Cycling is a great way to get in shape, have fun with friends and family, or enjoy the outdoors. When you are planning a cycling tour it can be overwhelming because there are so many things that need to be done before you leave home.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of 10 steps for preparing for your next cycling adventure!
Figure Out the Route
The first step in preparing for your cycling tour is to figure out the route. This can include mapping out a course online, or actually riding the route to make sure it’s doable. Be sure to take into account elevation changes, wind speeds and directions, and potential hazards along the way.
Plan Your Meals
Planning your meals is the second step in preparing for a cycling tour. This can include packing snacks, setting up camp dinners and breakfast the next morning, or even just having a list of places you want to eat at each night. You don’t have to plan out every single meal that you will eat, but having a general idea will make the trip go much more smoothly.
Pack Your Bags with Essential Items
The third step in preparing for your cycling tour is to pack up all of the bags you need with essential items that will help you have an enjoyable experience. This includes packing clothes suitable for both riding and camping, shoes that are comfortable for both biking and walking, bike tools to fix any problems you might have along the way, enough food for each person in your group (plus a few extra items), sunscreen or other sun protection items like hats, sunglasses, and even some rain gear if it’s appropriate.
Check out the infographic below for more items to pack so you can protect yourself from the sun!
Infographic provided by Halter Ego, a provider of halters for horses
Check Your Bike
The fourth step in preparing for your cycling tour is to check your bike. This includes making sure the tires are properly inflated, the chain is lubricated and free of rust, and all of the bolts are tightened. You might also want to bring a spare tube, pump, and multi-tool just in case you have any problems while on the road. And also make sure to use from the best cycling gears in canada.
Get in Shape
The fifth step in preparing for your cycling tour is to get in shape. This doesn’t mean you have to be an Olympic-level cyclist, but it’s a good idea to start biking regularly and working on your endurance so that the trip won’t be too difficult for you. If you’re not used to biking long distances, you might want to start out by doing some practice rides in the weeks leading up to your trip.
Book Your Lodging and Transport
The sixth step in preparing for your cycling tour is to book your lodging and transport. This can include finding a place to stay each night of your trip, or booking a ride to and from the starting point of your tour. Some tours allow you to store bags at their office while you’re on the road so that they can be transported for you as well.
Pack Your Bags Once More!
The seventh step in preparing for your cycling tour is to pack your bags once more! It may seem like a silly step, but it’s important to make sure you have everything packed up correctly. This is also the perfect time to double check that all of the items are in working order and haven’t been damaged while being stored away for your trip.
Pack Your Bikes on Your Car
The eighth step in preparing for your cycling tour is to pack your bikes on your car. This can be a bit tricky if you’re not used to it, but with a little practice it will become second nature. Be sure to use bungee cords or bike racks to keep the bikes secure while driving and try not to overload your car with too much weight.
Hit the Road!
The ninth step in preparing for your cycling tour is to hit the road! This is when the fun really begins and you get to start enjoying all of the beautiful scenery that surrounds you. Be sure to take plenty of pictures and enjoy each moment, because the trip goes by quickly and you don’t want to miss a thing!
Prepare for the Return Home and Clean Up Your Gear
The tenth and final step in preparing for your cycling tour is to prepare for the return home. This means making sure all of your gear has been packed up, checking over each item one last time before storing it away for the year, and cleaning your bike so that it’s ready to go for next time.
By following these ten steps, you’ll be fully prepared for your cycling tour and ready to have an adventure of a lifetime!