Is cycle touring or bike packing for me?

Do you love to ride? Find it a fun way of getting from A to B? Have you ever wondered about taking the next step and trying cycle touring or bike packing? Whether you're a seasoned cyclist who lives for the pain of the hills (I definitely did not get that gene!) or a social occasional bike rider, combining riding and travel can be a very cool way to connect with nature, immerse yourself in different cultures, and challenge yourself physically and mentally.

I spent some of the most idyllic months cycle touring for 5 months around Europe back in my 20s. I still remember it vividly, how efficient it was for getting around, how stress free (bar train loading at busy stations or the big cities, London, Paris!), how fun it was to explore a new place by bike, how friendly Europe was on the whole to cyclists. You could access little markets to buy picnic supplies, out of the way campgrounds, see places you never would have gone if you were restricted to being in a vehicle. It cemented itself in my memory as such a superior way to travel. That said, before we did that, we had a full on, much more arduous and dangerous 2 weeks riding the pacific coast in the US, so it's not all rose tinted memories. Not all experiences are the same, it helps to know what you want, what you enjoy, and how to get that out of the experience.

While I've tended to hike more in later years, my husband is a super keen bikepacker, he writes and reviews for mountain bike magazines, so we get a lot of gear to review, a lot of talk about the next ride, regular friends coming over for bike maintenance etc etc. My kids aren't keen hikers, but enjoy their bikes, which has meant that we're slowly attempting to turn our kids into a family of cycle tourers/bikepackers - we're not quite sure which way it will land yet, our kids have a mixture of enthusiasm and suspicion! You may feel the same, so here's an introduction to cycle touring and bike packing.

Cycle Touring vs Bike Packing?

Traditionally cycle (or bike) touring involves traveling long distances on a bike, typically carrying your gear and supplies with you. It's about slowing down, taking in the scenery, and embracing the sense of freedom that comes with traveling on two wheels. Typically cycle touring has referred to on roads or cycle trails with bike packing more off-road, requiring a different gear setup to accommodate this.

While we'll delve into some details here, don't forget that the basics are you, your bike and adventure. So if you're brand new to this, firstly I would suggest just trying out doing an overnighter on your existing bike. Find a campground nearby, grab a backpack and pack a few essentials. Ride and explore, with the backup of knowing that you can bail if need be. Cycle touring or bike packing really is this simple at their essence. As you embark on longer and more regular adventures however you'll find that the details do start to matter more and more.

Ok let's get a bit more technical - Types of Bike Touring

There are several types of bike touring, each offering a unique experience tailored to different preferences and abilities:

1. Supported Tours: In supported tours, riders are accompanied by a support vehicle that carries their gear, provides meals, and offers assistance if needed. This option is ideal for beginners or those who prefer a more relaxed approach to touring. It is however a pricier option, so get that credit card ready.

2. Self-Supported Tours: Self-supported tours require riders to carry all their gear and supplies on their bikes. This type of touring offers greater independence and flexibility but requires careful planning and preparation. Usually it involves carrying camping and cooking gear (read heavier bike to pedal), staying at campgrounds or freedom camping en route. This can work out really cost efficient. When we cycle toured Europe like this we were living happily on less than half of what Lonely Planet said was the minimum you could survive on per day there.

3. Credit Card Tours: Credit card touring involves traveling light and staying in hotels or accommodation along the route, rather than camping and carrying the associated gear, tents, cooking gear etc. It's a convenient option for those who prefer not to ride so heavy, or cook their own meals. You may have guessed though, quite a bit pricier.

4. Ultra-Distance Tours: The above can be a day or two, or longer. Ultra-distance tours however are next level - they're long-distance rides that cover hundreds or even thousands of miles in a single journey. These tours require a high level of fitness and endurance and are often undertaken by experienced cyclists seeking a significant challenge. My husband for instance has had his eye on the Tour Divide, riding from Canda to Mexico via the Rockies.

