"><span>Exploring Khao Yai 2024 – A Hidden Gem of Thailand</span></a></p> <p><span>The post <a href="https://passingthru.com/essential-tips-for-long-term-travel/">Master the Art of Endless Exploration: 12 Essential Tips for Long-Term Travel in 2024!</a> republished on </span><a href="https://passingthru.com/"><span>Passing Thru</span></a><span> with permission from </span><a href="https://thegreenvoyage.com/"><span>The Green Voyage</span></a><span>.</span></p> <p>Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Vlada Karpovich.</p> <p><span>For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.</span></p>

The Bottom Line

Embarking on a long-term travel adventure is an exhilarating and transformative experience. However, it comes with its own set of challenges. With careful planning, efficient packing, and an open mind, you can navigate these challenges and maximize your extended journey.

Remember, long-term travel is about the places you visit, your experiences, and the growth you undergo along the way. Embrace each moment, stay adaptable, and enjoy the journey of a lifetime. Safe travels!

More Articles Like This…

Barcelona: Discover the Top 10 Beach Clubs

2024 Global City Travel Guide – Your Passport to the World’s Top Destination Cities

Exploring Khao Yai 2024 – A Hidden Gem of Thailand

The post Master the Art of Endless Exploration: 12 Essential Tips for Long-Term Travel in 2024! republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Vlada Karpovich.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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  1. Tips to Prepare For Your Long Bike Trip

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COMMENTS

  1. How to Plan a Long Bike Tour or Bike-packing Trip.

    Park yourself in a campsite or hotel for a day or two and explore the city or town or take shorter daily rides. "Distance is not as important as the journey," says Analise Cleopatra, a filmmaker and relatively new mountain biker who made a documentary of her first bike-packing trip in 2019.

  2. Bicycle Touring Tips

    You'll simply buy what you need on the way, and stay in hotels at night. I've split this post of bicycle touring tips into four sections: 1. Before you go - Preparing for a long distance cycling trip. 2. On the Road - Tips to make a long bike tour easier. 3.

  3. Long Distance Cycling: Beginner Tips for Cycling Long Distances

    6 Long-Distance Cycling Tips. 1. Adjust Your Pedaling Speed. If you want to last long on a ride, you can't go all out right from the start. That includes pedaling in an efficient gear—one that ...

  4. Tried and Tested Useful Tips on How to Prepare for a Long Bike Ride for

    Bike Rack A Bike rack helps you bring your stuff along. With a bike rack, you don't have to carry a backpack with you all the time. Imagine carrying a backpack for more than 6 hours. It can give you back pain along with should cramps. A bike rack can help make your long ride much smoother and more comfortable as you become free from load.

  5. Bicycle Touring Tips, Bike Life And Travel Advice From A Decade On The

    The distilled wisdom of ten years of bike touring life, cycle touring tips and travel advice from hard-earned miles around the globe. This article documents my bike touring tips from extensive bicycle travels around the world. Whether you're a veteran long-distance cyclist or a bicycle touring beginner, this blog post is here to provide you ...

  6. Long Bike Ride Tips

    8 Tips for Long-Distance Cycling. By Megan Flottorp February 12, 2021 at 11:30 am 7 min reading. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, there's nothing quite like the euphoria you experience after crushing a long bike ride. A rite of passage for any avid cyclist, pushing that two-hour mark is a significant accomplishment that warrants ...

  7. 15 Unorthodox Training Tips For Cycle Touring ...

    7. Turn out your wardrobe. Your average bicycle traveller will possess a maximum of two sets of clothes: one set for riding in, and one set for not riding in. This makes a lot of sense, since time spent travelling by bicycle is generally divided between — you've guessed it — riding, and not riding.

  8. How to prepare for long distance cycling: tips, training, food + more

    Read on so you can be all set for the long distance cycling challenges that await! 1. Define your long-distance cycling goal. The first of our long bike ride tips is to set a goal. Like all objectives, it's best if this is SMART - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely.

  9. Long Distance Cycling: Tips and Training Guide

    Break it into sections. 60km, 80km, 100km or more. It can sound like an impossible distance, especially if you're new to long distance riding. So mentally break down your ride into sections. Three equal parts is a good rule of thumb. Working towards a mental checkpoint 10km or 20km away can give a huge positive boost.

  10. 8 Cycle Touring Tips For A Long-Distance Bike Adventure

    Unconventional cycle touring tips for an adventure to remember. This article details a decade of cycle touring tips gathered from far-flung places on short and long-distance bicycle-based adventures. In my early days of multi-day bike trips, I was obsessed with collecting the best advice on bicycle touring.

  11. Are you ready for your longest bike ride? Here's how to prepare in the

    A long day out, such as a 100-mile ride, places big demands on your aerobic system, meaning you need to be able to churn out Zone 1 and 2 intensity for long periods of time. Sweetspot training is ...

