How to Prepare for Your First Bike Tour

Biking tours can certainly vary in level from most difficult excursions to beginner rides and it is important to remember that these trips offer an intense form of exercise. If you do not prepare in advance, your body will most likely suffer the consequences. Start training a few weeks or months before your planned departure. If you own a bike, take it out for a morning spin before work to get back in the habit of riding. If you do not own a bike, rent one from a bike store in your neighborhood or borrow one from a friend. And if you do not have access to a bike, try using the stationary bike in the gym to begin training your muscles. The old saying goes, you never forget how to ride a bike, but unfortunately your muscles do not have as great a memory span and may need some training.

I cannot stress this enough- when packing for your trip- pack light! If you are going to be in charge of carrying your own luggage it is a good idea to train with packed bags before the bike tour, to give you a better sense of what biking with a pack will be like. The goal is to be as comfortable as possible throughout the trip.

That being said, despite how much you train before the tour- you will most likely experience muscle soreness. Depending on the difficulty level of the ride, much of the soreness may pass in time. Remember to stretch and drink lots of water, to help alleviate any muscle soreness you might experience. Also remember that even if you are traveling with a group, it is okay to go at your own pace. This is not a race! Do not feel bad about going at a slower pace. As you begin to gain confidence, you might try picking up your pace, or you might decide to enjoy slower rides.

Ask lots of questions about the local landscape, ecology, culture and attractions throughout your ride. The cycling tour guides are most likely experts on the terrain and courses they cover. One of the best parts about completing a bike tour is seeing the local landscapes up close and learning all you possibly can about the area.

Depending on the tour, you might decide to camp or stay in a variety of accommodations, from small bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels. Regardless of where you will be resting at night, remember that it is crucial to get as much sleep as possible. While that cold beer might taste delicious when you finish your first fifty mile ride, I would recommend passing on the tequila shots, and especially if they are downed in an effort to numb muscle pain. Alcohol will only add additional discomfort during your ride the next day. Instead, try taking a mild pain reducer such as Tylenol or Aleve to help with any discomfort and get as much sleep as possible.

A quick survival kit for any bike tour would include water, nutritional snacks, a powerful sunscreen and a helmet. It is important to pack light and bring a pair of comfortable shoes.

Completing a bike tours is an achievement in itself, and many people who finish their first tour decide to do more. There is something truly satisfying about covering that many miles throughout a trip, while challenging yourself physically and mentally along the way.

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Thu, 19 Feb 2009 at 6:48 PM, by Scott
If you going on a bike tour check out www.crateworks.com who sells affordable Bicycle coxes for Shipping or Travel. The boxes are very dependable and last for years.

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