Bike Tour Vacations: Tips for Bike Travel - 2

Go It Alone

For the independent and budget-conscious, self-guided trips offer not only a large discount over guided tours, but also an unparalleled sense of accomplishment. Riding sans sag wagon requires a greater commitment to planning and preparing for the trip, as well as an extra dose of courage. Plot a route to a nearby hotel, plan to eat in restaurants, and you won’t need to pack much beyond a toothbrush and a credit card. Longer trips that involve camping require much more pre-trip thought. The Adventure Cycling Association (ACA) provides a wealth of information and resources on touring the United States to members and nonmembers alike, including route maps and GPS coordinates of popular routes, how-to guides, and a lively forum.

Search the Rail-to-Trails Conservancy’s TrailLink to see if there’s a railroad track-turned-bike trail near you. For those who want an organized itinerary without the group, some bike-touring companies will sell trimmed-down guides of their most popular excursions. Once you have a route chosen, pick up tips from other travelers by perusing the journals kept at Crazy Guy on a Bike and bikejournal.com, or start one of your own.

Gearing Up

What You Need for a Guided Tour

For first-time cyclists taking a supported tour, the bike gear requirements are minimal. Most companies provide bikes and helmets as part of the total trip cost, though if you have a bike you like, you usually can make arrangements to bring it along. Biking shorts are a worthwhile investment, as is a breathable rain shell, and if you’re planning to work up a sweat, a few moisture-wicking shirts will travel better than cotton tees. Unless you’re a serious enthusiast, don’t worry about getting special shoes or a hydration pack.

 

• Going solo on a biking adventure can be a great way to save money.

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What You Need for Independent Bike Travel

For those taking a self-guided tour, the gear list can be extensive, depending on how far off the grid you plan to travel. For the main item, your transportation, buying at a local bike shop will often entitle you to free or discounted tune-ups and repairs over the life of the bike, as well as provide access to the expertise of employees. Bike bags, panniers or a bike trailer can hold your supplies, which should include at the very least a patch kit for the inevitable flat tire and a multitool for simple bike adjustments.

Among national outfitters, REI, Bike Nashbar and Performance Bicycle have a great selection of biking gear and apparel. Team Estrogen sells biking accessories designed for women.

Next: Great Cycling and Mountain Biking Destinations