Bicycle Touring Tips for Beginners

Bicycle touring is a great way to see the world and enjoy other cultures close up. For the bicycle touring beginner it may seem overwhelming to plan but by following these tips you can easily be on your way.

Bicycle Touring Beginner Tip 1 – Planning
Start with some basic research on your destination. Check tourist office websites for a list of special events during your trip, public holidays when places may be closed, local attractions of interest and days they are open. Do they offer bicycle routes in the area.

Bicycle Touring Beginner Tip 2 – Route Maps
Order detailed maps and guides to plan your bicycle route in detail. Decide on your daily distances and locate sightseeing opportunities along the way and where you may overnight. You may wish to spend two or three nights in some places to enjoy the town, local festivals and catch up on your laundry.

Bicycle Touring Beginner Tip 3 – Transportation

Arrange for your flight, train, car or whatever to reach the starting point of your bicycle tour. If flying check routing to avoid connecting flights if possible and the rules regarding carrying your bicycle such as requirements for bicycle boxes and costs and they vary by airline. If you book early you may qualify for a better price, especially if using a discount or charter airline. A good travel agent can assist with the flight arrangements.

Bicycle Touring Beginner Tip 4 – Documentation
Check requirements such as a valid passport, visa and vaccinations. Travel insurance with medical coverage should be considered. Look into local bicycle laws, for example, in Switzerland insurance is required by all cyclists. Take photo copies of all your documentation with you on the bicycle tour. If traveling to a foreign country obtain local currency in advance.

Bicycle Touring Beginner Tip 5 – Equipment
• Touring bike – Take you own touring bicycle with racks for your   gear or rent a bike locally. If renting a bicycle be sure it comes with racks and a lock and has sufficient gears for the type of terrain.
• Bicycle box – if required by your airline
• Bags – you want to pack light and will require rear panniers and
perhaps front panniers as well if you are camping. A handlebar bag is excellent to carry your camera, lunch and bicycle repair kit.
• Other equipment – bicycle repair kit with extra tire tubes and basic tools, bike pump, bicycle lock and computer to measure your
distances.

Bicycle Touring Beginner Tip 6 – Accommodation
Hotels, bed and breakfasts – it depends on the destination whether it is necessary to reserved in advance. It is generally a good idea to at least book your first and last night stay. In Europe Friday and Saturday nights can book up quickly on the major bicycle routes so you may wish to consider booking those as well. Many also camp while bike touring.

Bicycle Touring Beginner Tip 7 – Finishing touches
Decide how you are getting from the airport or train station to the start of your journey. It train transportation is required to connect to your route consider a rail pass. Often rail passes includes discounts to museums, attractions and local buses as well. If traveling to a foreign country consider learning a few phrases of the local language, it goes a long way with the local citizens.

For the bicycle touring beginner follow these planning tips and have a great trip.