HITTING THE ROAD (on two wheels)
Get out in nature with some tips for taking a trip on your bicycle
One hardback was a bad idea. Two? Preposterous. The night before I left for my first overnight bike trip, I examined all the articles spread before me on the floor. I reminded myself that every ounce counts. I added the second book to the reject pile.
With bike sales soaring and travel still limited, many cyclists are considering taking bike trips.
Talking to long-haul cyclists, I heard countless stories about the generosity of strangers; the joy of experiencing our country in intimate ways; the serenity of empty spaces and quiet towns.
If you have ever considered traveling on two wheels, this is your year. Read the tips below and get pedaling!
LET GO. Some beginners think bike touring is a “big epic thing across the country or around the world,” said Dan Meyer, deputy editor of “Adventure Cyclist” magazine, “which isn’t the case. You can ride from your house to the next town over and stay at a friend’s or at a B&B.” You can even use public transit to position yourself five or 10 miles from a campground or inn, spend the night, and return. Let go of strict schedules and expect the unexpected.
DECIDE HOW YOU WANT TO
ROLL. If you’re riding with others, set expectations about pace and schedule. If you’re not yet comfortable taking the plunge, join a tour, such as those organized by the Adventure Cycling Association (ACA) or REI, and check with your bike shop for local events.
GEAR UP. Generally, “bike touring” cyclists hang luggage called panniers. Get creative using straps to attach a tent, sleeping bag and mat to your rack or handlebars. Make sure you have easily accessible storage for snacks, maps, phone and wallet. Padded gloves are helpful. Consider a slightly larger tent. A writer in Rhode Island who rode the East Coast Greenway from Florida to Maine in 2018, said if you’re taking a long trip or touring regularly, it’s worth investing in heavy-duty tubes to avoid flats. She also uses a handlebar odometer for mileage.
PACK ITEMS YOU HOPE YOU’LL
NEVER NEED. No trip is complete without at least one mechanical problem. I was thankful to have zip ties and a bungee cord in my emergency stash. I also brought two extra tubes, a pump, a multi-tool , a patch kit, electrical tape and rubber bands. The just-in-case items for your body are more personal. I brought acetaminophen and ibuprofen. I packed many things I never unpacked: a knife, a whistle, toe and hand warmers for freezing nights, and a small first-aid kit.
WHITTLE DOWN YOUR WEIGHT.
It’s tricky with variable weather, so bring double-duty items. A buff works as a neck warmer, face mask, headband and rag. My rain jacket came in handy for warmth, even without rain. Remember: Pack your bags early to make sure it all fits.
OVERNIGHT OPTIONS. In 2013, Dani Moore, a teacher from D.C., biked from Arizona to D.C. and camped most nights. She preferred campgrounds (or hotels in inclement weather), but occasionally knocked on doors to ask if she could pitch her tent on someone’s property. Her last resort was behind a fire station or a church. But also consider budget hotels, hostels and Warm Showers, a free hospitality exchange for cyclists.
CONSIDER CHOW. If your route will take you through small towns with interesting restaurants, pack less and sample local fare. You can also stock up at grocery and convenience stores. I borrowed a Jetboil — a compact stove and large mug combo — perfect for heating water for instant oatmeal, dehydrated soups and tea. This is not a time to skimp on calories. I also brought energy chews and gels that are good for quick jolts, but can pack a lot of sugar and caffeine, too. Resupply your water (at least two bottles) and food whenever you can.
REMEMBER APRÈS-BIKE. Pack something super comfy for when you’re blissfully off the saddle. Other cyclists say a lightweight camping chair is a must.
RUMINATE ON YOUR ROUTE. Before he sets out, Ben Folsom, who lives in Alexandria, Virginia, looks up routes on Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s TrailLink and zooms into the Google Maps satellite view. ACA has maps (and an app) of 28 routes, covering 50,000 miles across nationwide.
PONDER YOUR POSTERIOR. Hygiene and comfort are critical, and saddle sores are no joke. Good bike shorts and a comfortable saddle are worth the investment. Extra seat padding may not mean extra comfort; it’s more about the shape of the saddle. Ask your local bike shop if they have a program that lets you test different seats. And add Chamois Butt’r or other lubricant to your packing list.
GET REAL ABOUT RISKS. All the openness and approachability we celebrate on a bike makes us vulnerable, too. I decided before my trip that I wasn’t comfortable being the only one in a campground, so I made backup plans for each campsite. Moore said she was amazed how people went out of their way to help her. Nothing bad happened, “but that’s not guaranteed,” she said. Marley Blonsky, who lives in Seattle and writes a blog on bike travel, said she has been fortunate to have not run into any issues, but she doesn’t advertise when she’s alone and if a place doesn’t feel right, she camps elsewhere. She shares her plans with a friend so someone knows where she’s supposed to be, and when. Use common sense and don’t throw around flashy gear. If you can, ride on bike paths. If you must share the road, use bike lights, even during the day.
BEHOLD YOUR BIKE. Before you set out, treat your bike to a tuneup and be attentive to unusual sounds that may signal a malfunction. Folsom carries a tool to fix a broken chain, spare tire and spokes (none of which I brought).