| TOURING 101: YOUR TOURING
QUESTIONS ANSWERED A well organized tour is the best way to
experience a region that you have not explored before. However a tour that is not
properly planned can spoil and expectations you may have had. Here we list several travel
tips that may enhance your travels and help select a tour that is just right for you!
With Whom Should You Travel?
1. When choosing a tour operator, make sure you look at all inclusions for the trip you
select. Some operators include everything in the price, including helmets, spare
tubes, admissions to various sights, etc. Others may have extra price and inclusion for
bike hire, for example.
2. Depending on your cycling ability, whether you are a complete novice or you are an
avid rider, consider the tour companies offering trips. Some tour companies offer
more aggressive rides over challenging routes: the Tour de France or Giro d'Italia, for
example. Others provide less challenging route, family trips and more moderate
cycling. Ask the operator!
3. Generally, the more expensive the trip, the older the participants will be.
Similarly, the less expensive trips attract younger riders. Ask the operators about their
target market and age range of cyclists if travelling on a group tour.
4. Biking with a partner or group of friends with varied skills? Choose a tour
that can offer moderate miles with alternatives available to the more experienced riders.
The non-cycling participants can relax over a cappuccino while other spin the extra miles!
5. Choosing between a self led or guided tour? If you have never taken a self led
tour before - the best option is to go with a tour company for your first tour.
6. If your dream tour is too expensive, ask about off season costs, custom, semi guided
tours or self led options as an alternative.
7. Family tours are a great way to travel with small children. Choose an operator that
offer family trips - they will usually have extra perks for travelling parents:
babysitting, story-telling, child friendly menu options, and a host of other items
that would appeal to the kiddies.
8. When buying Travel Insurance, always choose cancellation insurance in addition: it
is far less costly than the expense of a trip cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
Routes and Miles
9. How far does one travel in a given day? A typical rider is capable of approx.
three times the distance of their average daily ride or training distance.
10. During your tour, talk to your guides and trip leader about the terrain ahead. This
goes without saying for a self led tour also. Especially important to talk to
someone who has ridden the route.
11. Some tour companies offer multi sport activities - ensure they are experienced
providers and have been offering multi sport programs for at least a few years and have
experienced leaders in each area of activity.
Equipment
13. Using front and rear panniers - distribute your load 60% rear and 40% front and
equal on the sides to avoid and handling imbalances.
14. Handlebar bags can compromise steering ability therefore it is important to carry
only light gear in there.
15. A good saddle makes all of the difference between a good and a great tour - check
with your operator to see what saddles they provide. If you have a 'broken in'
saddle of your own - you may consider bringing it with you and using it for the duration
of the tour.
16. Save the light, thin tires for racing. When touring, thicker (25c and wider) tires
are a better bet. Try tires with Kevlar lining as flat protection.
17. Ask your tour operator about odometers. It is no fun to have a map and
directions with miles planned out - but no odometer to measure the distance with. If
odometers are not provided by the tour company, it might be an idea to travel with one of
your own.
Packing:
18. When packing, always leave enough room in your bags for souvenirs you pick up while
travelling.
19. Airlines have become more restrictive with luggage weight and carry on luggage.
Especially the low cost airlines in Europe. Be familiar with the airlines guidelines
and weigh your luggage before you depart for the airport. Your tour operator will
also have guidelines in terms of size and weight of luggage - check with them!
Training and Preparation
20. Long rides are all about pacing. Plan to do the second half of your day
faster than the first half and you are most likely to have more energy to spare toward the
end of your ride.
21. As preparation in advance, try to do one long ride at least once a week that is
just about the distance of the longest day of your planned tour.
22. Stretch and warm up before your ride and 'cool down' after the ride by
stretching again. This will help you recover from any muscle soreness faster.
On the Road
23. Sunscreen is must! As are sunglasses (which can
protect yor eyes from dust and insects).
24. On a multiple day tour - ride slower for the first few days and reserve your
energy. On a group tour, leaders are used to a wide variety and levels of fitness.
Finishing a day's mileage is more important than how quickly you finish!
25. At rest stops - don't sit longer than 15 minutes as you will get stiff. Walk
a little and stretch until you ride again.
26. Keep a journal!
27. Keep your elbows bent as your ride - this helps prevent numb hands, neck and
shoulder stiffness from developing.
28. Keep a pair of spare socks on hand in case of rain - if your feet stay dry,
the rest of your body will remain warm and comfortable.
29. Lay out your riding gear the night before so your are well prepared for the morning
set off.
30. Don't be afraid to tell your tour leader that you would like to ride alone for a
while. But don;t spend a group trip being anti social! There is a social balance on
group tours.
31. Riding into a strong headwind? Put cotton wool into your ears. You will be able to
hear traffic, but it will stem the loud roar of the wind in your ears and make the ride
more comfortable.
32. Stay hydrated - drink constantly, even when you are off the bike. |
