How to Bike Tour Successfully 

There are a few key things you need to do in order to bike tour successfully. First, you need to have a good plan. This means knowing where you’re going, and having a route mapped out. You also need to make sure you have the right gear – both for your bike and for yourself. Finally, you’ll need to be prepared mentally and physically for the challenge of biking long distances.

If you can do all of these things, then you’re well on your way to having a successful bike tour. Here’s a closer look at each of these key components:

1) Planning Your Route

The first step to successful bike touring is planning your route. You’ll need to map out where you’re going and make sure you have a route that is feasible. There are a few things to keep in mind when planning your route:

  • Make sure your route is scenic. One of the best parts of bike touring is taking in the scenery, so you’ll want to make sure your route takes you through some beautiful areas.
  • Avoid highways. While it might be tempting to take the quickest route possible, biking on busy highways is not only dangerous, but it’s also not very enjoyable. Stick to back roads and quiet country lanes instead.
  • Consider elevation changes. If you’re not used to biking uphill, then you might want to avoid routes with a lot of big hills. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a challenge, then elevation changes can make for a more exciting ride.

2) Packing the Right Gear

Another important part of successful bike touring is packing the right gear. You’ll need to bring everything you need with you on your tour, so it’s important to pack wisely. Here are a few things to keep in mind when packing your gear:

  • Bring essential items only. You don’t want to be lugging around a giant bag full of unnecessary items. Stick to the basics and only bring what you really need.
  • Pack light. The lighter your bags are, the easier it will be to pedal up hills. Choose lightweight items whenever possible.
  • Consider using panniers. Panniers are bags that attach to the back of your bike and make it easy to carry all your gear with you. If you’re planning on doing a lot of biking, panniers are a great option.

3) Getting in Shape

Bike touring is a physical challenge, so it’s important to get in shape before you go. Start by gradually increasing the amount of biking you do each week. If you’re not used to biking long distances, start with shorter rides and work your way up. You should also make sure to cross-train by doing other activities such as running or swimming. This will help to increase your overall fitness level and make sure you’re prepared for the physical demands of bike touring.

4) Training Your Mind

In addition to getting physically fit, you’ll also need to train your mind for the challenge of bike touring. This means learning how to push through when you’re tired and dealing with difficult situations. Here are a few things you can do to mentally prepare for bike touring:

  • Read about other people’s experiences. Bike touring blogs and books can give you an idea of what to expect on your tour.
  • Visualize yourself succeeding. Imagine yourself completing your tour and picture how good it will feel. This will help to keep you motivated when things get tough.
  • Set small goals. When you’re in the middle of a long ride, it can be helpful to have small goals to focus on. For example, you might set a goal to make it to the next town or to the top of the next hill.

Conclusion:

Bike touring is a great way to see the world and challenge you physically and mentally. If you’re planning a bike tour, make sure to do your research and prepare accordingly. With proper planning and preparation, you can ensure that your bike tour is a success.