Are you gearing up for an unforgettable bike adventure? Whether you’re planning an intensive biking tour or just want to squeeze some cycling into your weekend getaway, preparation is key. And we’re here to help you know exactly what to prepare for. In this helpful guide, we’ll walk you through setting realistic goals so you can enjoy your biking trip even as a complete beginner. We’ll help you get to grips with training, plan for the weather, and more. Here’s your guide to preparing for a cycling trip.
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Physical preparation for an intensive bike trip
A bike trip, whether a leisurely weekend getaway or an intensive biking tour, demands a certain level of physical preparedness. It’s not just about having the right gear and knowing your route; your body must be up to the challenge.
Assessing your fitness level
Before you hit the road, it’s crucial to take stock of your current fitness level. Are you a seasoned cyclist or more of a casual rider? Understanding where you stand will help you set realistic goals for your trip. When preparing for your upcoming bike trip, it’s crucial to get a clear picture of your current fitness level.
Start by thinking about your recent biking experiences, including the kinds of terrain and distances you’ve comfortably tackled in the past. Even if you have limited experience, that’s perfectly fine. The key is to be honest about your abilities so you can plan a bike trip that suits you best. Whether you’re an experienced or casual cyclist, understanding your limitations is the first step to creating an enjoyable and manageable cycling trip.
Setting realistic biking goals based on your fitness
Choose a distance and terrain you can comfortably handle. Take a holistic approach by considering the entire itinerary. While it can be exciting to push your cycling limits, ensure you reserve enough energy for other activities on your agenda. If your trip is solely a biking trip, remember to include planned rest stops and breaks to prevent burnout. It is also important not to let the avid cyclists set the plan for the whole group. Consider everyone’s ability to ensure the whole group has an enjoyable time.
Training plan
Once you’ve assessed your fitness level, it’s time to create a training plan tailored to your needs. Training is not just for professional athletes but anyone who wants to enjoy their bike trip to the fullest. You may need a finely tuned training regime if you have an intense trip planned or if there’s a significant gap between your current ability and where you need to be.
However, for most people, you only need to do one thing (broadly speaking): put in the miles on the bike. There is no better training for cycling than cycling. Strive for consistency and push yourself a little bit to maximise the reward. It can be tempting to substitute cycling for swimming or running. Both are amazing and will undoubtedly help, but you’ll get the biggest returns from time on the bike. If you’re a less experienced cyclist, this will also help you get used to handling your bike and sitting in the saddle for longer stretches.
Prepare for the elements
If possible aim to train in similar conditions to what you will experience on your trip. It may not be possible to find the exact terrain but aim to find something close. Another crucial factor to consider is the weather. Look ahead to the forecast and try to replicate the conditions you expect. If it’s likely to rain on your trip, cycle in the rain to get used to your wet weather gear and how your bike handles.
If you anticipate the trip to be warm, try to fit your cycling in on hot days or ride at midday when it’s warmest. Training in this way will maximise your preparedness. Don’t get caught out by riding in wet conditions or tackling the heat for the first time on your trip.
Transporting your bikes
You’re all prepared physically. You’ve planned out your cycling activities, trained and even rode in the rain to get used to it – you’re up to the challenge. But you can’t have a biking trip without bikes. If you’re a camping enthusiast or frequent outdoor adventurer, you will know that packing can be a hassle. Before your trip can even begin you need to bundle tents, hiking gear, or fishing equipment into your car. So, how do you get your bikes from A to B?
Use a cycle carrier
Attempting to fit your bikes inside your vehicle can quickly turn into a logistical nightmare. This is where bike racks and cycle carriers come to your rescue. These aren’t mere conveniences; they’re game-changers. Firstly, they free up valuable space inside your vehicle, giving you space for all your other gear (and passengers). Secondly, they ensure your bikes are securely fastened during transit, protecting them from being damaged.
But cycle carriers are not one size fits all, and which is best for you will depend on a few factors, including how many bikes you need to hold, your vehicle, and more. Check out this cycler carrier buyer’s guide for help choosing the best cycle carrier for your needs.
Get the most from your biking trip
Cycling is an incredible activity. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just dipping your toes into the hobby, preparation is essential to having the best time on your bike. From setting realistic goals and training for the right terrain and weather to the logistics of moving your bikes, there’s a lot to plan for. But the planning is all worth it.
Follow the tips in this guide, and you’re sure to get the most from your biking trip.
Your thoughts on preparation for a cycling trip?
What has been your approach? Or are you thinking of planning for a trip currently as part of your vacation? Let us know your experience and ideas in the comments below.
Towbar Express is the UK's largest towbar fitting company, providing professionally fitted towbars at work or on your driveway. We have been in business for over two and a half decades and fit a range of towbars and cycle carriers. We have a fleet of vans covering England (and parts of Wales), so a member of our mobile towbar fitting team is always nearby.
Great post. Cyclists are so disciplined and you can learn a lot from their training.
I am not at all confident on a bike, because I never got one as a kid. I can ride a bike, but am always afraid of falling
I’m not much of a cyclist, but as I walk the forests around where I live, I see groups coming through and I’ve thought “I must try that.” I’d need to start at your Training Plan stage 😉
These are some helpful tips on preparing for a cycle trip. Planning ahead is key and fitness levels are a must
These are great things to do, and it would be very helpful for people who want to prepare for this. Thank you for sharing!
I so agree that for a cycling trip, we need very good preparation. We need to be very organized, too!
These are important points to note on order to avoid unwanted aches and injuries. Thanks for sharing!
It is good to be prepared for any kind of travel. I have never been on a cycling trip and it is nice to have the right supplies and gear.
Great tips! Loved your detailed guide. The checklist was super handy. Your friendly tone made it enjoyable to read. Keep sharing your expertise!
great post and such good tips. might I add to also do a checkup on your bike before venturing out and to always bring a spare inner tube and small tools just in case you get a flat. It happened to us when a group of us rode our bikes from WA state to Montana. One of our bikers got a flat and she was prepared for it. Thanks for the post – Denise
Man, it’s been a while since I rode a bike, great post. I just got a new bike for and am looking forward to doing a little cycling again.
A few years ago I did a 42k bike trip in one day along the coast. It was spectacular!
I’ve never been on a dedicated cycling trip and these are all really great things to prepare. Im Gonna share this with my brother
I love bike riding but have never done a trip. This post has motivated me to plan one.
I haven’t been on a bike in ages. I really should try it out again.
I love all the great tips. There isn’t a plan to do something like this with my boys. thanks for sharing
Yeah you definitely need to assess what level you’re at physically and train accordingly! Cycling is very demanding!
My SIL is into biking in the mountains and he really has to prepare for each ride depending on where he wants to ride. Great post.
These are some great tips for a cycling adventure. I think the most important thing is to check your fitness level and some preparation if you are going for an extensive cycling trail.
There are lots of great tips in this article for cyclists that I will share with them.
what a wonderful experience that would be thanks so much for sharing and helping others prepare
Ooohhhh….you have basically covered all the essential ground on cycling. Don’t forget the crash helmets and reflector vests, eh?!
I think the most important tip here is the one you listed first – fitness level. Biking is actually so much harder than a lot of people realize.
A bicycle carrier is a must! I can’t imagine trying to cram ourselves and our bikes into our vehicle. It just wouldn’t work.
Great tips for hard-core bikers. I need a motorized bike because I’m so out of shape lol.
Thanks for the info. My family was just discussing doing a cycling trip in Moab – so these recommendations reminds me of the planning and fitness activities we need to do beforehand.