Traveling around a country by bicycle is one of the most dreamed and exciting trips. However, very few manage to complete it. Whether your desire to do so is due to the love you have for cycling, to the desire to see this place at a slower pace (without leaving a too big ecological footprint) or to the intention to try because it is a feat. satisfyingly, discovering a place by bike can be a fantastic life goal. And you don't have to do it in your country. Some daredevil cyclists have explored different areas outside their own, choosing a foreign land for landscapes, interests, culture or other personal reasons. If you would like to try this fast-growing activity, you need to prepare well, be fit and know how to fix the vehicle, despite bad weather or difficulties. However, the rewards outweigh any effort, so start planning your life journey right now.
Steps
Step 1. Buy a good quality bicycle
You could borrow or rent it. However, if something does happen to it, you will have to spend more money on repairing or replacing it than you would on a new vehicle. So, you should save and buy your own. Do you already have a bike? You can only embark on this journey if it is in excellent condition and its useful life is not over yet. In case you are not sure, it is better to buy a new bicycle, specially designed for a long trip. But the possibilities don't end there. You can try to hit the road with the old bike, preparing for the possibility of replacing it on the way. To avoid problems, however, you need to know where you can buy the bike you want. And you should be around by the time the old woman gives up. Among other things, the new one may not satisfy you because you have not tried it before leaving, so you still don't feel it yours.
- The bicycle should be chosen with the other equipment in mind. If you will be traveling with your credit card, staying in motels and so on, you can opt for a lightweight frame. On the other hand, if you go camping, a touring bike, sturdy and with a steel frame, will come in handy. The extra pounds won't have a significant bearing on the rest of the load.
- If you have to rely on the bike you already have, get it checked properly by a professional. Replace parts that show signs of failure and parts that are worn out.
Step 2. Get ready
You have to be ready both physically and mentally. Understand that you will need determination, grit and the ability to endure at the expense of bad weather, muddy and muddy clothes, occasional falls, fatigue and the challenges of finding accommodation in some cases.. Time, food, shelter, fitness, and financial resources are all variables that can affect your mental well-being when you pedal constantly. If you have taken care of the logistics in detail, the stress will be much less.
- To prepare yourself physically you will need to get fit. Start by cycling short distances, at least six times a week. Run on the treadmill and lose weight. You will have to carry around every kilo, so get rid of the unnecessary ones (however you will lose weight by pedaling, so don't be drastic in weight loss). You have to train with the aim of traveling long distances. You should practice covering several kilometers by bike and pedaling uphill. Pedal to work, school, or other activities. Take every opportunity to do so, despite the climatic conditions.
- As you approach the day of departure, practice traveling long distances with the bike fully loaded (you don't have to use the same equipment that you will carry around, you can also use objects whose weight is equivalent). This will also help you understand how to fix each item.
- Use positive phrases to prepare for the trip. Do it as soon as you start programming it. Open the map of the country and repeat to yourself “I can do it!”. A good portion of the experience will test your willpower and determination. Only in this way can you go on even when you want to stop. Visualizing positive images, thinking about your success, will help you stay on the right track. This is how sportspeople prepare for competitions.
Step 3. Try to think through all the details before you leave
Make a map of the route you will follow and any changes in direction. It is a good idea to be aware of detours for safety reasons: if a road or route is closed due to a landslide or an accident, what are the alternative routes? You have to start thinking about all this from the beginning. There are many factors to consider, such as:
- Will you only travel the main roads or will you take shortcuts? Check your local laws to find out if you can ride on highways, main roads, provincial roads, etc. Make sure you do this right away. On many major roads, cycling is illegal, so try to know before you leave. The best roads have lower levels of traffic and are paved. If on the one hand the gravel and dirt roads are passable, it is better not to go only on these roads. When planning your route, try to avoid stretches of roads or routes without petrol stations that exceed 50 km. If you have to travel such a distance, make sure you have extra water and food and some means to report emergencies to another cyclist or passer-by.
- Calculate how long it will take you to get to your destination. Evaluate it reasonably. Cyclists who have little experience with long journeys will find it very difficult to do so the first few times. As a result, plan to pedal less at first and make enough stops to take in the views.
- Will you ride alone or in company? Traveling alone is lonely and less safe, although for some this is the best approach. An adventure companion can be a source of motivation and offer support; with a friend you can chat and share things to bring and expenses. Therefore, it is advisable to travel with at least one other person.
