If you have no idea how to plan a bike tour, you have arrived at the right destination. Today, we live in a world full of information available, and this article will give you an insight into how and what to prepare for your next bike tour.
What Is a Bike Tour?
As simple as it sounds, a bike tour is traveling by bicycle for longer distances than usual. A bike tour could take you through beautiful sceneries and unforgettable experiences. Unlike simple bike rides downtown, bike tours are more challenging and require more preparation, both physical and logistical.
How to Plan a Bike Tour
Bike touring is a fun activity enjoyed by many people, but you have to be cautious about how to plan it. The purpose of planning stands to create a beautiful experience for everyone with little-to-no obstacles. When planning a bike tour, you should consider the tour type, length, and route. You need to be well organized and always think ahead, as you don’t want to get stuck in the middle of the road without having no idea where to go or no water to drink.
Step 1: Decide on the tour type
You must first consider what type of bike tour you want to go on. Well, if you didn’t know, there are different tour types. The three main categories include guided bicycle touring, self-supported bicycle touring, and self-guided bicycle touring.
Guided bicycle training- If you like traveling and meeting new people and have an experienced touring bike guide following you, you should consider guided bicycle touring. In this bike tour, all your belongings are carried in a vehicle that you can access at different times at different checkpoints of the ride.
Self-guided tour- A self-guided tour offers you far more freedom on the road since an escort no longer follows you. This type of tour is far more challenging than the first one since you have to be cautious about navigating the ride yourself.
Self-supported tour– Lastly, the self-supported tour requires you to figure out all of the responsibilities, from navigating the route to your dinners and accommodation all by yourself. This is the least expensive tour type and requires the most amount of planning and organizational skills.
Step 2: Decide on the tour length
When it comes to the tour length, you should first ask yourself whether you’re in good shape and how far you can ride in a day. Of course, you don’t have to be in the perfect shape possible to enjoy a good ride, but you should be cautious about your health and how much you can take in a day. It wouldn’t be joyful to decide on a month-long tour that you can’t continue after two days of biking.
However, if you know you’re in excellent shape and have all the necessary preparation, it would be great to go on long tours.
Step 3: Decide on the group size
All you need to do is simply ask yourself if you enjoy time alone or if are you a social butterfly. That’s because different bike tours include different group sizes.
Guided bicycle touring typically ranges from 2 to 20+ people, with tour members worldwide. Self-guided and self-supported bike tours, on the other hand, can be conducted to your desired number of people, or you could decide to do them alone.
Step 4: Decide on the route
Deciding on the route for a bike tour requires careful consideration of a number of factors. Some of the key things to consider include the terrain of the area, the weather conditions, the distance and duration of the tour, the level of difficulty, and the availability of amenities such as rest stops, food and water supplies, and places to stay overnight. It may also be helpful to research popular biking routes in the area, as well as local customs and regulations that may affect the ride. Even though each person has different preferences, you need to determine whether you wish to explore high mountains or avoid rough paths. Choosing a suitable route for you will make your experience way more enjoyable.
Step 5: Plan your accommodation
Your accommodation mostly depends on your budget and timing, but it’s highly recommended you always plan where you want to spend the nights. Moreover, you should keep in mind to always check if the accommodation is bike-friendly, and you’ll be good to go. Some popular options for bike tour accommodations include camping, hostels, hotels, and bed and breakfasts. When choosing a place to stay, it’s important to consider the length of the tour and the amount of time that will be spent on the road each day, as well as the budget and any personal preferences or requirements.
Step 6: Check the weather forecast
Knowing the expected weather conditions can help you determine what to pack, what type of clothing to wear, and how to prepare for the ride. Checking the weather forecast helps reduce the impact of severe weather damage while also increasing the chance for a way better experience. It can also help you determine whether the route is feasible given the current conditions and whether any adjustments to the itinerary may be necessary. However, if you enjoy riding in the rain, make sure you have the waterproof materials needed.
What Are the Benefits of a Bike Tour?
If going on a bike tour has been sitting on your wishlist, you should probably do it already. A bike tour has so many advantages that you’ll most likely be amazed by it. Listed below, we’re mentioning only a few.
You meet new people
Cyclists often say that your faith in humanity will be restored when you go on a bike tour. That’s because you most likely will find yourself in need of help, and in those cases, all sorts of wonderful people from different places will offer support, and vice versa. As you travel along the route, you will have the opportunity to chat with other riders, share stories, and make new friends. This can make the experience of a bike tour even more enjoyable and memorable and can lead to new relationships that last a lifetime.
It’s a great exercise
Not only do you get to enjoy some of the prettiest sceneries, but at the same time, you’re doing a favor to your overall health. According to the World Health Organization, cycling stimulates and improves your heart, lungs, and blood circulation, reducing your risk of heart disease. Additionally, the fresh air and beautiful scenery that come with being on a bike tour can help boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
You challenge yourself
Whether you’re a new bicyclist or not, a bike tour is always challenging. And that is in a good sense. Continuously challenging ourselves to perform at a higher level than we normally do is good for our mental and emotional well-being. Biking long distances require determination, endurance, and a strong mental attitude, and can be a rewarding and empowering experience. During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to push yourself to new limits, test your physical and mental endurance, and strive for personal growth and improvement.
You discover new places
On a bike tour, you usually travel really slowly. And, that is a wonderful thing since it allows you to enjoy every sight you visit, not just pass through it. There’s no better way to feel a new land and the sweet wind on your face than from the bike saddle. You’ll have the chance to visit hidden gems and explore off-the-beaten-path locations, creating memories that will last a lifetime. A bike tour can also be a great way to learn about the history and culture of a place and to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the people and places you visit
Final Thoughts
Planning a bike tour is not the simplest and easiest process, so if you want an unforgettable experience, we suggest you consider everything mentioned above. If you plan a great tour bike, then there will be some valuable benefits for which you will be grateful. So, pack your bike and motivation and go for it.
