Bike touring / bike packing is becoming increasingly popular now. Whether you plan your own tour or go on one of the many organised bike touring companies, preparation is essential for a successful bike tour.
Route Planning
If you are going on an organised trip route planning may already have been done for you and you may be supplied with printed routes or maybe GPX files to load onto Garmin or Wahoo cycle computers.
If you are planning your own trip then preparation is essential. There are a number of different apps / websites you can use to plan routes such as
Strava (requires subscription)
These will give you mileage and elevation and may in some cases suggest routes. Be realistic in your own ability. You may be able to ride 50 miles in a day but can you do it day after day on a heavily loaded bike ? After drawing your route you can then export as a GPX to load into your cycle computer.
Its important to be realistic when planning a route. Remember you will be riding with luggage so its a good idea to reduce the daily distance that you would normally cover especially on hilly routes. Pre planned routes such as Way of the Roses or the Trans Pennine trail may not need extensive route planning as these are often well signposted.
Obviously if touring on an e-bike you need to take into account the range of your bike. This will be less on hillier routes and with luggage. You may have to plan cafe stops where you can give your battery a top up. Many cafes will allow this if eating there but its always a good idea to check first.
Training
Unless you are doing a short easy trip, some training is necessary. There is no substitute for miles in the legs. Mix your training by doing longer distance rides and more hilly shorter rides. Try riding the bike when loaded to get use to the change in handling and the weight.
Unless you can guarantee the weather, train in all conditions. Its also good for checking saddle comfort!
The Bike
Unless you are on an organised trip where your luggage is transported between overnight stops you will need to carry everything you need on your bike so you will need a pannier rack unless you are using bike packing bags. Ensure the gearing is suitable for the trip. A heavily loaded bike may require lower gearing on hillier routes. Make sure your bike is suitable for the terrain. Routes with off road sections may require a gravel bike or mountain bike.
Cycle Luggage and Packing
The golden rule on bike touring / bike packing trips is to pack light. Even so you will need bike luggage. Traditionally bike tourers have used rear panniers, front panniers, saddle bag and maybe an handlebar bag. The huge increase in the popularity of bike packing has led to the availability of other types of luggage such as frame bags, saddle packs, top tube bags, stem packs etc.
The golden rule is to pack lightly and take only what you actually need. The more you pack the harder you need to pedal which also means burning more calories. If you are on an e-bike the heavier the bike the less range you will get out of a battery. Think carefully about what to take, repack food from from glass and metal into plastic containers.
Make sure you evenly distribute the weight you carry, bikes can be harder to handle if not packed properly. Try to avoid storing heavy items in an handlebar bag as it can make handling difficult.
Make sure your stuff can’t get wet by using dry bags or polythene bags inside panniers etc or using a waterproof handlebar bag. Avoid backpacks other than ones for hydration. After an hour so they can be very uncomfortable and also make your back sweaty.
Clothing
On a bike tour its essential you wear good quality cycling clothing.
- Shorts – Good quality padded cycling shorts are a must for long days in the saddle. Wear them during training to ensure they are comfortable.
- Unless you can almost guarantee the weather get some good quality wet weather gear. The bare minimum should be a rain jacket.
- Cycling jersey – wear a synthetic cycling jersey with pockets on back which are useful for snacks on the go etc. Avoid cotton as its slow drying,
- Gloves – these protect the hands from the sun and in case you come off the bike. Many cycling gloves have gel pads on the palms for comfort. The type of gloves you will require will depend on the climate.
- Shoes –
Tools
Spare tubes / puncture repair kit.
Quick links (incase you need to repair your chain.)
Tyre levers
Camp stove,
Food that you won’t need immediately at the bottom
Hydration reservoir
Inform others about your trip and show them where you’re going to ride and how they can reach you.
Spare tubes
Camp stove,
Food that you won’t need immediately at the bottom
Hydration reservoir