- Check your accommodation options well in advance. Are you planning to pitch a tent anywhere or would you prefer accommodation that allows you to have a bed and dinner served every night? Your choices will be influenced by your budget, location, personal preferences and availability of solutions. Some places, even campsites, require reservations in advance. Do your research in time. In many cases, you will need to call before you leave to reserve a tent spot or room, so take that into consideration. And don't neglect friends, relatives and acquaintances who offer you comfortable accommodation on the way!
- Establish the times dedicated to cycling and decide when you will stop. The time you leave the campsite or hotel should be clear each day. The same applies to the time of arrival at the destination. Trust common sense. If you leave the house at nine in the evening, it will be dark, or nearly so, in most places, even in summer. So you'll have to keep the lights on until morning. If you go out at nine in the morning, you probably won't need the lights on unless it's winter or there's a lot of fog. Furthermore, traveling at night has more unknowns: it is safer to do it during the day.
- Choose the season wisely. Cycling when it snows or during the hottest time of the year is never recommended. While it is possible to ride in extreme conditions, it is not prudent. You will hardly appreciate the experience, sabotaging the sense of travel. If you don't know how the different regions of the country you visit are affected by seasonal changes, do some research online or in travel guides, such as Lonely Planet or Rough Guide. And don't forget the direction of the winds! It's always a lot easier to ride with the wind in your favor, not the wind, so find out about the typical seasonal wind patterns for the places you're headed. This information may vary from one region to another.
- Take altitude into consideration. A completely flat land will cause you fewer problems, but few countries offer this possibility. Cycling uphill requires a lot of effort and a lot more energy. You will need to keep this in mind when planning distances and routes. Consider your expectations and compare them to reality. If possible, sometimes you may want to avoid pedaling too much uphill.
- Decide how to get home. Will you do a complete circuit and cycle home or will you go from one point of the country to another and then return by plane or train? The time you have and the desire to go home will affect your decision.
Step 4. Advertise the experience
If you will be cycling to collect charitable sources or to raise awareness on an issue, post an ad in the newspaper (and maybe even online, for example on Facebook). That way, more people will know about your idea and cause, which means more people will donate, offer free housing, or offer other forms of support. This step is certainly not necessary, but it is a good idea. If you are not going to ride for charity, you can still give your email address for help. Do you prefer to keep the trip to yourself? It is understandable, in fact you are not obliged to spread the rumor. You could always ask a couple of friends to help you out. You don't necessarily need (or want) the whole country to know.
Step 5. Check the bike
Examine it to understand what you should change to improve it (and to choose the right clothes to ride). Local bicycle transit laws will tell you how many lights and how many reflectors you will need; they will also indicate the other essential requirements. The bike must be 100% legal; you don't want to be fined on the other side of the world, right? Basically, a legal bicycle is safe (laws exist for this reason, not to bother you). And safety is your number one priority when taking such a trip.
- Make sure the bike tires are solid. If they aren't, inflate them. They must last for several kilometers before having to inflate them again. Remember, wheels often require 6 bars to operate safely. You have to choose the right tires for your bicycle; what applies to cars does not apply to this vehicle either. If in doubt, consult the manual.
- Tighten the handlebars and seat so you don't fall off the bike. The same rule applies as before. They should be fine for several kilometers before you need to tighten them again. In fact, they should last the whole trip after doing it just once. Don't worry if they don't hold up; take the necessary tools with you.
- Replace your helmet if you have recently suffered from a fall that is anything but soft. Helmets can save lives, and they did, and you definitely want to travel totally safe. If in doubt, change it. If it is old or has suffered a fall, replace it anyway, even if you have no particular doubts. Spending 100 euros for a helmet is preferable to losing your life.
- Clean your bicycle lights and reflectors, replace the batteries, and take supplies with you, you never know. Point a flashlight in the direction of the spotlights to check them. Look at the different angles as well.
