“Nothing can compare with the simple pleasure of cycling”, was once said by John F. Kennedy, former US President: He was right, sitting comfortably on the saddle you can discover the town, make a small excursion into nature or start off on a big tour. Here we would like to give you some tips, whether you are en route for one day or several weeks.
In order to be able to find and plan a cycling tour, the same questions arise as when planning a hiking tour: How long do I want to be on the road – hours, days or even weeks? How long could my personal day performance be? Who will accompany me on the tour – and who has special needs that I should take into account? Do I just want to cycle comfortably at my own pace or do I want to cycle fast and sporty? Do I just want to enjoy experience of nature or do I also want to see the sights and enjoy the culture of the area? Do I want to start off every day from a base camp or would I prefer a bicycle tour? Where do I want to sleep in the evening, for example, is a tent ok or would I prefer to sleep in a comfortable hotel bed?
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Tour destination?
Good planning is essential also for cycle tours: Having clarified all important matters relating to the preparations for the tour, then especially for tours of several days the first thing is to plan the individual stages. Tours with several participants must of course always take into account the needs of the “weakest” member. You can start off leisurely – and then having tested your condition and maybe even improved this after several days – later you can perhaps undertake 60 kilometers or more per day.
Set your targets but give yourself time
Wind and weather are important points for the success of a tour. You should check the weather forecasts beforehand as well as getting necessary information about difficult or maybe even impassable stretches of the route, connections via train or ship and of course where to spend the night.
It is also highly recommended that you get information on site about interesting sights to see and to plan a visit to these as a small diversion on your tour. Direct contact with nature, despite all your planning, is then only charming if you can take time, perhaps by taking a longer break or by going a different way or alternative route. The stages and targets of your tour should therefore not be too closely scheduled but instead a little more time allowed.
Which bike for which tour?
For day tours on which, with the exception of a good and comfortable-fit bike backpack, normally no baggage is taken along then a normal city or touring cycle is fine. If, however, you are planning a tour of several days or even a cycle tour of several weeks then you really need a suitable touring cycle. These models are extremely robust, convincing even though they have only a low own weight. Thanks to its warp resistant frame, the cycle keeps on track even with a large baggage load. For longer tours, it is worthwhile investing in handlebars adjustable to several grip positions.
What do I have to take and what can I leave behind?
Despite comfortable transport, too much baggage can cause loss of ease and dynamics on your cycle tour. Some necessary utensils should be carried in order to be prepared for all eventualities such as sudden downpours or small injuries. It may help to draw up a list beforehand with a view to differentiating all equipment that is really essential and some things that are not really necessary but only add extra weight. One idea to help you: pack only as many things as would fit into two carrier bags. After all, mostly there are only the packs on the baggage carrier and the even more compact front wheel bags available.
Special function garments ensure that moisture is taken away from skin and also protect from friction. Helmet and cycle glasses of course belong to the essential equipment, also shoes with a special tread for safe use of the pedals.
A First-Aid Kit is equally indispensable, and should be at hand in the case of accident or injury. An insect repellent will protect you from mosquito attacks and even if you think the autumn sun no longer has any power, you should nevertheless apply waterproof sun protection with a high sun protection factor. In order to ensure that your wheels are always ready for action on longer tours you should also include a pump and repair set, a replacement inner tube, spare tackle and a few small things such as 2-component adhesive, nuts, screws etc. in your baggage.