  12. Long Bike Trip Essentials for a Happy Journey

    Tips to Prepare For Your Long Bike Trip. I hope this list of bike trip essentials will come in handy when planning your travel. Share. About the author. Supriya Sahu. I am Supriya, a writer by passion and I have been following up with it from the past 12 years. Stamped initially as a Software Engineer, I switched to 'All Things Travel'.

  13. Bikepacking Tips: 7 Things I Learned From My First Long-Distance Trip

    2. Invest in a good saddle. The limiting factor for my first long-distance bikepacking trip wasn't my tired legs or overworked lungs, it was my very, very sore butt. The first 30 miles of each day were fine, but after that, it felt like I was doing some permanent bruising to my sit bones. So please do yourself a favor and invest in a good saddle.

  14. What to Pack for a Long Bike Ride, According to Cyclists

    To sleep: two tents, warm sleeping bags, and mattresses. To cook: one multifuel stove, two pans, one saucepan, six plates. To dress (each): three T-shirts, one long-sleeve T-shirt, two cycling ...

  15. 10 Tips for Preparing for Your First Long Distance Bike Tour

    Have New Brakes Installed. Before leaving on a long distance bike trip, you should have your brakes changed to promote safety and also reduce the likelihood of having to deal with them on the ride. Many riders cycle 4,000 miles or more on new brakes without having to change them (although adjustments may be necessary).

  16. Tips to Prepare For Your Long Bike Trip

    General Tips for Long Bike Trip. Helmet: Invest in quality helmets for both pillion and rider. Exercise: Getting into peak physical condition by resorting to morning jogging and strengthening exercises is a good option before planning a long trip. Time: In India, prefer to plan to travel from November to February as the climate will be pleasant. Wearables: Wear proper clothes with a waterproof ...

  17. Your 'go-to' guide to prepare for a cycling tour

    11 helpful training tips. 1. Consider your trip grading. It's very important to be mindful of your trip grading and read your trip notes well in advance so that you know what type of cycling you'll face on your trip. There are a number of factors to consider preparing for which will help make your tour more enjoyable.

  18. 10 top tips for your first bike tour in 2022

    Invest in the essentials: a good free-standing tent, a decent touring bike, waterproof panniers (bike bags) and a cooking stove. Opt for a sturdy, steel-framed touring bike with steel front and rear racks to hold your panniers. Your bags should be hard-wearing as they'll carry everything you need such as the tent, stove, sleeping bag and mat ...

  19. 10 Tips For Your First Bikepacking Trip

    follow CHRIS https://www.instagram.com/chrishallridesfollow JOSH https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvtrjFpGvwkihRfAQxlywYgWind Tunnel Video: https://youtu.be/...

  20. Bike Touring Tips for a Memorable Long-Distance Cycling Trip

    Start a training regimen months before your trip. Include long rides, strength training, and flexibility exercises. This diverse approach prepares your body for the demands of long-distance cycling. Increase the length and intensity of your rides gradually. This method builds endurance safely and effectively, reducing the risk of injury.

  21. Ultra distance cycling: 5 tips to survive long rides

    Lastly, super-long rides are all about the slow twitch muscle fibres, which have more endurance. So try to avoid hard accelerations and surges whilst you ride, as these will use up your precious ...

  22. Training for long distance cycling: training plans, tips + more

    One of the key tips for long-distance cycling, though, is that you need to pace yourself. What you're looking at is a training programme for long-distance cycling. Not a sprint, but rather a marathon. Five days of training per week factors in a couple of rest days, which are important when you're working towards an endurance goal.

  23. 4 Essential Safety Tips For Long Bike Trips

    Utilize cycling-specific maps and apps to find bike-friendly routes and avoid heavily congested or dangerous roads. Many cyclists who have to contact a bicycle accident lawyer do so because they were hit by a vehicle, so avoiding traffic-heavy roads is especially recommended when taking a long bike trip.. It's also important to share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member, so ...

  24. Cowboy launches all-road electric bike to attract riders beyond

    Eventually, Cowboy expects to sell the Cowboy Cross for €3,999 ($4,350). As a reminder, Cowboy's "classic" bike models cost €2,699 ($2,940), but there are that cost €199 and €299 ...

  25. 7 Expert Tips for Avoiding Loneliness While Traveling Alone

    Taking a cooking class is a great way to meet people when you are traveling alone. getty. People-watching is a low-energy thing you can do to feel less lonely while you travel, she says. Embrace ...

  26. Master the Art of Endless Exploration: 12 Essential Tips for Long ...

    Long-term travel is an enriching and life-changing adventure but requires meticulous planning and strategic packing. ... 12 Essential Tips for Long-Term Travel in 2024! ... renting a car or a bike ...