Step 6. Prepare the backpack
Before leaving, fill your backpack and insert the necessary items also in the saddlebags of the bicycle, in order to distribute the weight evenly. Let's go into detail; you will need:
- Food. Canned foods are often the best choice because they don't spoil. You could put the sandwiches and stuffed wraps in a thermal container to keep them cool in hot weather. To stay energized, don't forget energy bars, fruit, nuts and seeds. Also, take some money with you to buy food on the way. Traveling in the summer? Exit the main road to look for berries and other fruits. Only do this if you know it is safe to eat these foods (they are not poisonous and have not been spray contaminated) and not go stealing on farms. In many cases, farmers sell cheap foods near their farms, so take a tour. By the way, food is never enough: you will need a lot of energy.
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Drinks. Don't forget that hydration is very important. In the beginning, you may want to carry plenty of water with you, as you don't know how much you will need until you have established a routine. Never underestimate water, carrying more than necessary is wise. Over time you will understand how much you will need based on your needs. However, having more is never a bad idea. Some cyclists prefer energy drinks, such as Gatorade, because they replace lost electrolytes. You might give it a try. Do you know that you will be able to find fresh water regularly? You can carry less. If not, calculate at least eight bottles, distributed between the two panniers, the backpack and the bicycle itself (you can buy special bottle holders). It might sound extreme, but it is necessary until you are certain of your needs.
Avoid carbonated drinks, energy drinks like Red Bull and alcohol. Fizzy drinks and energy drinks like Red Bull only give you energy temporarily, but after this spike a slump occurs. This means that you will be completely out of energy. Alcohol will have a bad influence on your sense of balance. Drinking and then cycling is illegal, not to mention the dangers you would run. Never combine these two activities
- Maps, compass / GPS. Knowing where you will go is essential!
- Emergency lights. In the event that one of the lights decides not to work or suddenly fails, you will need to have at least three spare of both types, both rear and front. The bicycle should have one light on the back, one front and one attached to the backpack. Doing a couple of math, it is clear that you will need nine spare lights. Is the light of the backpack the same as that of the bicycle? You won't have to bring so many then. About five will be enough. However, if all the lights are different, you will have to carry them all with you. It will be a long journey and it may take days, weeks, or even months to complete, so you'll have to play it safe.
- Emergency batteries. In addition to the spare lights, you will need batteries. In case you run out of them, don't be afraid, just take out the ones you kept in your backpack and everything will be fine. Carry about three packs of good quality batteries, like Duracells. If you opt for the cheaper ones, add more packs.
- Spare reflectors. In case one breaks, you will need it. You should take two or three red reflectors and two or three white reflectors with you. Although the reflectors are unlikely to break, a thief could steal one when you leave the bike somewhere. Without reflectors, your journey would be over, but if you have any, there will be no problems.
- Chain with padlock. Along the way, you'll be hungry at some point. If you want to get off the bike and have a bite to eat, you'll have to tie it up somewhere. Otherwise you run the risk of someone stealing it from you. To avoid this, buy a chain with a lock. Avoid combination openings. Experienced thieves can crack it in a second. Instead, before you can unlock the lock, you will probably have finished eating. You absolutely must not underestimate this factor. It is as important as the food. You can get locks for panniers as well, ask at a shop that sells items for the outdoors.
- Tools. You will need to have four. You will need an Allen key, a wrench, a flat head screwdriver, and a Phillips screwdriver. Go for a tool that contains them all, known as a bicycle multi-tool. Can't find one? Search online or bring individual tools. You may want to add a small first aid kit and one to remedy when the bike is flat. The first aid kit is used to treat shallow wounds, such as cuts and scrapes. In case of a serious problem, you will need to call the ambulance. The punctured tire repair kit will come in handy if a nail punctures a wheel while pedaling. It's never funny, but you have to be realistic. Although you need to take the bike to a professional as soon as it happens, the kit will help you fix it before you get there. You will also need to bring a pump (to use when the tires feel less stiff), a spare tire, a wheel lever and a pneumatic horn to warn people of your presence or to scare away animals in the wild or dogs.
- Sleeping / camping equipment. Sooner or later you will have to camp somewhere, so you will need a light tent and other basic equipment. Choose items that are lightweight, such as a one or two-person tent, titanium cutlery and other kitchen items, a lightweight sleeping bag, etc. Make sure sleeping bags are contained in waterproof bags to prevent rain or puddles from damaging them. Planning to sleep on the route requires deeper research, so you should find out about the best options, whether online or in books dedicated to those traveling by bike.
