Bicycle
Touring Tips
Whether you
are renting a bike when you arrive or bringing
your own we have some travel tips that will
make your vacation a lot easier.
Renting
a bicycle....
There is a great
deal to be said for renting a bicycle while on holiday;
- Reduces the chance
of mechanical failure, spoiling your tour, rental company ensure worthiness
for their bikes and will have the necessary parts or a replacement
bike should things go wrong.
- As luggage a
bicycle is usually looked upon as sporting equipment for your vacation
so there is no extra charge but, it is a cumbersome piece of baggage
that you are not prepared to bring.
- You don't wish
to risk damage to your own bike.
- You don't have
a bicycle. Not every participant is an avid or even part-time cyclist.
- The bicycle tour
may only be part of your holiday and it may prove difficult to transport
for the rest of your vacation.
Should you decide
to rent and have a favorite seat or use toe clips or even clip less
pedals, bring them along the rental company will be glad to fit them.
Remember to take them home with you.
Bringing
your own bicycle...
If you have a bicycle
that you simply must ride on your tour then by all means bring it along.
Mountain bikers and racers quite often prefer to have their own bike,
this is for you.
- Make sure that
it is well packed in either a proper travel case (these are expensive
but can be rented from some bike shops). The most popular way is to
go to your local dealer and ask him to give you the most sturdy cardboard
bike box he has.
- Remove the front
wheel and put a spacer where the front hub goes, this will prevent
the forks from being crushed together.
- Remove pedals,
seat and seat-post.
- Without removing
any cables undo the handle bar stem and rap in an old towel or rag
(to protect the paint), then tie the bars to the top tube, electrical
pull-ties work great but don't forget to bring some for the return
journey because you will have to cut them off.
- Before putting
your bike in the box install extra cardboard in the bottom, this will
prevent the forks from puncturing through.
- The box will
have a cardboard guide to slot the back wheel in, lift your bike into
the box and then place the front wheel in along the opposite side
of the chainring (take out the front wheel quick release mechanism,
this will punch a hole in the box).
- Put pedals and
seat with post attached into the side space where the back wheel guide
is. Do not use the quick release from the front wheel in the box;
it may slip out at the corners of the box.
- You may wish
to cut something like foam pipe insulation to protect your frame from
scratches.
- Tape the box
well, even though the staples on the bottom look good, don't trust
them and tape right around it. Bring tape for return journey; it is
hard to find
in some parts of the world.
Travel
Tips
- Bring sunscreen
and sun glasses on every trip. The sun can get you even in the more
moderate climates of Northern Europe.
- Dress for the
climate and always have more the one pair of riding shorts. Good clothing
makes for a better ride. If you are not a regular rider seek advice
from a friend who rides or go to a reputable dealer.
- If you are bringing
a pair of running shoes for the trip, make sure that the shoe has
a hard stiff sole that will stand up for pedal pressure. Something
like a "Vans" skateboard shoe is great.
- A padded pair
of cycling gloves is another good investment. They protect your hands
and can double as a nose wipe.
- Bring rain gear
suitable for riding. It never rains on me but it just might on you
and even though you have the option of jumping on the support bus,
they say riding in the rain is fun.
- While riding
stay with the group that way you will have someone to talk to. Our
tours are conducted at a leisurely pace. If you must race up the road
make sure you know where you are going and were the pickup point is.
- Bicycle touring
has on thing in common with hunting, the English use the term bog-roll;
bring some toilet tissue in you bike bag. There is nothing worse than
trying to use grass or some other form of vegetation.
- Never go on a
bicycle tour without your camera. You are going to a beautiful place
and are going to meet some memorable people.
Finally, read up
on the place you are traveling through, it will enhance the trip ad
you will have a better idea of what to expect and what to look for.
These tips are provided
courtesy of Niagara Safari
Bicycle Tours.
Make it a great day . .
. Ride a Bike!
