Want to escape for a few days? Get active while discovering new landscapes? Cycling touring is surely for you! Over the past few years, this leisure sport has been growing in popularity across France. On the occasion of the World Cycling Day on 3 June, Cimalp explains how to go on a cycling tour.
Choosing the right gear
Choosing your touring bike
To set off on a cycling tour with peace of mind, you don't need much equipment. If you're a beginner, keep it simple and head out on your mountain bike, hybrid bike or road bike. The key thing is that it has a pannier rack so you can attach two bags. Before you leave, make sure above all that the tyres are inflated, the saddle is properly adjusted and the lights are working.Equipment preparation
When preparing your cycling gear, it is recommended to place your heaviest items at the bottom of your panniers. This lowers your bike's centre of gravity and makes it easier to handle. Also make sure to keep items you might need within easy reach. The best approach is to organise your belongings by how often you use them so you can find everything easily. To avoid running into trouble during your ride, make sure you also carry essential tools such as a puncture repair kit, a spare inner tube, a multi-tool and a pump.The right clothing choices
For cycling, you can kit yourself out using the three-layer system. If you'd rather not wear lycra, at least choose a breathable base layer. To protect yourself from the cold, you can opt for fleece clothing. Finally, it's essential to have weatherproof clothing to handle whatever conditions you might encounter along the way. Another must-have item is a hi-vis safety vest to keep you clearly visible at night.Getting ready for a cycling tour
The duration of the hiking trip
A cycling tour can last anything from a single day to several weeks. As for the number of kilometres to cover, it all depends on your level and what you want to get out of it. Bear in mind that cycling touring doesn't necessarily require you to be a high-level athlete — it adapts to everyone. If you want to make good progress while still having free time to explore your region, aim for somewhere between 50 and 70 km per day.Route planning
Planning your route carefully before heading out on a cycling tour is essential. For beginners, the easiest approach is to look up cycle routes or greenways online before you go. These guarantee dedicated infrastructure for non-motorised travel. The cycling community is large, and you can also rely on collaborative apps such as Komoot or Geovelo to map out the route that suits you best. Finally, don't forget to take your phone or a map to navigate during your journey.Choosing your accommodation
If you're heading out for several days, there are various accommodation options available to you. The more adventurous can opt for a tent, while others may prefer the comfort of a hotel or a gîte. Another option highly popular among cyclists is free accommodation with fellow cycling enthusiasts through a network built on mutual support called Warmshowers. As well as offering you a bed for the night, your host can give you excellent tips for exploring their region.
© Mojito trail Production
Ultimately, going on a cycling tour is relatively straightforward and requires little equipment. To make sure you have no problems and enjoy a rewarding experience, it's important to prepare well by bringing the necessary gear and clothing, and by planning your route in advance. On top of being a genuinely enjoyable activity, the cycling touring is eco-friendly and a great way to protect tourist destinations.