Step 7. Wear the right clothing
If you try to ride in a pair of jeans and a jersey, you won't get very far. You could also get hurt if you fall. Also, it will be difficult to see you. Recommended clothing items include padded shorts and a reflective jacket. If you fall, the shorts will protect you and the cars will be able to see you because you are wearing a reflective garment. Do you have no such clothing? Those with bright colors are enough, although adding reflective tape is a fairly simple operation.
- Get good rain gear. Raincoats suitable for cyclists cover the back as well as the upper body, lining it so that it is comfortable. If you travel in hot weather, you will have no problem getting your legs wet. Otherwise, you'd better buy some waterproof pants. Jackets should be brightly colored and reflective, especially the ones you wear when it rains.
- Lightweight jackets are a must-have for the cyclist. Perfect for the coldest and windiest days, they can protect you from the harshest weather conditions.
- Cycling gloves help you prevent irritation and various discomfort. In addition, they improve grip.
- Choose clothes that don't absorb sweat. And you'll sweat, even when it's cold.
- Sunglasses are a must, not only to avoid glare, but also to protect your eyes from insects and stones on the road.
Step 8. Always think about your safety
In addition to wearing comfortable clothes and taking all the measures listed so far, safety involves other aspects when traveling by bicycle. Here's how to avoid taking risks:
- Talk to a friend or relative back home regularly to update him. Indicate approximately the times you will be heard. That way, they'll know you're safe. If you have had an unpleasant experience, let this person know, especially if they can help you.
- Set up your mobile so you can quickly dial emergency numbers. Charge it regularly. Bring along a solar-powered charger, which you will put into operation as you pedal during the day. Of course, sometimes you won't have coverage, but many countries have the ability to call emergency numbers when there is no signal.
- If you feel in danger, stay in public places. If necessary, call the emergency number for help. Hang out with other people if you feel persecuted or followed and explain that you need help from the people around you.
- Wear quality clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to avoid UV damage.
- Stay hydrated and eat frequently.
- Stop when your body tells you it needs a break. You are not doing the Tour de France.
Step 9. Hit the road
Once you've packed your backpack, checked your equipment and planned your trip, you're ready to go. Get on the bike and start pedaling. But first, notify someone and tell them you will call them, especially if something should happen to you or if you need an emergency car ride. Make sure you are in the right shape to do it, remember your motivations just before leaving and, especially, be prepared to have fun and not lose your sense of humor.
Step 10. Take breaks
If you know you can't pedal for seven straight hours, why do it? Don't worry if you can't finish part of the trip in one day, take several breaks. If you've brought food with you (don't forget it), eat it so you won't be hungry anymore. If you are thirsty, drink some water. After eating, wait for at least 10 minutes before getting back on the road so you don't have lunch left on your stomach. By the time you are on your second or third break, you may have run out of food. If so, stop by a grocery store or fast food restaurant for a bite or make some sandwiches. Enjoy the journey as much as reaching your destination.
Advice
- Lightening up your bike could come in really handy. But it should be safe. A sturdy bike is more useful than a light one in this case.
- If you're planning on exploring the United States, check out The Adventure Cycling Association's website (www.adventurecycling.org) for helpful planning information and plenty of maps to plan your rides. Many other countries offer similar sites, geared towards cyclists who want to experience this adventure. Just do an online search.
- You can find almost everything you need in a shop dedicated to cycling. However, if you are looking for camping gear, go to a specialty store.
- Do you like to write on your blog? You may post updates during the trip. Do it constantly. You can indulge in it in internet cafes, using your mobile phone or in places where you stay. It can be a fun way to keep motivated, especially thanks to the supportive comments from your readers.
- After this long ride, you will likely lose weight. Are you on a diet? It can be your motivation. Imagine the body you will have when you return.
- If necessary, take a break every two to three hours.
- Get motivated by some friends. Invite them to accompany you for part of the trip, or for the whole experience.
Warnings
- The journey could take days, weeks or even months. This means that you should have time to do this, that you need to have emergency plans planned, and that you should be prepared to sleep uncomfortably in some cases (if necessary).
- If you get tired, stop and rest / sleep right away. It's not worth risking your life. Cycling when you are exhausted is dangerous.
- If you don't carry enough emergency supplies, you could find yourself in a sea of trouble. It is a good idea to know the addresses of all cycling shops on or near the route. Use your cellphone / GPS to find them.
