Yes, You Can Pack up your things, get on your bike, and hit the open road. It’s easier than you think. By Lucy Burningham When Pippa Keene went on her first bicycle tour on the paved roads of Ireland, she rode a fat-tired mountain bike and took gold lamé pumps and a miniskirt. The year was 1985; and while Pippa knew little about the nitty-gritty of bicycle touring, she wanted to power herself across the countryside and be self-contained along the way. Instinctually, she understood the beauty of the activity. Similar to backpacking—but with the addition of two wheels, more speed, and some civilization—bicycle touring allows riders of all levels to get to know towns, cities, coastlines, mountain passes, and even entire countries with the intimacy that comes only from discovering the world from the seat of a bike. And it’s not as difficult as you might imagine. Tours come in all types, from supported trips (where a company provides food, lodging, and mechanical assistance) to self-supported adventures where you either camp and cook meals or stay in bed-and-breakfasts and eat in restaurants. Choose a tour based on your budget (which could be as low as $25 per day, even when traveling in the United States, if you cook and stay in campgrounds) and the amount of gear you want to carry. For the most part, Pippa does self-supported rides by herself. Her first tour inspired seven epic, summer-long bicycle trips in different parts of the world. And while she doesn’t suggest that everyone ride alone or for months on end, she does encourage women not to be intimidated. “I don’t think women know that they can do whatever they want,” she says. “Just think about it as doing a day ride—one that doesn’t bring you back home.” Prepare Body (and Mind) Missy suggests viewing any trip as a series of small rides. “I make small commitments,” she says, “to making it across a state, to the next big town, or, on harder days, to the campground where we’ll spend the night. Take baby steps, and before you know it you’ll have cycled much farther than you ever thought you could.” Taking a bicycle safety course (such as from the League of American Bicyclists, www.bikeleague.org) will help you feel more comfortable around traffic during any ride (they’ll recommend having a helmet and a handlebar mirror). And sign up for a bike maintenance class, offered at many bike shops and through bicycle clubs, to learn how to use the tools you’ll bring along—a patch kit, two tubes, and a multi-tool with a wrench for every screw on your bike. Get Geared Up Pack at least two bags, or panniers, one for each side of the bike, and use a handlebar bag for easy access to necessities like money and sunscreen. Strap oversized items such as sleeping pads to the rack itself. Practice packing your panniers so they have equal weight to keep your bicycle balanced. Pack minimally but don’t be scared of weight—you’ll get used to the load quickly. Missy hauls 90 pounds every day, counting bicycle and gear. The amount of stuff you carry will depend on your budget and destination (remote country calls for more gear). If you’re staying in motels and eating in restaurants, your packs will weigh less than those of a camper hauling food, a stove, a tent, and a sleeping bag. But being prepared means having enough water, food, clothing, rain gear, and first-aid supplies no matter what. Always plan for the worst: hours of blinding rain. Panniers should be waterproof, and don’t leave home without full rain gear: gloves, booties, pants, and a jacket. Consider wearing wool and nonsynthetic materials to cut down on body stink, and carry a sarong that can be both worn as a skirt and used for shade and as a towel or sheet. Missy says she wouldn’t have been able to do her long trip without a tarp and some string, which creates protected hangout spaces over picnic tables and grass. Before you leave, make a plan. Have a good map (see sidebar) that shows campsites and smaller roads and decide how far you want to ride each day. Remember, however, that there’s nothing wrong with altering your plans once you’re out there. Hit the Road Don’t forget to take care of your body. Take supplements for your joints if you’ve had knee problems. Use shammy butter (Pippa swears by A+D diaper ointment) to prevent chafing. Eat plenty of calories each day to refuel, especially protein-rich foods. Carry energy bars and two bottles of water and refill whenever possible. Not only will you understand why Ernest Hemingway said, “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them,” but you’ll start daydreaming about your next tour before you’ve even finished your first.
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Resources Adventure Cycling Association Sells detailed, well-developed touring maps and suggests routes. The group also offers organized tours and online info, including bike maintenance tips, ride journals, and ride-companions-wanted listings. www.adventurecycling.com BackroadsA reputable, established “active” travel company that offers high-end, fully supported bicycle tours around the world, from the national parks and the wine country of North America to rural China or the Swiss Alps. Offers family-specific trips. www.backroads.com Missy and Shane’s All Around US Tour Get a sense of life on the road from one couple’s journey around the United States. Their site includes a blog, photos, a gear list, and more. www.missyandshane.com Warm ShowersA list of people around the world who offer hospitality to touring cyclists—from a place to pitch a tent to meals, hot showers, or a bed. www.warmshowers.org WomanTours Offers affordable inn-to-inn bicycle tours for women. Most trips take place in the United States and range from a four-day tour of the Maryland coast to an 83-day cross-country journey. www.womantours.com |
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