Cycling-Holiday Tips for Beginners
Cycling is one of the truest ways you can travel and explore the world. There is only you and your bike. You feel the sun beating on your skin, the breeze brushing past your hair, and the sound of nature singing in your ears. For cycling fans, what can be better than an entire holiday dedicated solely to cycling?
This isn’t entirely a new concept. Bicycle touring has been done since the 19th century. It’s just that people now also call it a cycling holiday. These days, there are different types of cycling holidays to suit your travel preferences and skill level. If it’s your first time going on one, keep these tips from BikingBro in mind for a safe and enjoyable cycling holiday.
Choosing Your Destination
Cycling destinations have a variety of terrains. Some are easy; others, not so much.
When choosing your destination, do your research on its terrains and trails. Terrains and trails also have different levels: novice, intermediate, and expert. Ask yourself if you can tackle the gradients and routes of a place with your current skill and fitness levels.
Figure out what you want for this holiday. Do you want it to be a leisure trip or an exciting and challenging adventure?
Consider the weather condition of the place during the time you will be there. Will the weather be fit for outdoor cycling? Will you be able to withstand the temperatures, humidity levels, pollution, and dust and pollen levels of the place?
Finally, look into the political climate and the conflicts happening in the destination of your choice. Read the news, and ask around to know if it’s safe to travel there for a cycling holiday.
Booking Your Holiday
You can organize your own cycling holiday, arrange your accommodations, and plan your routes, but that will require a lot of time, work, and planning. If you don’t want to do all that, you can book a cycling holiday with a travel agency instead.
The travel agency will organize everything for you, booking a hotel, a support vehicle, and a bike (if you’re not bringing your own). You book a trip and choose from different types of cycling holidays, including the following:
- Road cycling holiday
- Leisure cycling holiday
- Mountain biking holiday
- Adventure cycling holiday
- Self-guided cycling holiday
Holidays are graded from easy to tough to indicate the level of skill and fitness necessary to complete the planned course. While you can book whatever holiday you like, it’s vital to choose a destination that’s within your current abilities to fully enjoy your holiday.
Training for the Trip
There’s a level of physicality necessary to go on a cycling holiday, no matter the level of the terrain and trail. That’s why it’s essential to train for at least one month before going on your trip.
For the next 30 days, cycling-holiday goers should do cardio workouts for 30 minutes every day. To improve their riding skills, they should also ride longer and more frequently in different types of terrains and under varying conditions.
During training, they should use cycling training tools, like power meters, fitness trackers, and apps, to accurately measure and monitor their performance and progress.
Exercising is not enough. You must also eat a healthy and nutritious diet to boost your physical and mental well-being and increase your energy levels. Avoid eating processed and foods full of refined sugar.
Packing for Your Holiday
Packing is half the preparation before leaving for a trip. First, you need to make sure you have the following necessities:
- Cycling helmet
- Water bottle
- Lightweight backpack
- Cycling gloves
- Closed shoes
- Padded seat cover
- Sport-appropriate clothes
- Rain gear
- Protective eyewear
- Sunscreen
- Adventure camera
- Tape for injuries
- Repair kit
Those are only the basics. The travel agency you booked with will also give your recommendations on what items and essentials to bring. If they don’t, ask about it yourself.
It’s always best to be prepared when you’re traveling to a different place. Being prepared will make you feel safer and more secure so that you can enjoy your cycling holiday to the fullest.
Pic: https://pixabay.com/photos/bicycling-riding-bike-riding-1160860/