12 conseils pour se lancer

Bicyclism has attracted a growing following. Biking travel is a combination of freedom, savings, adventure and respect for the environment. Whether you are planning to follow the greenway for a weekend or a few weeks on the road, you must be ready for your own departure. This is 12 practical tips Start your periodic travel calmly.

What is cycle tourism?

Cyclical travel is The Art of Bike Travelspend time discovering the rhythm of pedal strokes and the village. With sports bikes, performance and speed are not preferred, Circular tourism is conducive to slow : We take advantage of the road, enjoy the landscape, and stop according to the meeting.

A day is a weekend or a few weeks (even the most adventurous people (SES), and bike trips are done in the day. This type of accommodation is becoming increasingly attractive: All are accessible According to the route The feeling of freedom Go back to the basics, surpass yourself, Reduced ecological impact…Are you ready to start?

1. Plan your itinerary intelligently

There are many in France bike,,,,, GreenwayAnd others The route to the garden view. Whether you are considering strolling the countryside, mountain biking in the mountains or exploring the French coast: preparing for a bicycle trip. Carefully study periodic paths and points of interest.

Some Sites and applications Very useful for planning bike routes such as bike tours, Komoot, Strava, Geovelo, etc. You can create your own career or consult with the professions offered by community members.

But for beginners of cyclical travel, the reference website still exists French Vélo Arisme. You will find several tools to improve your route:

• Get a list of loop routes ready;
• Jealous Engine: According to your standards, Jealous Engine suggests the right route;
• Bicycle Calculator: If you already know your starting point and arrival point, the calculator is giving you two types of routes to find the best courses:

1. L’Tourist routes (Safe cycle paths, markings and travel interests)
2. L’The fastest itinerary (Mainly secondary roads, low traffic, but no bicycle marks)

2. Think about how to start the course

There are several possibilities you can join the beginning of the course, which depends more or less on whether you are traveling by bike or renting it on site.

In any case, don’t forget to consider this parameter when planning the route.

• go through : In some trains, you can pair your unhealthy bike (with extra TGV and OUIGO prices – usually served for free in TER). In all other trains you have to fold or remove it and transport it to the bike cover. Usually you need to book in advance.
• and bus : Most regional bus routes allow you to ride a bike, but the conditions vary according to the company and season. Remember to find out the answer in advance.
• drive : If trains or buses are not possible, you can also get to the itinerary by car, ride a bike in the trunk or hang it on a bicycle rack. You will then have to find a suitable parking lot to the starting point of the route.

3. Think about accommodation on the road

Hotels, campgrounds, Bivouac, Cottage…there are many options. Another solution is becoming more and more popular as part of cycling tours:Exchange housesthis is especially useful for such accommodation. Indeed, you can enjoy a real “at home” recover,,,,, Wash your items wait Prepare your equipment.

This is also an option Friendlyas your landlord can provide valuable advice on the most beautiful routes, local restaurants and even hidden corners in the area. Additionally, it is possible to accommodate the owner in the room, which may be more practical in one evening and even have the opportunity to share an aperitif or a meal!

Therefore, the exchange of houses makes it possible to merge Comfortable,,,,, economy wait Immerse yourself in local life.

4. Choose an adaptable bike

Bicycle choice is crucial. Choose a bicycle Good size wait The route that suits you : Hiking bikes, VTC, gravel, Vae…you don’t have to spend money. The most important thing is that the bike supports the weight of your bag and the position on the bike is comfortable for you.

have Handlebars of three big families : Flat (classic) clothes hanger, butterfly clothes hanger (several possible locations), Secton Race (Sports). Feel free to test before making a decision.

5. Take care of your bed cover in the saddle

Saddles are usually small details that can ruin travel if they are not suitable for travel. Make sure you have one Comfortable saddle wait The form that suits you. Tested it on several outings.

Ergonomic saddles associated with good threshold limiting pain and improving your endurance. remember: Comfortable It is the key to a successful trip.

6. Invest in a good bag

Forgot backpack: Because Keep your back wait Your bike balanceprefer bicycle bags. They are mounted on wandering racks, waterproof and solid for a quiet bike trip.

Several types of bags exist: front and rear bags, handlebar bags, duffel bags… choices must be made Depend on your journey and Number of services and equipment You must ship.

For a few days of course, we recommend that you forget the first price bag in all cases and choose resistance, comfort, and most importantly Tight (Faced with the unstressed rain).

7. Plan basic equipment

In terms of material aspects, take:

• Strong lighting for safety,
• Powerful padlocks to protect your bike,
• Practical accessories like isothermal gourds,
• If you are camping, a small stove,
• First aid kit.

lowestRepair tools (Multifunctional, pump, spare air chamber, Rustin) Must always accompany your outing even within a short distance.

8. Equip yourself correctly and prepare to face the weather

Good equipment will be different when traveling by bike. supply Technical clothing Adapt to the weather: Windproof or raincoat, breathable diapers to manage sweating, and warm clothing if you are driving at altitude or at night.

Don’t forget the protection measures to prevent sunlight (glasses, sunscreen). at last, Gloves and helmet For your safety, it is also highly recommended that you adjust well.

9. Gradually prepare your body

If you are not used to cycling, train upstream Short outputand then increase the distance bit by bit. Do you train too Cycling To assess the daily distance you can travel comfortably.

Even if you don’t need to do in-depth training, your body still has to adapt to the effort and long position on the bike. Training before a big start can also help you find your own Pedal rhythm : The key to travel without any difficulties.

10. Respect your rhythm

Don’t try to break the record. Bicyclism is not a competition, instead, travel slowly, spend time enjoying the landscape, visiting the village or discussing with residents.

So please don’t hesitate take a break Once you feel the need. To get to the end of your adventure, the pace must be pleasant and adapted to your physical condition.

11. Adjust your power and hydrate

The bike burns a lot of energy. supply snack Quick (dried fruit, energy bar, bread, cheese) and Replenish yourself regularly. Accessible jars and frequent rest to avoid fatigue. Diet balanced at night to recover well.

12. Stay adventurous

Finally, remember that everything may not go as planned: detours, capricious weather, piercing… It’s also the charm of bicycle tours. study Thanks for the unexpectedbe flexible and use every moment.

source:
(1) French Vélo Arisme