Planning my first bike tour was incredibly exciting but it also felt a little overwhelming at times. There is so much to think about while creating that first ride and it’s all completely new to you. So it’s hard to know where to even start!
That’s why I’ve put together this video on how to plan your first bike tour. It has 8 key things to think about while creating your cycling adventure so you can feel excited and prepared when you head out on your first big ride.
Not able to watch the video or prefer seeing it in writing? Here are my 8 tips for how to plan your first bike tour:
1. Decide where & for how long
It might sound basic but deciding where you want to go and for how long is crucial because it will inform all the other decisions you make. Which bike you take, how much you need to train, what kind of accommodations will be available to you, what research you need to do — it all depends on the length and location of your bike tour.
2. Consider your accommodation options
Do you want to wild camp? Camp on designated sites? Stay with other cyclists through warmshowers.org? Use Air B&Bs, hotels or hostels? There are plenty of options available to you! Just have a good think about which appeal to you the most and are available where you’re going so you can pack and budget accordingly.
3. Plan your route
For your first bike tour you may want to consider doing a designated biking route like the ones I did from Munich to Venice or Dresden to Prague. Or if you want to create your route on your own, there are some great apps like Komoot or Maps.me to build your own cycling-friendly route.
4. Choose your bike & bike setup
Perhaps you have a bike or bikes to choose from for your tour. Or maybe you need to rent or borrow or buy a bike. Some things to consider are the types of terrain you plan to be on and will have access to where you’re going. Also consider how much climbing you will be doing. And for carrying your gear, do you want to carry things in 2-4 panniers or opt for a more lightweight frame and handlebar setup?
There are plenty of options and it may feel overwhelming. But don’t let it stress you out! Join some bike touring Facebook communities, ask questions at local bike stores and start building up information so you can feel confident in whatever choice you make. Never forget the first bike tourers did this thing on single-speed bikes with heavy gear, so it can be done with whatever set up you have access to!
5. Learn basic bike mechanics
When you’re relying on your bike to get you everywhere, it’s important to know how to take care of it. You’ll want to carry a toolkit with the items you need to do the most likely repairs in order to avoid getting stuck on the side of the road. You can check out this video to see what I carry in my bicycle repair kit. Be sure to know how to change a flat and to be comfortable doing so. You’ll also want to know how to care for your chain and to know when parts of your bike like brake pads, rims, chain & derailleur need to be replaced so you aren’t pushing parts past where they’re safely able to go.
6. Create your packing list
Once you’ve got items 1 through 5 nailed down, you can begin pulling together what you need to pack for your bike tour. Check out my video on what I packed to cycle across Europe for some inspiration. Also, have a search online for packing lists related to the region you’re going to for any specifics you may want to bring. Also keep in mind that everything you bring has to fit in your bags and be carried by you so you may want to downsize where possible!
7. Research getting to your starting point
Airlines, trains and buses all have very specific rules about if and how they will transport bicycles. For some trains and buses you can roll them right onto the train or store them on the bus’ bike rack. But most airlines and some trains will require that you disassemble the bike, pack it flat in a bike box and transport it that way. Have a look online for the company’s policies and call or email to follow up so you have a really clear understanding of what they require and the costs associated with it. You don’t want to find out they won’t carry your bike on your departure day!
8. Physical training
This is a key component of your bike tour — making sure you are physically ready for this adventure. The training required will vary from person to person so please consult your healthcare provider. It’s important to build gradually to the distance you want to travel each day of your bike tour ahead of time. If you don’t build up your distance and intensity gradually you could risk injury, unnecessary aches and pains, and also mental exhaustion. Reach out to a coach or reliable online plan to ensure you’re training adequately for this active adventure.
I hope you found this guide on planning your first bike tour helpful! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments below. Happy riding!