Choosing the Right Bike

If you've started to do a few overnighters and want to invest in getting a bike set up for longer tours, factors to consider include:

1. Bike Type: Touring bikes, gravel bikes, and adventure bikes are popular choices for bike touring due to their durability, comfort, and ability to carry heavy loads. Ask at your local bike store for more info if you're not sure. Research blogs specialising in this type of thing. Understand where you want to go and what kind of bike you will need for that adventure. Find friends of a similar size who ride and spend a bit of time and money choosing a bike, and ask if you can try out their bikes to start to get a feel for what you like to ride.

2. Fit and Comfort: A properly fitted bike is crucial for long-distance comfort and efficiency. Consider factors such as frame size, handlebar type, and saddle choice to ensure a comfortable riding position. There are lots of ways to customise fit, and this really is so crucial to an enjoyable long distance ride. I can't say this enough. You may get a bit of a sore back from riding a bike for an hour that doesn't quite fit you properly, and perhaps you're not too worried about it, but that same back will be killing you after riding on it 6 hours day after day.

3. Gear Capacity: Choose a bike with ample gear-carrying capacity, including racks, panniers, and/or bikepacking bags, depending on your touring style and preferences. Look second hand or borrow to try before you commit, it can be quite pricey.

4. Maintenance and Durability: Opt for a bike that is durable and easy to maintain, with reliable components that can withstand the rigors of long-distance travel. Don't skimp on this, or it will come back to bite you when you're stranded in the middle of nowhere.

Essential Gear and Equipment

What you pack in those systems is pretty important too! Items to bring include:

1. Camping Gear: If camping, pack a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and cooking equipment. Many routes do connect accommodation options however, so this may not be necessary.

2. Clothing: Dress in layers and bring weather-appropriate clothing, including a waterproof jacket, cycling shorts, gloves, and sunglasses. Double check that wet weather gear really is weather proof - something that is waterproof may not tolerate 4 hours of constant downpour. Do your research and try your gear out before taking it on a trip.

3. Tools and Repair Kit: Carry basic tools and spare parts for bike repairs, such as a multi-tool, tire levers, spare tubes, and a pump - and know how to use them. If you're not sure, go into a bike shop nearby and get a tutorial, or find one on youtube. Get familiar with basic repairs to build your confidence.

4. Navigation: Use a GPS device, smartphone app, or paper maps to navigate your route and plan your daily mileage. Consider if you'll have reception if it's on your phone. Take a battery bank!

Preparing for Your Ride

Careful preparation is essential for an enjoyable ride, so before setting out, take the time to:

1. Train: Build up your fitness and endurance gradually in the months leading up to your tour, focusing on increasing your mileage and riding with a loaded bike to simulate touring conditions. If you're not sure what this could look like - get in touch to find out more about our programs.

2. Pack Wisely: Pack light and only bring essential items to minimise weight and maximise efficiency. Consider factors such as food and water availability along the route when planning your packing list.

3. Test Your Gear: Go for a test ride with your fully loaded bike to ensure that your gear is properly packed and functioning correctly. Make any necessary adjustments or replacements before starting out. Embrace the rain - this is your chance to test your gear properly.

4. Stay Safe: Wear that helmet, use lights and reflectors when on road. If you don't feel comfortable on a road, how narrow it is, how busy, find a route that does work for you, trust your gut.

Planning Your Route

When planning your bike tour route, consider factors such as distance, terrain, weather, and points of interest along the way. Research potential routes using online resources, guidebooks, and maps, and consider consulting experienced cyclists or local bike shops for advice. Be sure to plan for rest days, accommodation options, and resupply points along the route, and consider factors such as traffic volume, road conditions, and elevation gain when determining daily mileage goals.

This may all seem quite overwhelming, but remember that there is a huge variety of complexity and a huge variety of difficulty - it's all about where you choose to go. Bike packing some grade 4+ trails that involve difficult terrain a seasoned mountain biker would find hard, along with gear to make your bike heavier, long days and overnight sleeps to negotiate is just one end of the spectrum. However there are lovely, easy grade 1-2 trails, flat and shorter in length (10-30km), connected by hotels and cabins that provide your meals. This is a much different prospect. It's all about wisely choosing a trail that will fit your requirements for adventure and your capabilities and experience.

Most importantly, have fun! Get in touch if you'd like to find out more about how we can help you prepare for trying out bike touring!

Julia