Vacation on two wheels
How to plan your first big cycling holiday
CONSIDERING there’s currently a global pandemic going on, this year might not be the best time to take a trip across the world. Instead, why not take this opportunity to do something you usually wouldn’t consider during your holiday – like a long bike tour?
Here’s a list for beginners, covering everything from finding a suitable route to basic equipment.
Across the country or from a fixed base? “Many people associate a bicycle trip with several stages on classic long-distance cycle routes,” says Louise Boehler, head of cycling tourism at the General German Bicycle Association (ADFC).
But it might be more relaxing, especially for beginners, to find a nice accommodation and discover the region by bike from there.
German cycling expert David Kossmann from the press service Pressedienst Fahrrad, which aims to promote the bicycle in public, recommends routes alongside rivers: “Those routes are generally well-maintained, and downriver tends to be downhill.”
Choosing lesser known routes
In Germany alone, for example, there are more than 250 long-distance routes and over 350 regional cycling routes. “There’s an abundance of possibilities,” Boehler says.
Kossmann recommends browsing through cycling literature or planning your route with the help of apps like Komoot or Outdooractive, which will help you find the perfect route according to your preferences.
Bike check and test ride
A bike has to be roadworthy for the tour – and you have to be able to store luggage as well. Luggage racks can carry between 10 to 30 kilogrammes depending on the bike, and many bikes can be retrofitted with a front luggage rack.
The tyres also need the right air pressure. If there are many small cracks in the rubber, it’s better to buy new tyres, because otherwise you will get a flat very quickly.
But “the chain needs the most care,” Kossmann says. To oil it, you first run it through a cloth three or four times, then you drip chain oil in several passes.
Finally, the brakes need to be checked to ensure that you can stop securely even with luggage.
Even if you have a brand-new bike, you shouldn’t go on a trip with it right away. In order to get used to the bike, it’s a good idea to do several day or weekend tours before the big cycling holiday.
Packing right
Anyone who packs an air pump, repair kit, multi-tool set and possibly a spare hose is wellequipped – but you should actually know how to mend a hose. When packing, stow heavy things as close to the bike as possible. It also makes sense to establish fixed places in the bags for stowing.
Packing clothes based on the onion principle – for example, several thin layers on top of each other – saves weight and allows you to adapt to changing weather. And most importantly, be sure to pack enough to drink. “When the airstream cools pleasantly, you don’t notice how much liquid you are losing,” Kossmann warns.
Booking, costs and everything else
This year will see more people getting on their bikes, while accommodation capacities will be restricted due to hygiene measures.
The ADFC therefore recommends booking ahead. “If you know which sights you want to see and how many kilometres you will make per day, it definitely makes sense,” Kossmann says. If you prefer to be more flexible, you should keep in mind that many hotels and camping sites charge a cancellation fee if you cancel the booking less than 24 hours before. According to a ADFC report, cycling travellers in Germany spent €65-€100 (RM324RM499) per day on average. This year, it should also be part of your planning to inform yourself about the coronavirus measures at your destination.