If your idea of a perfect holiday is exploring a new place while keeping fit and active, then booking a cycling holiday may be the perfect idea. Cycling tours are a fantastic way to get off the beaten track and discover hidden gems and wonderful landscapes in your chosen holiday destination and give you the freedom to explore at your own leisure and pace.
There are a few things you should consider before booking a cycling holiday, one of the most important is your fitness levels. The below outlines some of the main considerations you should take into account ahead of your cycling trip.
Day to day riding
Embarking on a cycling tour means that you will, for the majority of your trip, spend most of your day on a bike. Although not all routes will be strenuous, you will need to make sure that you are comfortable enough with your fitness levels to commit to spending several hours every day on the move.
Ahead of your cycling holiday, it would be beneficial to spend time getting some practice in taking long bike rides around your local area, so you know you will be able to handle the same once you are on your trip. If you do not have your own bike and are planning on hiring one when you arrive on your holiday, then you could use an exercise bike in your home or in a local gym to build up your fitness.
You can slowly build this up from an hour or two a day to spending weekends committing to rides around the four-or five-hour mark. This way you will be secure in the knowledge you can arrive for your cycling trip and be fully prepared for the days or weeks ahead.
Distance
Most cycling tours will provide you with an itinerary that should specify the typical distance you will cover each day. You may also encounter different types of terrain on your trip, so you must make sure you are fully prepared and have built up your mileage on a bike ahead of the tour.
Comfort
Making sure you are comfortable during your cycling holiday is of the utmost importance. Think about buying a comfortable bike seat that you know is well-cushioned and supportive. It is also important that the clothing and footwear you will be wearing are ideally suited to a biking tour. Think cycling shorts and sturdy shoes, along with sunglasses and a wind-resistant jacket.
The above are just a few ideas of things you need to consider ahead of your cycling holiday to make sure you are well-prepared and can arrive at your chosen destination ready to hop on your bike and explore the beautiful landscapes that surround you.
