4 questions to ask before going on a bike tour

So you are contemplating the idea of going on a bike tour. There are many reasons why this is the case. It’s one of the most independent ways of travelling across a country, where you have the freedom to explore the environment as you wish.

Yet deciding to actually go through with this idea is an entirely different matter. A bike tour is not something you can simply decide to do one day and then go through with it the next. There’s a lot of planning required.

There are also various questions you have to ask yourself before setting off on your adventure. For help with identifying – and answering – these questions, below are four of the main ones in relation to going on a bike tour.

Do you have the right levels of fitness?

A bike tour is, understandably, one that is going to be demanding on your body. However, it doesn’t have to be too taxing – you can do the tour at your own pace.

While this means you don’t have to be a supreme athlete like those competing in the Tour de France, you will still require a certain level of fitness for your cycling journey. This is why it’s advised that you build up your endurance beforehand and get accustomed to cycling on a daily basis.

With your fitness, it’s important you are realistic about this when planning your trip.

What bike should you use?

There are different bike options on the market. These all come in different shapes, sizes, and budgets – and many of them can be utilised for your journey. There are even some bikes which are designed particularly for going on bike tours.

However, it could be a solid idea to go with an electric bike – assuming you know you’ll be able to find charging stations throughout your journey. With specially designed men’s and womens electric bikes, you can ride longer, faster, and quicker than with a regular bicycle.

Where will you ride?

When going on a bike tour, you have the world at your feet. You can essentially travel anywhere you desire. This freedom, however, does come with one caveat: actually settling on a place to visit!

Of course, your main focus will be on aspects such as scenery, history, and your own personal interests. However, you should also pay attention to routes that are low-traffic. You’ll also want to look out for roads which possess good shoulders.

How will you take all your stuff?

Even though you will want to travel light, you’ll still need to take plenty of clothing, bike repair tools, and other essentials. Yet if you’re only riding on a bike, how do you actually take all of this stuff?

There are two main options for carrying your gear: trailers and panniers. Trailers, which typically feature one or two wheels, ensure you have ample space for your possessions, and they tend to be easy to attach. Panniers actually attach directly onto your bike via racks that are sitting next to or above the wheels.