Tips For A Successful Cycle Camping Tour

• 30th Jun 2016

A camping trip by bicycle can be a wonderful way to enjoy the natural beauty and varied attractions of the British Isles. You do not need to be an expert cyclist or an experienced camper to enjoy a cycle tour. However, there are certain things you should consider in order to make sure that your cycle trip goes according to plan:

Plan For Your Own Personal Fitness and Preferences

The wonderful thing about a cycle camping tour is that it can be as long or as short, as easy or as arduous as you like. You can head out for a few miles a day on a relaxing route, or push yourself on over mountain ranges completing a century ride a day. When you are at the planning stage for your cycle tour it is important to remember that you should always take your own personal fitness levels and preferences into account. You should be realistic about your abilities and those of any travel companions you may have. By all means push yourself to achieve more, but do not set unattainable goals or you may well be setting yourself up for disappointment.

Get The Right Gear and Bike And Prepare Them Carefully

The cycle trips on which you will have the most fun are those for which you are properly prepared. Make sure your bike and other gear is suitable for the route you want to do and that your tent will stand up to what the weather might throw at it. The right gear does not have to be expensive but should be in good working order and always fit for purpose.

Be Prepared For The Worst, Expect The Best

It is important to always approach challenges like a cycle camping tour with a positive attitude. But without an awareness of what could go wrong, you could end up getting into a bit of a pickle. Make sure you have clothing and equipment for the worst of weather and make sure you have the basic tools to fix any common problems with your bike or accommodation such as a puncture repair kit and basic items to make rudimentary repairs in the field.

Be Flexible While En Route

While you can prepare to a certain extent, it is important to remember that there will be plenty of elements on your adventure that will be outwith your control. It is important to be flexible while you are cycle camping. Do not be too fixated on doing exactly as you planned or you could actually end up making yourself feel miserable. If you are struggling with the terrain more than expected, there is no reason why you cannot cut yourself some slack and stop sooner than planned. If the weather turns nasty, there is no need to battle on. Relax, this is meant to be fun! Flexibility will make for a much more relaxed and enjoyable cycle camping trip.