An Introduction to Cycle Touring
Cycle touring is a great way to explore at your own pace while giving you a sense of freedom and adventure.
However, if you have not previously been on a cycle touring trip the idea may seem daunting. This introduction will give you some practical suggestions on the basic things.
You need to consider before giving cycle touring a try. With the days getting longer and summer on the horizon now is a great time to think about possibly trying out cycle touring. You might get hooked like I did.
At this point it’s worth clarifying the terms ‘cycle touring’ and ‘bike backing’ as you might have heard both. ‘Bike packing’ is a form of cycle touring where the focus is on carrying minimal gear, with smaller bags and often travelling quickly and sometimes over more challenging terrain. Regular ‘cycle touring’ usually involves carrying more gear in bigger bags, ultimately providing more comfort at the end of the day – although pedalling with more weight, so often a lower average speed. However, both disciplines are forms of cycle touring and I prefer not to distinguish too much between them.
In this article I’m using the term ‘cycle touring’ to cover any bike trip which involve at least one overnight stay, regardless of what gear you bring or what type of bike you ride.
The main things to think about if planning to dip your toe into cycle touring are:
· A bike
· Bike bags
· A route to cycle
Bike
While some bikes are more suitable for touring than others, any type of bike will do to get started. For example, a road worthy road bike, mountain bike or hybrid will work fine. However, given that you will be carrying some extra weight, a bike with a good range of gears is best, especially some lower ones for the hills.
If you ultimately become a regular cycle tourist, you may decide to get a more touring specific bike. There are purpose built touring bikes available but gravel bikes and other types of ‘adventure bikes’ are also commonly used for touring.
Bike Bags
Bike bags can vary from large saddle bags, frame bags, handlebar bags to panniers each with the capability to carry different amounts of gear. For a short trip, e.g. over a few nights, a saddlebag might be sufficient but for a longer trip panniers are often a better choice. However, with panniers you will also need to fit a rack to your bike to carry your panniers. Saddle bags, frame bags, handlebar bags can all be attached to the bike without the need for any additional attachments.
People are sometimes tempted to use an ordinary backpack while cycling but this is not recommended as it is likely to become very uncomfortable cycling with a backpack unless it is small and light. See images of various bike set-ups here including all the above.
Choosing a route to cycle
If you are new to cycle touring, it is advisable to start with a short trip. A trip over a weekend with one or two nights away is a good way to start. You’ll learn a lot, in particular about your bike and bag set up – often discovering things you may need to adjust or change.
For a first trip, choose a daily distance and amount of climbing well within your normal cycling capabilities. Don’t forget your average speed will be slower when you are carrying bags on your bike.
Its advisable to plan a specific route, certainly for any initial trips. This can be done on any of the route planning apps such as Komoot, Ride with GPS, Strava or even on Google maps set in cycling mode. The easiest way to follow the route is with a GPS device on your handlebars or you could use your phone.
When choosing a route you will need to consider accommodation each night. It’s usually best to plan and book this in advance. The last thing you want after a day’s cycling is to be stuck for a place to stay! It’s advisable to get a place where you can securely leave your bike for the night. This may be something you need to confirm in advance by phone.
Of course, you may choose to bring a tent and camp. If you are new to camping, I’d also recommend that you have a plan for where you are going to camp. This can usually be done online through a website providing details on campsites available.
In Ireland it is not officially permitted to ‘wild camp’ – which means camping outside a designated campsite. However, this is practiced by some cycle tourists. If you decide to do this it is important to seek permission from the landowner before camping.
Following a few short ‘experience gaining’ trips you should be in a position to consider a longer trip – maybe in Ireland or maybe even abroad. Some other general tips are provided below:
Route choice
· For the most enjoyable trip plan a route that avoids busy roads - stick to local roads or greenways.
Gear – don’t over pack - stick to essentials including
· Spare tubes, a multitool, tyre levers, a pump, a spare chain link
· Even if its summer, bring warm gear for nighttime, and lightweight rain gear.
· A couple of water bottles (or a hydration system).
· A small first aid kit.
Bike and bags
· Even on a short trip try your bike out when loaded up – cycle up and down the road a few times to make sure it all seems OK before you set of on your trip. You may find you need to adjust something.
Learn Basic Bike Repairs
· Know how to fix a puncture and repair a broken chain.
Lights and a bell
· Even if not planning to cycle after dark bring lights in case you need them – for example to cycle to get food from your place of accommodation
· It’s advisable to wear bright clothes that give you the best chance of being seen as soon as possible by motorised road users
Embrace the Adventure
· Be flexible - things won’t always go as planned.
· Take breaks, enjoy the scenery, and talk to locals.
· Keep a positive mindset, and don’t stress over small setbacks- they are likely to occur.
There are quite a few Facebook groups related to Cycle Touring. Here are two that might be helpful for ideas and questions.
Cycle Touring and Bikepacking Ireland
Bicycle Touring and Bikepacking in Europe
Doug Corrie – Doug is a member of the team at Cycling Ireland and is EuroVelo Route Manager for Ireland. Doug has extensive experience cycle touring throughout Ireland and Europe.
For any further advice on Cycle Touring in general or about the EuroVelo routes in Ireland contact info@euroveloireland.ie