Stunning landscapes, beautiful coastlines, picturesque villages, and historic landmarks fill England. As such, it is the ideal terrain for a spectacular bike tour you can take with your friends or family.
Exploring the breathtaking British scenery on a bike can be an unforgettable experience and the following set of steps will help you plan the trip with ease:
Choose the Route
Before you start planning the exact route, take a moment to think about the interests of you and your group. Come up with a theme you’d like to explore. For instance, you might want to see a magnificent castle, a stretch of a coast, or an idyllic wine country.
Next, be smart when it comes to the number of locations you’d like to see, as well as the number of days you would be comfortable with. Align both with the physical preparedness of everyone involved. The lack of energy and grumpiness that follows are some of the last things you need on the tour.
Have All the Right Equipment
Bike tours with loved ones are all about fun and quality outdoor time, but none of that is possible if you don’t get equipped with proper gear.
First and foremost, make sure you pack the essential repair kits that can help you fix common issues along the ride. Learning some basic maintenance tips, such as oiling the chain and cleaning the bike would also be of great help.
After that, think about your comfort and safety. Consider getting a helmet, adjustable seats, ergonomic handlebar grips, and other add-ons. With clothing, go for synthetic, quick-drying items instead of cotton, which holds too much moisture and takes much longer to dry.
Finally, get a pair of cycling gloves. Even though they seem like tiny details, they can make a vast difference, as they can support your grip and offer sun protection at the same time.
Pack Your Backpack with Care
The backpack you’ll be carrying with you can hold a limited number of items, and you need to pick those in a meaningful way.
First, make room for the essentials such as your smartphone with GPS or a route map. Next to it, you should have sunglasses, sunscreen, and emergency contact info. Of course, a water bottle or a hydration pack is essential for any trip. Also, you should have something nutritious on hand to keep you energized at all times. Consider packing nuts, fresh fruit, energy bars, or electrolyte powder. Last but not least, bring a first-aid kit in case an emergency comes your way.
Anything that can help you in case of unexpected circumstances such as injuries, bad weather, and navigation issues should find a place in your backpack.
Train for the Tour
Although it may seem too obvious, it is important to know that the best way to get ready for the tour is to spend as much time on your bike as possible. All other activities are helpful, but riding your bike regularly is essential. To be consistent with workouts, try to schedule them at the same time every week.
Next, even though other kinds of exercise cannot replace the riding itself, they can surely build your stamina and boost your overall physical readiness. For instance, during long rides, your legs are not the only body parts that get tired. It takes a toll on your upper body as well, and this is where regular strength training comes in handy.
Additionally, cycling can easily make your muscles tight, which can then cause muscular imbalances. Regular flexibility training can prevent this type of issue.
Popular Tour Ideas in England
As we already said, England offers endless inspiration when it comes to the selection of exciting bike tours. For instance, if you’re interested in history and education, you can take a tour through Oxford, going from the Bodleian Library to the River Thames and Port Meadow.
If you’re a history buff but you’re interested in an urban city tour, you can always explore London’s classic sights such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament, Covent Garden, and the St. Paul’s Cathedral.
But if you’re more attracted to coastal landscapes, you can cycle along the West Coast Path in Cornwall, the Solway Coast AONB, as well as the Isle of Wight’s lovely seaside towns.
Embarking on a bike tour is one of the most exciting ways to explore the beauty that surrounds you. And if you’re lucky enough to live in England – a country full of both natural, cultural, and historical wonders, you should use the tips listed above and start planning your next cycling trip right away.