A cycling holiday is an exciting way to explore new countries, enjoy nature, and get some great exercise. Cycling trips are becoming hugely popular because they bring so many benefits. With so many incredible locations for cycling holidays in the UK, Europe, and the U.S., your options are endless. Whether you prefer cities, country landscapes, or mountain/lake views, you really can’t beat the view from a bicycle seat! If you’ve ever considered planning a cycling holiday, the following tips may be very helpful for you.
Get Yourself in Good Shape
First, you need to give yourself plenty of time to get in good shape. If you don’t make this effort, you may end up injuring yourself on day one and making the rest of your trip miserable. Cycling holidays are a brilliant way to explore, but they can also be physically demanding, especially high mileage itineraries. You’ll need to build up your fitness and strength so that you can cycle long distances each day without too much trouble.
Buy a Quality Road Bike
Of course, you also need to make sure that you have a high-quality road bike that will be up to the challenge. Getting Marin road bikes from suppliers like Cycle Solutions is a good investment because they are known for their build quality. There are many different types available, and they are affordable when compared to other brands. You should also give yourself some time to break in the bike and get used to it, so you are confident and ready when the time comes. A quality road bike can make all the difference when it comes to performance, comfort, and reliability.
Pack the Right Clothing
Having the right clothing is vital on a cycling holiday, so you should always research ahead of time what the climate is like and prepare for different weather. Even warmer destinations can have rain from time-to-time, so items like waterproof rain jackets and arm warmers are key. You will want fast-drying clothing for the greatest convenience. You might want to wear padded bike shorts, for obvious reasons. A bike jersey with pockets really comes in handy. Even the socks you pack could make a big difference. Bike gloves will provide warmth and better grip. It is always best to invest in quality when it comes to cycling clothing, especially when you are racking up the miles every day. You will be a much happier cyclist.
Don’t Overdo it
The most important thing is that you enjoy your cycling holiday and have happy memories, but this will be challenging if you overdo it. Pushing yourself to your limits may only serve to exhaust you and leave you sore after your first day. So take it easy, choose the right level of ride and make sure you take care of yourself throughout the holiday. This includes stretching before and after riding, taking regular breaks, staying hydrated, refueling, and getting enough sleep.
Consider scheduling non-cycling time as well. Be sure to give yourself some time to relax. You might want to include some nice restaurant dining, a stop at a museum or visiting a scenic attraction. Even just stopping occasionally to snap some photos will give you a chance to break up the ride.
Planning a Cycling Holiday
A cycling holiday can be an especially rewarding (and even exhilarating!) vacation, and there are many great places to consider going. But it is also the type of holiday that requires some careful planning and preparation. Doing so will help you to avoid pitfalls that could ruin your trip. These tips should help you to make the most out of your cycling holiday.
