Trip Preparation:

The simple "How-To" guide for the vagabon cyclist.

Considering a bicycling trip? Here are some simple, yet helpful suggestions that we've come up with to help maximize your enjoyment and to minimize injury or discomfort:

-Make sure you are in good physical condition. When the urge hits to participate in a tour or go on a bicycling vacation, it would be a good idea to train for your tour, before actually heading out. For example, if you want to go on a 100 mile ride, you could prepare for this distance by riding 25 or 40 miles at the most, a few days out of your week for about 6 months, before tackling the full 100 miles. Just remember not to burn yourself out and "overtrain." There is such a thing as "too much of a good thing."

-Before starting any high/low intensity activities, consult a medical professional. Enough said.....

-Always warm-up, never stretch cold muscles. (You can read more about this in our "Health" section.)

-Hydrate, make sure you take in enough fluids.

-Take periodic rest stops.....enjoy the ride. You're not competing against anyone else.

-Plan your destination and don't forget to tell a friend or a family member where you're going. Very essential in trip preparaton.....you gotta know where you're going and what you're heading into.....

-Bring a cell phone and extra batteries or a charger.

-Good trip preparation includes inspecting your bicycle thoroughly. Check all the cables, bolts and components. Make sure your tires have proper air pressure, brake pads are in top notch condition and your drivetrain is shifting properly (especially for hilly/mountain areas.).

-Check your protective gear; helmets, shoes, gloves, eyewear, lights, etc.

-When traveling with other people, make sure that your trip preparations include having enough supplies for each of you. Additionally, make sure that everyone has packed their own personal gear as well.

-Carry spare tubes, patch or repair kit, tools (not just any tools, but BIKE SPECIFIC ones: allen wrenches, chain tool, tire levers, etc.), first-aid kit, small flashlight, medication, etc.

-Carry extra clothing & toiletries.

-Good trip preparation also means being prepared for ANY emergency. Carry duct tape, all-purpose lubricant and flat sealer (See "Tech Tips" for more on these "fix all" remedies.)

-Carry enough water and dry food (granola bars, nuts, or dried bananas)

-Carry pepperspray and/or dog repellant. (**check your local laws before doing this as it may be illegal to carry pepperspray or other similar devices in your area or the area you will be traveling to). We'd like to believe that we live in a great world, but believe it or not, there are some crazy things out there that you need to keep an eye on.....

-Bring some money and/or debit/credit card, for those emergency purchases. You should also jot down the account number and phone number of the card you are bringing and keep it separate from your credit card, so in the unfortunate event that you lose your card, you can call the bank and report it right away.

-Don't forget your camera and extra batteries/film/memory cards.

-And last but not the least, carry a trash bag to bag up your own garbage. Let's keep the land beautiful.

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