By Kevin Smith
Everyone wants adventure, in whatever form they can handle. Some people like hiking or skydiving; some people get a thrill out of performing or traveling by plane. A popular choice, and one that is also super beneficial to your health, is long distance cycling. With the right planning, bicycle, and equipment, a long distance cycling journey can be one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences a person can take.
There are plenty of beautiful and challenging places to cycle all across the globe. If you are thoroughly prepared, it can be one of the best experiences of your lifetime. But how does one prepare for a long distance road cycling trip? Make sure your bicycle is fit when planning to ride long distances. If you are going to buy a new one, you can find some great mens bike at Scooter Review Online. Here are a few tips to get you started in planning this amazing journey.
#1. Find the Right Bicycle
You need a bike that is capable of traveling long distances and comfortably. You will be seated and using it for hours on end, so you do not want anything to will cause you excess pain or discomfort.
There are hundreds of different bicycles out there, all designed for different uses – different terrains, different distances, and even different body sizes. You need one that will be perfectly suited to you. Websites like Mybestroadbikes can help you find the right bike for you, and go over the pros and cons of different models.
#2. Train, Train, Train
Cycling looks deceptively easy, but if you are not careful, you can do some serious damage. If you are truly considering a long distance road cycling trip, then be honest to yourself about your physical condition, and start training a few months in advance.
Training will help you build up your endurance and prepare you for challenges you might face along the trip. It will not necessarily be easy, but it will be worth it.
#3. Consider Both Supported and Unsupported Trips
There are companies out there that can help you plan your journey and keep you company. They typically book long distance cycling trips with other riders, and can feature things like a companion vehicle to carry gear, food, and more. Obviously this will cost money, but if you are new to cycling or this is your first trip, it is an excellent resource to consider.
However, if you are more experienced or the solitary type, an unsupported ride is just as rewarding. It makes you accountable for every aspect of your trip, from the route to your accommodations, repairs, and everything else. If done correctly, it can be a smooth journey with a ton of emotional payoff in the end, but it is also risky for those who have never done one of these trips, so choose wisely.
#4. Plan Your Route Down to Every Detail
If you are going unsupported, this is especially important, but even those using a support company should carefully consider their journey’s path. Knowing where you are going will help you better prepare, both physically and mentally. You can find maps of every major bike route from the Adventure Cycling Association, and they take your through all types of terrain across the United States.
Once you have chosen a route, you need to plan your daily itinerary – where will you stay, where will you eat, where along the route will you stop (if any). All of these details will be extremely important when it comes time for the actual trip, so do not skimp out on any planning.
#5. Learn About Bike Repair
Accidents happen, and things can break. In the case of an emergency out of the trails, you want to be prepared. Have spare parts ready in your gear, and understand basic repairs and tire replacement. Being stuck in the middle of nowhere without your bike will not be fun.
Conclusion
The best thing you can do is be prepared. Find the right bike, know how it works and how to fix it, and know exactly where you are going and for how long. All of these things will help you plan the amazing long-distance road cycling journey, and you can feel proud knowing what you have accomplished.
What's your reaction?
