Are you looking forward to a long distance bike tour? It is very exciting, the wind cutting through your hair, the sun on your face and the vegetation whittling by so fast you can barely gasp. However, note that a long distance bike tour can be quite a buster if you do not prepare well. Many people take all the time to get ready for a road trip, but they hardly do the same for a bike tour. Long distance bike tours are more than worth it. They are so rewarding and you will see much more from a saddle than you would see from a car. Once you taste the experience of bicycle touring, you’ll definitely get hooked into it. It does not matter how experienced you at riding, but preparation is the key to succeeding on the trails for bike riders of all levels.
Below are some important tips on how to prepare for you first long distance bicycle tour.
Choose The Right Bike
The fact that you will be spending long hours on your bike means that you have to have a good bicycle to do the job. You need a bike that will accommodate all of your luggage and gear. Most importantly, choose a bike that has a comfortable fit. There is no one-size-fit-all for touring bikes. Since size is measured in height, you will need to know your height well so that you can order a perfect bike. It is also very important that your bike be gender-specific. The reason for this is that men have broader shoulders and therefore their bikes have wide handlebars. Best bikes for women on the other hand have narrower handlebars. A good bike lets you sit at the right angle without straining. To make your search easier, perhaps you should go for a hybrid bike which is more comfortable, yet at the same time has been made for off and on-road biking. Whatever the bike you choose, you need to have all the cruiser bike accessories for the best biking experience. If you love traveling on your bike and spending some quality time outdoors, make sure you visit our friends at Globo Surf, and with their helpful guides and tips, prepare yourself for your next great adventure and make some great new memories.
Plan Your Bike Tour In Advance
If you want to have a successful bike tour, it is imperative to have a plan. You can use trusted sites and apps to choose the route, which you will follow during your journey. Moreover, it is good to find out the terrain of the route so that you can prepare adequately for the journey. Make sure you have access to detailed maps that will show you the various climbs, accommodations, stores, descents and anything you deem helpful during the planning phase.
Familiarize Yourself With Basic Bike Repair
If you really want to have a stress free bicycle tour, it is important that you learn how to repair a bicycle. At least you should know how to change tubes, adjust pressure and derailleur and other simple repairs. In addition, you should have a clue on how different parts of your bicycle work because there is a high probability that you will have to do some repairs during the journey. Because your bike tour could take you through some desolate places, you need to bring with you some parts that you can change easily. It is also a good idea to have your bike checked in different towns after doing a considerable length.
Create A Travel Budget
Although it might sound weird, it is always good to have an adventure travel budget so that you are well prepared for any emergencies. You will still want to buy a few things from the stores as you travel. When planning your budget, you need to consider how much you intend to spend on food, drinks and accommodation. If you are an outdoor junkie, you do not have to worry about accommodation because you can carry your tent and camp. For beginners who are looking to start long distance bike touring, make sure you carry a fair amount of money before you get used to the activity.
Get Your Bike Checked Thoroughly
You do not need to buy a new bike because you are going on a long distance bike tour. Give your bike a thorough repair. You may also need to modify it a bit so that it can carry all of your gear, water bottles and stuff. Unless your bike has been given a clean bill of health by a bike garage, you should not start that tour.
Train For Long Distance Cycling
Train for your long distance bike tour. If you have a new bike, you need to break it. You need to familiarize yourself with how the bike handles different terrains. Above all, you need to get used to different riding positions. That way, you will be ready for the rigors that come with long distance cycling.
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