I was thrilled when I discovered cycle touring. It opened up a whole new way to travel for me and combined so many things that I liked to do – travel, ride my bike, be outdoors, socialize with friends. Here is some general information about cycle touring to help you decide if it is for you.

So What is Cycle Touring?

Cycle touring is a form of long-distance travel where individuals explore diverse regions and countries using a bicycle as their primary mode of transportation. A trip can range from an overnight getaway to a weeks- or months-long outdoor adventure.

This mode of travel allows individuals to experience the world at a slower pace, engage with local communities, and enjoy the physical and mental benefits of both cycling and exploration. Cycle touring is characterized by its flexibility (“let’s stop here for a coffee”), minimalistic lifestyle (no need for tons of clothes!), and a focus on the journey itself, offering a unique and immersive way to connect with the environment and cultures.

Accommodations can be either camping or non-camping. If you are camping, usually you need to carry essential gear and supplies on your bike. The trips can either be self arranged and directed, or organized through a touring organization. My preferred way to cycle tour is to find an organization that will provide us with a local guide and arrange the accommodation and bike availability. When travelling with groups, it is much easier to have all the logistics taken care of so that all the participants can just enjoy the biking. Luggage transportation and solving mechanical problems are done by the support people. Generally these tours are for 6-8 days, which I find is an ideal length of time, especially for people who have not travelled this way often.

Benefits of Riding a Bike

Cycle touring offers a range of physical, mental and experiential benefits, making it a rewarding and special way to travel. Here are some key advantages of cycle touring.

1. Physical Fitness

Cycling is an excellent cardiovascular exercise that helps improve overall fitness, stamina, and muscle strength, even on an e-bike.

2. Mental Well-Being

The meditative rhythm of pedaling in combination with being outdoors in a natural setting have such a positive effect on mental well-being. Beautiful natural scenery and interesting vistas are constant companions on your journey, you are seeing and experiencing new and different things, and you are in a very supportive and encouraging environment with your fellow cyclists, people like you. Zen.

3. Closer Connection with the Environment

Cycle touring is an environmentally conscious choice, your personal contribution to sustainable and responsible travel. Riding a bike allows you to experience the world at a slower pace, avoiding the traffic congestion of the larger cities and taking in sights, sounds and smells of your surroundings. You will feel a closer connection to the environment compared to travelling by car or other faster modes of transportation. Definitely a more relaxed and enjoyable travel experience.

4. Social Engagement

Cycling through different regions allows you to interact with local communities on a more personal level. Invariably you meet people along the way, learn about their culture and ways of life, share stories, and observe traditions that might be missed when travelling by other means. For example, travelling through the local markets allows the luxury of slowing down any buying a local speciality that otherwise might not hit your radar. The freedom to make such spontaneous decisions enhances the adventure, the result is a warm and lasting memory.

People are often eager to speak to you to learn about what you are doing. As a group, you are noticed. Children tend to be more vocal – waving and saying hello in English, and giggling when you say “hello” in their language, with your accent. You feel like a guest, not just a tourist.

Cycling also provides the opportunity to connect with your fellow cyclists, share experiences and observations, and build camaraderie on the road. These interactions can result in lifelong friendships.

5. Sense of Accomplishment

Completing a cycle tour brings a profound sense of accomplishment. Overcoming initial doubts and apprehensions and reaching destinations under your own power will boost your confidence and contribute to a strong sense of achievement.

Your new-found resilience will have you thinking about where your next cycle touring adventure will be. Often talk about “next time” starts with your new cycle companions, before your current trip is even over.

Signs you are Ready to Embrace Cycle Touring

Cycle touring is not just a means of travel – it’s a lifestyle that allows you to view the world, connect with people and nature, and discover the beauty of the journey itself.

Here are some signs that you are ready to embark on a cycle touring journey.

1. Recent vacations have not left you feeling rejuvenated. Maybe you are bored with beach vacations. Maybe you have done some travelling that has taken you to large cities and you have visited many of the major sites, but you come home feeling exhausted, broke, and overwhelmed.
2. You are looking for something different, something unique. You feel there must be something else, something that will help you avoid the masses of tourists in train stations and museums, something that will give you more meaningful interactions, something that is not so scripted.
3. The adventurous spirit of your youth has been dormant for too long – you are keen to explore new places, cultures and landscapes, but you don’t know where to start looking.
4. You would like to improve your overall physical fitness and get outdoors more, but you feel the daily responsibilities of your life get in the way. Seeing the impact of just one biking adventure can help convince you that it is possible to make “activity” part of your normal routine.
5. You are becoming more environmentally conscious and have a heightened appreciation for nature – cycling has a low ecological impact and allows you to immerse yourself in diverse and scenic environments.

If any of these resonate with you, it’s likely that you are ready to explore cycle touring. Somewhere, there is a trip that will meet your personal preferences, ability and interests.

What to Expect on your First Cycle Touring Journey

Embarking on your first cycle touring journey can be a thrilling adventure, and it is important to be prepared and to manage your own expectations. If you are not a regular cyclist, here are some tips that will lead to a positive first-time experience.

1. Consider starting with a shorter trip. A 2 or 3-day adventure could be a good introduction to cycle touring. Some of the benefits noted above might be less obvious, however you should come away with a sense of accomplishment, and a desire to do more!
2. Pick an easy route to start – avoid hills, look for paved surfaces. This will build your cycling confidence. You will realize that cycling 25K-30K a day is quite manageable – next time – you can do more.
3. Pick nice weather for your initial journey – you want to be riding with a smile on your face as you enjoy a beautiful day and marvel at what you are seeing.
4. Stop for pictures – this is the beginning of a new way of active travelling and a great story to share with your future cycling friends. Everyone had a first trip.
5. Reserve your accommodation in advance so that you have a destination each night and are not stressed out about where you will be staying. Be sure to find a place that values the security of your bike as much as you do.
6. Pick a destination that you are somewhat familiar with, and where they speak your language. For your first cycle adventure, you want to be mostly focused on the cycling aspect, you don’t want other distractions.

By starting on a smaller scale, your first cycle journey can be a wonderful introduction to a whole new lifestyle and mode of travel. Remember that overcoming challenges is part of the adventure and can lead to personal growth, high confidence, and memorable experiences (and of course, more stories to share!).

Exploring the world on two wheels through cycle touring offers a unique and enriching experience. You will have amazing journeys that encompass physical health, mental well-being, environmental consciousness, and a deeper connection with the people you meet and with the world around you.

Maybe it’s time for you to start considering where your next cycle adventure will be. Join my email group to be one of the first to know about new trips I am planning.

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