Going on a cycling trip lasting several days requires a bit more preparation than a simple Sunday ride. You need to choose your route, plan your stops, pack your things and make sure you’re prepared to deal with any minor unforeseen events. Whether you’re planning to cycle along a canal, cross the Alps or follow a cycle route in Europe, it’s best to take the time to organise your trip properly before you set off.
Here are a few tips to help you plan your route and make the most of your days on the road.
1. Choose an itinerary suited to your ability
When planning your first cycling trip, you sometimes tend to want to cover too many kilometres each day. However, it’s better to plan reasonable stages and allow time to enjoy the places you pass through.
Here are a few points worth bearing in mind:
- Plan realistic distances: For a leisurely trip, allow for around 40 to 60 km a day, depending on your fitness level, the type of bike and the terrain. This leaves enough time to take breaks and explore the surroundings.
- Check the elevation gain: Distance isn’t everything. A 40 km stage in the mountains can be far more demanding than a whole day on a cycle path. Apps such as Komoot, OpenRunner or Geovelo let you plan your route, view elevation profiles and identify cycle-friendly routes.
Also remember to check accommodation options along your route. It’s always best to know where you’ll be spending the night before you find yourself looking for a room at the last minute.
2. Pack your things without overloading your bike
Over several days, what’s in your panniers can quickly make a difference. You need to take enough clothes and kit to be self-sufficient, without turning your bike into a proper removal van.
Here’s what you should plan to take:
- Suitable clothing: Opt for lightweight, quick-drying outfits. A waterproof jacket, a windbreaker and a few warm items of clothing are still useful, even in summer, especially if you’re travelling through mountainous regions.
- A repair kit: A spare inner tube, tyre levers, a pump, a multi-tool and some chain lubricant can save you from having to wait for hours in the event of a mechanical problem.
- Well-organised panniers: Distribute the weight between the front and rear of the bike to maintain good balance. Also, keep the items you’ll need during the day easily accessible.
Before setting off, take your panniers for a test ride with them fully loaded. A few kilometres will be enough to see if the bike is still comfortable to ride and whether you need to adjust how your belongings are distributed.
3. Don’t neglect data security whilst travelling
A cycling trip isn’t just about being on the road. In the evening, once you’ve reached your stop for the day, you’ll often use your phone to check the weather, review the next day’s route, look up a booking or get in touch with loved ones.
This is also when you connect to the Wi-Fi at a hotel, campsite or holiday cottage. These networks are convenient, but their security levels can vary, especially when they’re accessible to all guests.
To avoid unnecessarily exposing your personal information, it’s best to be cautious when using a public connection. A VPN, in particular, can provide extra protection by encrypting internet traffic between your device and the service you’re using. There are various solutions available, including VPN apps, which can be useful when travelling and regularly relying on external Wi-Fi networks.
Also remember to use different passwords for your important accounts and to enable two-factor authentication where available. These are small habits that can prevent a lot of problems, even when you’re away from home.
4. Think about navigation and self-sufficiency
Even with a well-planned itinerary, you need to be able to adapt once you’re on the road. A detour, a change in the weather or a wrong turn can quickly alter your plans for the day.
A few preparatory steps can make all the difference:
- Download your maps in advance: GPS apps do not always work properly without an internet connection. Save your maps and GPX tracks to your phone or GPS device before setting off. This will ensure you can find your way even in areas with poor mobile coverage.
- Make sure you have a way to charge your devices: GPS, navigation apps and photos use up a lot of battery power. A power bank can be very useful for keeping your phone charged until the end of the stage. If you’re using a cycle GPS, bear in mind its battery life as well.
- Locate shops and water points: Some routes pass through villages where shops are few and far between, or even non-existent for several kilometres. Identify places to stock up on supplies before you set off, particularly if you’re planning to cycle all day.
A bit of preparation to get more out of your trip
Organising a multi-day cycling trip requires a bit of forward planning, but there’s no need to plan everything down to the last detail. A suitable route, well-packed panniers and a few precautions regarding your mobile phone and personal data are enough to ensure you set off in the best possible conditions.
Just leave a little leeway in your itinerary. After all, part of the appeal of a cycling trip is being able to stop when a landscape catches your eye or to discover a place you hadn’t planned to visit.