Before you go for a spin ...

A bike trip requires planning, conditioning and organization, said Lisa McKinney, a spokeswoman for Missoula, Mont.-based Adventure Cycling, which helps thousands of riders each year with trips around the country.

If you have limited time or desire to coordinate all the details, however, you might want to sign on with a bicycle tour company. All you have to do is show up, in shape, with your riding clothes and toothbrush, said Mark Thomsen of Madison, Wis.-based Trek Travel.

Here are 10 things to consider when planning a bike trip:

1Where do you want to go? How far? A cross-country tour or simple overnight trip?

2 3Are you cycling with a friend, your family or on your own? What type of road conditions will you experience? Will you use digital maps, paper maps or both?

4Will you camp, which means carrying more gear, or need accommodations each night?

5What kind of bike? The type of touring you intend to do will determine the type of bike you’ll need. For options, go to www.lat.ms/buyersguide.

6What gear will you need? Tools and parts, clothing, electronics, maps, firstaid items, panniers, lock, etc. For gear lists, go to bikeovernights.org/page/gear-lists.

7Are you in shape? If not, start pedaling one to two months before your trip, working up to five, 10, 20 or more miles a day. And take a simple bike repair class.

8Take a test ride. Gear up and head out for an overnight bike ride or just ride, fully loaded with your gear, for a full day. For more info, go to www.lat.ms/overnight.

9Get inspired: Read Adventure Cyclist magazine, which is dedicated to bicycle travel. Check out the blog and books by Willie Weir (www.willieweir.com) of Seattle, who has pedaled more than 60,000 miles around the globe.

10If planning your trip is overwhelming, sign up with a bike tour company such as Trek Travel (trektravel.com), Backroads (www.backroads.com), Bicycle Adventures (bicycleadventures.com) or Adventure Cycling (adventurecycling.com).