The growing demand for cycling has motivated many people to take up their bike again and make it a trend. Whether for the ecological sense, by its contribution for physical activity, and consequent health improvement, or for the accessibility it provides on discovering new places, more and more people are practising cycling at the weekend.
This two-wheel travelling becomes much more economical. If we plan this trip the best way, we can take advantage of the best locations and lower prices – currently, many services as camping sites, hostels and even hotels had lower rates for those who are travelling in a bike.
However, a family weekend on a bike becomes much more unpredictable, and therefore it requires more planning and preparation than an ordinary weekend. To prepare the weekend the best way possible, check out the 6 main-steps below:
1. Route planning
Travelling on a bicycle will always take longer. By knowing in advance the points of interest to visit, allows you to plan the best routes. Also, it is crucial to estimate the number of kilometres travelled per day and find out which paths are preferred. Talking to other cyclists, analyzing relief maps and visiting support locations are relevant aspects when planning the weekend trip.
2. Choose the bike model
Having in mind the journey path is core for choosing the best bike to use. A mountain bike will be the most suitable model to face the most challenging trails. Using wheels and rims like the Ready 40 allows your bike to adapt to the main routes you planned, without avoiding mountain paths.
3. Select the luggage to take
When it’s time to hit the road, the luggage to be carried has to be checked. The cyclist will support the weight of the baggage and, therefore, it has to be distributed around the bike, without influence driving. Pay attention to the safety of the bike and take only the essentials for the weekend!
4. Take a look at the bike mechanics
During the trip, we must be prepared for the unexpected. Knowing the bicycle mechanics is useful when it’s needed to repair a puncture, for example. A small tool kit can be a great advantage to carry with your luggage.
5. Prepare your body (and soul)
Travelling on a bike for the whole weekend becomes much more tiring than a usual trip, due to the cyclist tiredness. Physical preparation, with regular training, is the key for the weekend to run smoothly. After a few hours of journey, physical fatigue can be demotivating for the rest of the weekend, so it’s useful to set daily goals and small rewards that encourage you to continue the route.
6. Engage with the cycling community (and locals)
Since bicycle weekends have become a trend again, many cyclists are sharing new experiences on forums and even on social media. Associating with communities of cyclists and local groups can be very helpful when it’s time to discover new points of interest, more accessible routes or, who knows, more company travellers for your journey.
Travelling the world on two wheels can be a unique experience. The bicycle is the right transport for those who want to discover new places and hidden landscapes, without compromising their fun and freedom.