Cycle Touring Like A Pro:

Cycle Touring like a Pro: Having a fulfilling and safe two-wheeled trip

Traveling is the favorite pastime of many. But if you’ve got an adventurous streak, you are probably looking for a challenge. Sitting on a plane or train for hours may seem bland and unappealing to you, so you should look for a mode of transport that allows you to move and keeps you engaged. And which is better than biking? For many, this sounds like a nightmare. Cycle Touring is exhausting, tough, and often dirty. Your skin has to deal with sunburn and wind, and if you’re afraid of insects, you’ll want to reconsider hopping on the bicycle.

However, the experience is singular and cannot be compared to anything else. While it’s essential to be aware that cycling is no casual stroll, you should also not be disheartened and give up on your plans. If you’d like to try traveling long distances on your bike, give it a try. You should keep a few things in mind before you walk out your front door, and if you follow them, you’ll be all set for travel. 

Find the right bike 

Unsurprisingly, the key factor in having a pleasant Cycle Touring trip is ensuring you have the right bicycle. You probably already have your own bike, but long-distance travel is different from rides around the city. You’ll need something more durable to take long-haul travel distances and not break apart after you’ve been pedaling for some miles. Pick something appropriate for hard trail trips.

You want a bike that is good for both paved and off-road routes. As you keep cycling, you’ll have to take to rugged terrain and more conventional roads. However, you should also be mindful of the weight and speed of these bikes. You don’t want to choose something that’s too difficult and gives you a hard time. While biking is an effective workout, you don’t want to exhaust yourself when you have a long way to go. It can cause you to lose your concentration and even make cycling potentially dangerous. 

Choosing a bicycle for this task can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it all on your own. You can find many blogs and forums online that can offer a helping hand. More likely than not, someone wondered the same thing at some point. And if not, you can start a topic yourself. There are sure to be many people willing to help you and point you in the right direction.

You might even receive so many options you’ll have to face the additional task of picking only one bike. You can also ask the cyclists working at the shop from where you’ll purchase your bike to guide you. They’ll be able to help you choose a model based on your riding style – whether you like to gain speed when cycling, do you keep your back straight or hunch in an aerodynamic pose, which will narrow your options if you feel overwhelmed by the sheer size of the options you could choose from. 

Get the right equipment

The second most crucial aspect of Cycle Touring in comfort is getting comfortable clothes. You already know the basics, you wouldn’t travel in a dress or anything oversized. But when you’re leaving home, you want to take all the necessary precautions and be extra careful with your sartorial choices. Choose clothing specifically designed for bicycle riders, and keep the weather in mind.

You should have changes of clothes appropriate for all weather conditions at the ready. Pack them efficiently so you won’t have to rummage through your backpack for a long time to get to an item. For example, you want to avoid searching too long for a rain cape when suddenly caught in a downpour. Having to cycle while drenched is a miserable, uncomfortable experience best avoided. 

For the warmer days, you’ll want to pick biker shorts, the well-known staple that’s been increasingly worn in casual, daily settings. They are lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking, on top of providing you with the appropriate cushioning. Bike jerseys will keep you cool on a hot day, especially if you pick them in a lighter color like beige or light blue. When the temperature drops, you’ll want to add more layers, and depending on how cold it gets, you’ll need a heavyweight cycling jacket, insulated gloves and leg warmers. 

Prioritize safety 

Being on a bicycle can be dangerous sometimes. While that knowledge won’t put a damper on your daredevil tendencies, it’s still best to be aware of the potential dangers so you can prevent them. When riding on the street or highway, you’ll get cars and trucks passing by you at high speed, often very close to where you’re pedaling, which can cause you to lose your balance, fall and injure yourself quite seriously.

If you have been injured due to an accident caused by someone else, you may be eligible for a bicycle accident claim in the UK. Even if you follow all the safety precautions and pay attention to others as well, it’s not unheard of to be wounded due to the negligence of drivers or even fellow cyclists. Some examples of accidents that are qualified for a claim include: 

• Being hit by a car door and knocked off your bike
• Reckless driving practices that endanger you 
• Misjudging the distance between your bike and their vehicle, causing a collision

Enjoy the ride

While preparing as best you can is crucial, it’s also important to not forget the fun factor. All trips should be enjoyed, and cycling ones are no exception. You’ll get to visit amazing places. You’ll meet some great people and might even form lifelong friendships. If you’re the type who likes their alone time, biking is great for that too. It’s also a hugely educational experience, the likes of which cannot be replaced by anything else. Not only will you learn a lot more about the world around you, but you’ll also get to know yourself better, which is always valuable. 

Give cycling a try for the sake of all these incredible moments. While you shouldn’t put on your rose-tinted glasses before starting on your journey, you should also not let pessimistic thoughts convince you out of even beginning. Approach it with confidence and an open mind, and you’ll have an unforgettable experience.