Cycling tours, whether short or long, are becoming more and more popular. Especially for longer cycling trips through Europe, there are a few things to consider and, above all, to plan! Read on to find out what to look out for when planning a cycling tour or whether it might be more sensible to have a longer cycling tour planned.
Plan your bike route – select length and difficulty
Planning a suitable cycle route is not that difficult if you consider a few things. One of the most important criteria is your fitness level. If you are not sure how much you can currently manage, you should not plan more than 400 km to start with and choose a flatter route. You should also calculate the daily stages so that you do not cover more than sixty to seventy kilometers per day. An online bike route planner is a great way to calculate the daily stages. Or you can get advice from the professionals and benefit from stress-free planning at the same time! Cycle paths along rivers are a good place to start, as they are usually fairly flat and there are usually good places to stay overnight. Furthermore, you should bear in mind that you are probably not used to cycling with luggage and that after a few days you will experience a short period of exhaustion. On such days, you should not overexert yourself and allow your body some time to recover so that you can continue with full energy afterwards. If you are not traveling alone, it is worth taking a test ride in advance and talking about riding speed and expectations. It is important to remember that when you go on a bike tour together, you always go at the pace of the weakest link, so that no one is overwhelmed.
Which bike is right for me?
There is no general answer to the question of which bike is right for your bike tour, because it depends primarily on the route you have chosen. For example, a light mountain bike is ideal for a cycle tour on the Camino de Santiago. On paved roads along rivers or if you are planning a cycle tour along the Lake Constance cycle path, a trekking bike is a good choice. In addition, it is advantageous for the comfort factor if you have already broken in your bike and are used to it.
How do I prepare the bike properly?
Before you set off, you should also have your bike checked by professionals and make sure that the wheels are in perfect condition. It is also important that your bike is properly adjusted to spare your knees and back and ensure a high level of comfort. Both the handlebars and the saddle should be adjusted to your height.
What equipment should I take with me?
When planning a bike tour, you should also think about the equipment. On the one hand, you don’t want to forget anything important, but on the other hand, your luggage should not exceed 15 kg, as every extra kilo only makes the bike tour more difficult. In addition, you should not carry your luggage on your back, but attach it to your bike as much as possible. Saddle bags are very popular because they offer plenty of storage space. The items of equipment you should definitely have with you are a basic tool set for your bike, a bike lock, a bike helmet and sufficient sun protection. When it comes to clothing, you should opt for breathable functional materials and pack a rain jacket with reflectors and, if necessary, rain trousers. Both take up little space and when it rains you will be very grateful for them.
Packing list for a longer bike tour
- Comfortable, lightweight functional clothing
- Padded cycling shorts
- A bicycle helmet and a bicycle lock
- A rain jacket in a bright color or with reflectors
- A pair of rain pants
- Closed, waterproof and lightweight shoes
- Sun protection, sunglasses and cycling gloves
- At least one large bottle of water, preferably two or three
- A basic tool kit with patches, air pump, grease, etc.
- A small first-aid kit
- A map or cycling guide
Plan your bike route – duration and route
As already mentioned, you should not overdo it when planning your bike route. When it comes to the duration and route, take the weakest member of the group as your guide and allow yourself sufficient breaks to enjoy the landscape and surroundings at your leisure. The route of your bike tour should also be based on your fitness level and only include the climbs that you are confident in tackling. In addition, the arrival and departure must be planned, assuming you do not start at your doorstep. Whether you arrive by train, bus or car is up to you. Remember that if you arrive by car, choose a route that will get you back to your car at the end, or find a starting point where you can park for a long time. However, many cycling tours in Germany can also be reached by public transport.
Stopovers and accommodation
One of the most important things you should roughly plan in advance is the number of stages and the type of accommodation. If you decide to sleep in a tent, you should bear in mind that you will need to take more luggage with you. Besides a tent, you will need a sleeping bag and a camping mat. The big advantage of this is that you can usually find a place to sleep more easily at camping sites than in other types of accommodation. If you decide to stay in guest houses and hotels, you have the option of booking in advance or spontaneously, or of looking for a place to stay without a reservation. The advantage of the spontaneous option is that you can plan your daily stages more flexibly and, depending on how fit you feel on the day, you can cover shorter or longer distances. A disadvantage can be that you may have to search for a place to sleep for longer.
Plan your individual cycle tour – the best time to travel
The best season for a longer bicycle tour in Central Europe is spring and early summer, as well as fall. In spring and fall, it is neither too cold nor too hot, and you do not have to pack heavy clothing. If you are drawn to other parts of Europe, find out about the best time to travel to the respective region and consider local conditions, such as proximity to the sea or the respective altitudes. When choosing the best time, also factor in the preparation time. It may make more sense to plan a longer cycling tour for the fall and use the summer for bike trips at home. This way, you will already be in very good shape when you start your bike tour. On the other hand, if you are planning a bike tour around Lake Constance or another beautiful lake in Germany, it may make sense to choose the summer, as you can combine your bike tour with a refreshing dip in the lake.
Plan your bike tour and benefit from the advantages
Many cyclists prefer to plan their bike tours individually, but planning with a professional offers many advantages. For one thing, a bike tour planned for you has the advantage that you don’t have to worry about anything. This is a real blessing, especially for people who are very busy at work or at home. Professionals are also often better at estimating tours and distances. With Rad + Reisen, you also benefit from pre-booked accommodation, a luggage service and luggage transfer, the latest rental bikes and a 7-day service hotline. How about, for example, a guided bike tour with pre-booked accommodation, luggage transport and an introductory meeting at the beginning of the tour? Or planning a bike tour around Lake Constance and not having to worry about a thing?
Planning a bicycle tour – conclusion
Many people dream of taking a cycling vacation and spending several days or even weeks on the road with their bike. However, it is not that easy to plan bike routes and estimate distances correctly. When in doubt, it is better to plan a stage that is too short than one that is too long and to avoid overwhelming yourself, especially at the beginning. If you feel unsure or are very busy at work and at home, it may also be a good idea to have your cycling holiday planned. The professionals know the best cycle routes and are also otherwise on hand to help and advise you. This way, your cycling holiday is guaranteed to be a complete success.
Plan your bike tour – FAQs
What is the best way to plan a bike tour?
The criteria you should use to plan a bike tour are your level of fitness, the time available and what you want to experience. If you are going to be on the road for a long time, you should have your bike checked beforehand and prepare your equipment well. If you are new to long bike trips, it may be a good idea to have a professional plan your bike trip.
How do you prepare for a long bike ride?
Depending on your plans and fitness level, you should train before a long bike ride and cover longer distances at home. You should also plan your equipment carefully and have your bike checked beforehand. If you are traveling in a group, it is worth doing one or two tours together in advance.
What should you eat before a long bike ride?
Before a long bike ride, you should make sure to fill up your carbohydrate stores. Pasta, for example, is suitable for this. And during the bike ride, you should keep replenishing your energy needs, eating carbohydrates and always having small snacks such as nuts and bars at the ready.