My first real taste of bike touring came from reading Alastair Humphreys’ captivating book, Moods of Future Joy. He recounted the initial leg of his incredible four-year global cycling journey – a ride from his childhood home in England all the way to Cape Town, South Africa. His adventure ignited something in me, and I started gifting his book and dreaming of my own epic, worldwide bike tours. The only catch? My camping experience was practically zero, and my longest bike ride was just a few miles!
The idea of setting off from my doorstep on a Touring Bicycle Bike and pedaling to distant lands was incredibly appealing. However, the logistics of traveling thousands of miles with everything on two wheels seemed daunting. I eventually realized that bike touring doesn’t have to be a grand, years-long expedition. Even a short weekend getaway can be a fantastic escape from the everyday grind. Plus, each mini-adventure fuels my bigger dream of that round-the-world trip.
Over years of bike-focused trips and vacations, I’ve learned that planning a touring bicycle bike adventure isn’t as complex as it first appears. If you’re starting where I did, you’re likely much closer to your first tour than you think.
There are several key categories of gear and considerations, all interconnected and influencing your tour. Think of it like this:
Choosing Your Touring Bicycle Bike (and Helmet!)
The truth is, almost any bicycle can be used for a bike tour. However, the suitability depends heavily on the type of tour you’re planning. For instance, tackling the rugged Great Divide Mountain Bike Route on a delicate road bike isn’t advisable, although I’m sure someone has attempted it!
Inspirational examples of cyclists making tours work with unconventional bikes include Ryan van Duzer’s cross-America trip on a three-speed bike and Ed Pratt’s global journey on a fixed-gear unicycle. Both are documented wonderfully on YouTube. They likely adapted their routes to their bikes’ limitations, a strategy you can adopt too.
How to Use the Bike You Have for Touring
If you’re buying a touring bicycle bike or don’t own one yet, countless online resources offer reviews and advice. If you’re budget-conscious or unsure about committing to bike touring as a major hobby, prioritize a bike in good working order with at least 10 gears, mounts for a rear rack, and reliable rim or disc brakes. After a few tours, you’ll better understand your needs and budget, making future bike purchases much easier.
Shelter Options for Bike Touring
Your overnight shelter significantly impacts the gear you’ll carry on your touring bicycle bike. If you’re new to camping, consider a first tour staying with friends, family, or in hostels, hotels, or vacation rentals. What’s Your Touring Style?
One memorable weekend bike tour was to my grandfather’s house in Los Angeles, about 100 miles away. I only carried a backpack with water and essentials. The ride was far more enjoyable than driving and gave us 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 other camping complexities. You can gradually progress to remote camping, perhaps by starting with car camping or backyard tent nights.
Food and Nutrition on Your Bicycle Tour
I know someone who started marathon running purely to indulge in unlimited eating. I chuckled at this until a long touring bicycle bike trip showed me the sheer caloric demand. Post-tour, I found it hard to stop eating like I was still cycling all day! There’s more to it than just fueling muscles, though.
On a recent tour, I underestimated the effort of re-climbing mountains separating me from home. I became negative and even considered hitchhiking. Lunch in a small mountain town transformed me – joy returned, and the ride became enjoyable again.
Hunger on a touring bicycle bike trip impairs decision-making and can worsen any underlying health conditions related to blood sugar. Plan your food carefully!
The Beauty of Cold, Fast Touring Meals
Water: Hydration is Key for Bike Touring
Running water is a modern luxury easily taken for granted. This becomes starkly clear when you miscalculate water needs on a touring bicycle bike trip and face the panic of a leaking bottle. After a couple of close calls, I always overpack water, despite the added weight.
Dehydration is serious, potentially leading to organ failure. Running out of water far from sources is a challenging situation.
Most advise drinking 1 liter (32 ounces) per 1-2 hours of activity in moderate climates. Increase intake at higher altitudes, in heat, or with strenuous exertion. In populated areas with water access, refilling is easy. But in arid regions, you’ll need to carry water for extended periods on your touring bicycle bike.
Miscellaneous Essential Gear
Many other items are essential for a touring bicycle bike trip, similar to any trip – clothes, toiletries, basic medicines, books, a journal, etc. Bike-specific essentials for longer rides include a multi-tool with a chain breaker, spare inner tube and patch kit, and a pump. Flat tires, chain issues, loose bolts, and brake problems are common mechanical failures. Learning to fix these roadside with basic tools is invaluable.
Baggage Solutions for Your Touring Bicycle Bike
Once you know what to pack, you need to carry it all on your touring bicycle bike. Backpacks are the simplest and cheapest starting point. However, as backpackers know, they can become uncomfortable, especially with heavy gear, water, and food.
Moving weight off your back and onto the bike is generally more comfortable. A rear rack and waterproof panniers are a great investment covering most baggage needs. Beyond that, numerous bag options and attachment methods offer fun research possibilities.
Planning Your Touring Bicycle Route
Planning an overnight bike tour to a nearby city differs greatly from a multi-day trip through remote areas like the Sonoran Desert. Route planning impacts all other categories and involves road/path choices and emergency support considerations.
I’ve planned many routes using smartphone mapping apps. The bicycle option is generally useful but sometimes suggests busy roads lacking bike infrastructure. Alternatively, many pre-planned routes are available online, thoroughly vetted by other touring bicycle bike enthusiasts.
How to Create Your Own Touring Route
Favorites include Adventure Cycling’s extensive US routes, which are incredibly well-researched and maintained. A route likely passes near you, perfect for a one or two-day segment trip. Adventure Cycling also offers Short Routes specifically for weekend adventures.
Putting It All Together: Start Your Touring Bicycle Bike Adventure
Hopefully, this guide inspires you to plan your first touring bicycle bike adventure using your available gear and comfort level. Start with a manageable tour and gradually progress to more complex, self-supported trips. After a few tours, you’ll likely feel ready to pedal from home towards global horizons.
