My first real introduction to the world of Bike Touring came from reading Alastair Humphreys’ captivating book, Moods of Future Joy. His account of cycling from his UK home to Cape Town as part of a larger round-the-world trip ignited a spark in me. I was instantly drawn to the idea of long-distance cycling adventures and dreamed of my own global expeditions. However, reality quickly set in: my camping experience was non-existent, and my longest bike ride was just a few miles.
The romantic notion of setting off on a bicycle and exploring distant lands was incredibly appealing. Yet, the practicalities of traveling thousands of miles with only bike-carried essentials seemed daunting. Over time, I learned a crucial lesson: bike touring isn’t just about epic, years-long journeys. Even a short weekend bike tour can be an amazing escape from the everyday routine and a fantastic adventure in its own right. In fact, each short tour I’ve taken has only strengthened my desire to embark on that round-the-world trip someday.
Through years of bike-focused trips and vacations, I’ve discovered that planning a bike tour doesn’t need to be overwhelming. If you’re starting where I did – perhaps with limited experience – you’re likely closer to your first bike tour than you realize. This guide will break down the essentials and show you how accessible bike touring can be.
There are several interconnected elements to consider when planning a bike tour, primarily centered around gear and logistics. Think of it like the following:
Alt text: Infographic illustrating the interconnectedness of cycling and bike touring gear categories, emphasizing the holistic planning approach.
Choosing Your Bicycle (and Don’t Forget the Helmet!)
The great news is that almost any bicycle can be used for bike touring. However, the suitability of a bike depends on the type of tour you’re planning. For instance, tackling the rugged Great Divide Mountain Bike Route on a sleek road bike would be extremely challenging, although I wouldn’t be surprised if someone has attempted it!
Inspirational examples abound of cyclists using unconventional bikes for incredible tours. Ryan van Duzer cycled across America on a three-speed bike, and Ed Pratt circumnavigated the globe on a fixed-gear unicycle. Both journeys are documented on YouTube. These adventurers likely tailored their routes to their bikes’ limitations, a strategy you can also adopt.
How to Use the Bike You Have for Touring
If you’re new to cycling or considering buying a bike specifically for touring, countless online resources and reviews are available. For beginners on a budget or those unsure about committing to bike touring as a major hobby, prioritize a bicycle in good working condition with a few key features. Look for at least 10 gears for varied terrain, eyelets for mounting a rear rack to carry gear, and reliable rim or disc brakes for safe stopping power. After a few tours, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of your priorities and budget, making future bike purchases much easier.
Shelter Options for Bike Tours
Your choice of accommodation significantly influences the gear you need to carry on a bike tour. If you’re new to camping, consider planning a tour that incorporates stays with friends or family, or utilizes hostels, hotels, or vacation rentals. What’s Your Touring Style? This approach simplifies your gear list considerably and eases you into the touring experience.
One of my most enjoyable weekend bike tours involved cycling to my grandfather’s house in Los Angeles, about 100 miles from my home. Carrying only a backpack with water and essentials, the trip was far more engaging than driving and provided a great conversation starter upon arrival.
Starting with a supported tour like this eliminates the need to worry about tents, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags, or the complexities of remote camping. As you gain confidence, you can gradually progress to more self-sufficient camping tours, perhaps starting with car camping or even a backyard camping night to test your gear.
Fueling Your Ride: Food for Bike Touring
Alt text: Cyclist on a bike tour taking a food break, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and energy intake during long rides.
I have a friend who began running marathons primarily to justify eating whatever he wanted. I always found that amusing until I embarked on a longer bike tour and realized the sheer volume of calories required. While some of those increased eating habits lingered even off the bike, proper nutrition is crucial for successful bike touring, encompassing both physical and mental aspects.
Of course, adequate calorie intake is essential to fuel your muscles for the physical demands of cycling. However, the mental component is equally important. On a recent tour, I underestimated the effort needed to cycle back over mountains separating me from home. During the climb, negativity crept in, and I even considered hitchhiking out of sheer exhaustion and perceived laziness. However, after reaching a small mountain town and having lunch, my mood completely shifted, and the joy of the tour returned.
