How to Survive Your First Bike Tour

A bike tour is a great way to spend an active vacation with your family (or enjoy a personal respite) all while exploring the surroundings of an unfamiliar destination.

Although biking tours can vary in level from arduous daily rides to beginner excursions, it is important to remember that biking is an intense form of exercise and if you do not prepare in advance, your body will most likely suffer. Start training a few 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 adage goes, you never forget how to ride a bike, but unfortunately your muscles do not have as great a memory span and may need a quick refresher.

If you are going to be responsible for carrying some of your own luggage it is a good idea to train with bags before the bike tour, to give you a better sense of what biking with a pack will be like. Furthermore, if you are going to be responsible for carrying your own bags remember to pack light! The goal is to be as comfortable as possible throughout the bike tour.

That being said, as you begin your tour it is important to remember that you will most likely be sore for the first few days. Depending on the difficulty level of the ride, much of the soreness may pass in time. Stretch and drink lots of water, to help alleviate any muscle soreness you might experience. Do not forget that even if you are traveling with a group, it is okay to go at your own pace. There will most likely be guides that will stay at the front and end of the pack. Do not feel bad about going slow at first. As you gain confidence you might try picking up your pace, or you might decide to enjoy a more leisurely ride.

Ask lots of questions about the local landscape, ecology, culture and attractions. Your cycling tour guides are most likely experts on the terrain they cover. After all, one of the best parts about doing a bike tour is viewing the landscape up close and learning all you can about the area.

Depending on the tour, you might end up be camping or staying in a variety of accommodations, from bed and breakfasts to five-star hotels. Regardless of where you will be sleeping each night, remember that it is crucial to get to bed at a reasonable hour. While that Corona might taste delicious when you finish your first fifty mile ride, I would recommend passing on the tequila shots, especially if you they are downed in an effort to nurse an injury. Alcohol will only cause additional pain and 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.

Bike tours is an achievement in itself, and many people who finish their first tour decide to make it an annual trip. There is something truly satisfying about covering miles upon miles and reaching multiple destinations throughout your vacation, while challenging yourself mentally and physically along the way.

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