Cycling is undoubtedly one of the best ways to explore new areas. Exposed to the world outdoors, without the barrier of a car window, you get to see, smell and hear a place in the way it’s meant to be perceived.
Cycling sets the perfect pace: you travel slow enough to get to know your surroundings, but fast enough to explore more places. It’s also relatively cheap, good for the environment and a true fun. Also, you get fit doing it, which compensates for sampling all the local foods along the way.
In case you’re new to this type of pastime, rest assured that your initial cycling experience doesn’t have to be tough. Just read these simple tips on how to prepare and what to take into account when planning your cycling trips in the future!
Physical preparation
You may not need any extraordinary training for your cycle trip, but you should be ready for some physical activity. If your goal is to spend a month cycling up to 50 miles a day in Appalachia, you’ll definitely want to train beforehand.
It’s a good idea to start exercising more regularly before you leave to boost your cardiovascular fitness levels. Get your legs used to pedaling with regular bike rides, going to the gym or enrolling in spin classes. And, of course, keep your energy levels up with balanced, nutritious meals. But still, generally, all you really need to get on board is the ability to pedal and a passion for seeing the world on two wheels.
Deciding upon a bike
There are digital bike rental platforms that allow direct interaction between the bike owner and those who want to ride one yet not to buy. It is a sustainable way to ensure mobility and make life easier for cyclists.
For more casual purposes, your options may be limited depending on where you live. In New York, for example, it’s easy to contact a reputable Central Park scooter rental that also provides bikes. But such an ease may not be the case in every city, of course.
However, you may prefer to bring your own bike. In that case, contact the airline first to see what fees may apply.
Key elements of your kit
First of all, a helmet. You can either bring your own or buy one from a local bike store when you arrive to save space in your suitcase.
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Then of course, an ultralight backpack. If you only have but a few things to carry around, get a backpack containing essentials (money and phone will do the job), while your luggage is transferred from one point to another by a car backup. And here’s a handy list of what you should consider packing for your first cycling adventure:
- A bottle of water.
- Sunglasses.
- Cycling shoes, gloves, and shorts.
- T-shirts, jackets, a light raincoat.
Figure out what makes you want to ride a bike
Ask yourself about the goals that you pursue. Do you like sports, or maybe it’s a chance to get closer to nature? Bikes serve you just right if you like traveling and enjoy the sights of nature, as opposed to the busy city life. But these moments are also good for a family to spend time together. To the exploratory soul, traveling on two wheels means reaching remote and unexplored places where cars won’t take you, which adds a touch of adventure.
Decide on the type of the first trip
There are many places and styles for cycling vacations out there, so part of the challenge is selecting a suitable destination. Some trips can incorporate cycling as part of a range of adventures, such as kayaking and hiking, while others will have you cycling almost every day, covering longer distances. From options across the USA to a weekend rolling through the Spanish countryside, or the famous Atlantic Road in Norway, there will be something to suit your demands.
When you’ve made up your mind, choose whether it’s roads or mountains. You can race down the mountain lanes or ride through the village roads. If you have the stamina, a mountain biking vacation might be ideal for you, yet your legs will thank you if you stay within your physical limits.
Choose your destination wisely
Different places have different terrains, and that can have a big impact on your overall experience. Culture lovers can seek a destination like Greece or Italy. The key is to take into account the type of terrain you will be riding on, the most prominent risks associated with it, and the likely weather during your trip.
Conclusion
It’s no secret that biking is gaining more and more popularity. Basically, people are using it to commute, explore their surroundings, stay in shape, or contribute to greener forms of transportation.
If you’re just stepping onto the slippery slope of cycling, you might be a little confused about where to start. Luckily, with these tried and tested tips that represent the wisdom of many experienced cyclists, your cycling life is going to be a lot easier and your goals much more attainable. Above all, know what you’re on the bike for, use caution and common sense, don’t forget the important items you may need while biking, and you’ll be fine!