Hunger on a bike tour can impair judgment and decision-making. Moreover, if you have any underlying health conditions, low blood sugar can exacerbate negative effects. Planning your food strategy is as vital as planning your route.
The Beauty of Cold, Fast Touring Meals
Staying Hydrated: Water on Your Bike Tour
Access to running water is a modern luxury often taken for granted. This becomes acutely apparent when you misjudge your water needs on a bike tour and face the anxiety of potential leaks or running dry. Having experienced a few close calls, I now prioritize carrying extra water, despite the added weight.
Dehydration is a serious risk, with severe cases leading to organ failure and even death. Running out of water in remote areas can quickly become a critical situation.
Most guidelines recommend consuming one liter (approximately 32 ounces) of water for every 1-2 hours of moderate physical activity in temperate climates. Increase your intake at higher altitudes, in hot weather, or during strenuous exertion. In populated areas with readily available potable water, refilling bottles is simple. However, bike touring in arid regions necessitates carrying enough water for extended periods, requiring careful planning and potentially water purification methods.
Miscellaneous Essentials for Bike Touring
Alt text: Collection of essential miscellaneous bike touring gear items laid out, highlighting preparedness for various situations on the road.
Beyond the major categories, numerous other items are essential for any bike tour. These include standard travel necessities like clothing, toiletries, basic medications (headache, stomach relief), and personal items like books or a journal. Additionally, specific bicycle-related items are crucial for longer rides. I consider a multi-tool with a chain breaker, a spare inner tube and patch kit, and a reliable pump as non-negotiable. Flat tires, chain issues, loose bolts, and brake problems are common mechanical failures that can leave you stranded. Learning to address these roadside with basic tools is a valuable skill for any bike tourer.
Baggage Solutions for Bike Touring
Once you’ve compiled your gear list, the next challenge is transporting it all. A backpack is the simplest and often cheapest starting point. However, anyone with backpacking or hiking experience knows that carrying a loaded backpack, especially with water and food, can become uncomfortable, particularly on long cycling days.
I generally find it much more comfortable to shift the weight off my back and onto the bicycle. Investing in a rear rack and waterproof panniers is a significant upgrade and usually meets most baggage needs for bike touring. Beyond panniers, a wide array of bags and attachment systems are available, offering exciting research and customization options for your ideal bike touring setup.
Route Planning for Your Bike Tour Adventure
Alt text: Bicycle fully loaded with touring gear, showcasing the equipment needed for self-supported bike touring and route exploration.
Planning an overnight bike tour to a nearby city is vastly different from planning a multi-day expedition through remote areas like the Sonoran Desert. Route complexity impacts every aspect of your planning, including gear choices and contingency plans. Considerations include road or trail selection, access to services, and emergency support.
I’ve planned numerous bike tours using smartphone mapping apps, selecting the bicycle routing option. While generally effective, these apps sometimes prioritize busy roads with inadequate cycling infrastructure. Alternatively, numerous pre-planned bike touring routes are available online, often meticulously scouted and documented by experienced cyclists.
How to Create Your Own Touring Route
My favorite resources include Adventure Cycling Association’s extensive network of routes across the US. These routes are incredibly well-researched, maintained, and continuously updated. If you’re in the US, an Adventure Cycling route likely passes near your home, offering an excellent opportunity to plan a shorter segment for your first tour. Adventure Cycling also provides a growing collection of Short Routes specifically designed for weekend trips, perfect for beginners.
Putting It All Together: Your First Bike Tour Awaits
My hope is that this guide inspires you to start planning your own bike tour, utilizing the gear you already have and staying within your comfort zone. The most crucial step is to begin with a tour you feel confident completing and gradually progress to more challenging or self-supported adventures as your experience grows. After a few bike tours, you might just find yourself dreaming of cycling not just to the edge of town, but to the edges of the earth and beyond.
