How to Have an Awesome Bike Holiday Adventure
The best holidays are ones that elevate your mind and body, have a healthy dose of adventure, and have you seeing as many new places as possible — and that’s just what a cycling holiday can offer.
So if you’re looking to take a holiday that’s a little bit different, then this might be the perfect solution. In this article, we’ll run through a few handy tips that’ll ensure you have a cycling adventure that lives long in the memory for all the right reasons.
Dream Big
Looking to have a cycling holiday that offers the best that these types of adventures can provide? Then get serious about the destination that you choose. While there are plenty of excellent cycle routes in the UK, it’s recommended to look beyond these shores and into Europe. This will give you the true “holiday feeling” while also allowing you to explore some of the best scenery on the planet.
There’s no shortage of destinations to choose from. The right one will be one that aligns with your preferred style of riding. Looking for a gentle, scenic journey? Look at Tuscany. Have enough leg power to really test yourself? The French Alps could be perfect.
Take Your Bike
You’ll have the option of renting a bike once you land, but if you already have a quality bike, then it’s best to take it with you. When you’re navigating unfamiliar terrain, it’s much better to be on the saddle of a bike with which you are already familiar.
It’s relatively easy to fly with a bicycle. You’ll just need to buy a bike travel container, disassemble some parts of the bike, and find an airline that accepts bikes as luggage (without breaking the bank).
Pack Smart
There are two reasons why you’ll need to pack smart when you’re going on a cycling adventure. The first is that you’ll need to ensure you have the right mix of cycling-related clothing and non-cycling clothing. The other is that you might be transporting your luggage while you’re cycling. In that case, you’ll have to pack very smartly.
But let’s assume that you’ll have the option of leaving your luggage in your hotel room when you’re cycling. In that case, you’ll need to pack a few shirts, shorts, and socks for cycling, more formal wear for when you want to go out to restaurants, and some relaxed clothing in which you can unwind after the long day of cycling is over.
Think Safe
In all likelihood, your cycling holiday will be fun, smooth, and rewarding from beginning to end. Still, it’s always important to be aware that something could go wrong. After all, that’s the case whenever you visit an overseas destination, but it’s even more relevant when you’re on a cycling adventure. Keeping your bike near to you at all times will reduce the risk of theft, though it’s also important to get bike insurance from a company like Bikmo so that you’re covered just in case something goes wrong. Also, keep in mind that you should be just as safe with your own well-being as you are with your bike’s safety. That means always wearing a helmet, riding responsibly, and wearing high-visibility clothing.
Prepare Yourself
It’s easy to get excited about the prospect of spending long days on your bike as you ride through some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes. However, while the image might be pleasant, the reality won’t always be quite as enjoyable. You’ll be putting your body through its paces, so it’s important to ensure that it’s fully ready for it. You can do that by conditioning your body to meet the demands of the rides in the weeks and months before your trip. It’s not just about completing the day’s ride; it’s about completing it while also having enough energy to enjoy the evening and get back on the saddle the following day.
Invest In Comfort
You can help your body recover by investing in comfortable accommodations. You might have to pay a little extra to get a hotel with a spa but trust us, you’ll be thankful that you forked out the extra cash when you arrive after a long day of riding.
Go With the Flow
Finally, remember that attitude counts for a lot when on a cycling holiday. It’s likely that you’ll run into minor issues from time to time, or that you’ll get tired and hungry, or experience any of the other inconveniences that can happen when you’re out on your bike. In those moments, a positive attitude can help keep things fun.