How to Prepare for a Cycling Vacation

A cycling vacation is something that you might be interested in, especially if you have a particular love for the activity. But it can be tough going and as such, you will need to prepare beforehand. After all, the last thing you will want is to fall behind everyone else when out cycling. So, how can you get ready for your trip?

Build Up Your Stamina

There is no way to know what level everyone else on the trip will be at, and if you don’t want to be at the back of the pack during every cycle, you may want to get in some extra miles in the weeks or months before your vacation. Even if you consider yourself to be quite fit and you do a lot of cardio exercise, it makes sense to start cycling before your holiday. It is not just your fitness levels that you need to consider. You need to get used to being in the saddle for long periods of time. Being cycle fit is different to just being fit.

Check Your Trip Notes

If you are going on an organized cycle vacation, it is a good idea to read the trip notes in advance. This will allow you to prepare for the type of cycling you will be doing on any particular day. The itinerary and grade of cycling will give you a better idea of how much training is required before your trip. If there will be a lot of hill climbing, you should incorporate this into your training schedule.

Pack Appropriately

While you don’t have to spend a small fortune on professional cycling gear, you may want to invest in some suitable moisture-wicking clothing to make you more comfortable, especially if it will be very warm wherever you are going. It might also be worth thinking about padded shorts, or at the very least, a padded seat cover for your saddle. Cycling for long periods of the day can take its toll on the glutes so that extra bit of comfort can be a godsend. Also, don’t forget your helmet.

Consider Your Bike

If you are not a regular rider or have had the same bike for years, now may be the time to invest in a new one. According to the folk at Woom, lightweight bikes are a good choice for cycle vacations because they are easier to handle and better for travelling with. Alternatively, you could hire a bike at your destination if you would prefer not to travel with your own bike.

Know Your Limits

Experienced cyclists can handle tough and challenging tours, but if you have not cycled for long or this is your first cycling vacation, it is best to know what your limits are before you head off. There is no point in agreeing to a cycle vacation that incorporates daily uphill cycles of more than 60 km if you have never done anything like this before. It is meant to be a vacation after all. You won’t want to be crying into your pillow every evening worrying about the thoughts of another cycle the following day.

Conclusion

Cycling vacations are a terrific way to see more of a particular destination, and if you enjoy cycling in groups, this could be ideal for you. However, it is important that you prepare before you go and that you are aware of your limits so that you don’t end up signing up for something you will not be able to handle. Spend some time beforehand getting used to being in the saddle to build up your stamina. And make sure you know what’s in store before you travel.