Biking
holidays are fast becoming a popular means
of travel for many people. Search our online
tour database for options available through
hostelworld.com
Here are some things to consider:
WHAT TO TAKE
As little as possible is obviously the best
option. Remember you have to carry everything.
Side panniers are a good option. Generally
you can get away with the same sweaty gear
each day so pack light. Essentials would include
tools, maps, water bottles and snack food
for each day.
CAN YOU FIX YOUR
BIKE?
If you are not going with a tour or with
someone that knows there bikes then you
need to have a working knowledge of your
bike components. Most people that embark
on this kind of holiday know their apparatus
but obvious essentials are:
- spair inner tubes
- tyre repair kit
- tools for adjusting brakes, seat height,
and other parts of your bike
A trip to your local bike shop would be
the best place for more advice.
FOOD AND WATER
Take plenty of water and snacks for the
road like easy to access food bars and trail
mix like nuts, chocolates, dried fruit etc.
If your route will not give you ready access
to food then you need to plan adequately.
There are plenty of easy to prepare packet
foods now available on the market (avoid
heavy tins and fruit) that you may not even
have to cook (if you don’t want to
take a stove).
SAFETY
Always inform someone of your intended route
and check in with them as regularly as possible.
Make sure you have checked the weather forecast
and know what the normal weather is for
that time of year.
TOUR GROUPS/GUIDES
There are lots of tour companies now that
either rent bikes or take tours on bikes.
Check our online
booking options for ideas and sources.
ACCOMODATION
If there is no accommodation along the way
then you will need to prepare with adequate
shelter like a tent or bivvy sack for the
road. If you are on a well followed route
accommodation may be available in bed and
breakfasts, refuges, villages or hostels
along the way. Make sure you check in advance.
Try our online
booking options or get some literature
guides available through Amazon.com
like Lonely Planet or Rough Guides.
