You did your research and booked the biking tour of your dreams. You’ve got some time before the day you head off on your adventure. Like most things in life, you’ll get out of it only what you put into it. Now it’s time to prepare for your cycling vacation. Preparing adequately will help make your biking tour and riding experience more enjoyable and memorable. Here are seven tips to help you as you prepare for upcoming biking tours.
Tip 1: Think About the Bike Tour Grading
Read up on your cycling vacation far in advance and take note of the trip grading. This helps you know how to prepare for the ride. Will there be a lot of hill climbing? What will the weather be like during the time you expect to be there? Knowing the itinerary and grade helps you build training sessions so you will be prepared when you get there.
Tip 2: Get Your Legs Moving
You need to get plenty of miles on your legs as you prepare for your biking tour. You will want to spend as much time on your bike as you can. While cross-training exercises like weightlifting, running, or swimming are beneficial for your body, they do not equate to time on the bike. Regular cycling activates and builds specific muscle groups. It also helps you get accustomed to sitting on the seat for long periods. However, if your bike tour includes other activities like hiking or kayaking, make sure to condition and prepare for those activities as well.
Tip 3: Be Consistent With Training
When your goal is to get cycling-fit, consistency and repetition are key. Try to maintain a specific amount of exercise every week in the weeks leading up to the trip. One way to help you stay consistent with workouts is to schedule them at the same time each week. Also, you want to put them where they fit best in your daily schedule. If it helps you, set reminders on your phone so you won’t forget or skip any workouts.
Tip 4: Don’t Forget Hill Training
Most people don’t like riding hills. But the more you ride them, the more prepared you’ll be. Experiment a little with your gears so you can find your optimum speed. If you use a gear that is too low, you’ll spin the pedals too fast and tire quickly. On the other hand, if you use a gear that’s too high, you’ll use up a lot of energy. The result can be a hip or knee injury.
Tip 5: Ride on Different Surfaces
To prepare for bike tours, try riding on various types of surfaces. Your trip notes may give you an indication of the types of surfaces to expect. If your cycling vacation involves riding on dirt trails, rocky paths, or paved roads, be sure to practice training on the same types of surfaces. This helps you be comfortable handling your bike.
Tip 6: Ride in Different Weather Conditions
You may have a good idea of the weather in the region where you’ll do your bike tour. Training in various weather conditions helps you be ready for anything Mother Nature throws at you. If it could rain while you’re on your cycling vacation, train in the rain and test out your rain gear. You’ll learn how it may impact your riding style.
Tip 7: Build Your Mileage Gradually
Most bike tours schedule rest stops every 12 to 15 miles. As long as you can comfortably cover this distance, you will be good. If you are new to cycling, start by doing short loops from your home or shorter bike trails. Once you get used to shorter distances, lengthen them gradually until you can comfortably ride 12 to 15 miles. Continue building the distance until you reach the distance planned for the biking event.
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