Tips on Getting Ready fora Bike Rental Holiday

Tips on Getting Ready fora Bike Rental Holiday

Come spring and summer, it is common for adventure-minded folks to start off on biking vacations, typically to experience the thrill of hill climbs and warmer weather. Typically, these vacations require a fair bit of planning even if you are not taking your own bike but instead relying on the many bike rental companies to enjoy the scenic countryside and come back completely recharged and physically fit. However, as is well known, the secret to a truly enjoyable adventure holiday is in its preparation. Some practical and useful tips:

Ramp up Your Fitness Level

Most people overestimate their level of fitness and it comes as a shock to them that a task as seemingly easy as biking can deplete them physically. If you do not cycle regularly, it may be a very good idea to clock up a few miles before you actually make your trip. If you practice for about a couple of weeks, you will be better equipped to face long days in the saddle without getting tired and tying up disused muscles in knots. If your daily work schedule does not permit regular cycling, make it a point to take your bike out on the weekends and perhaps even do a two-day bike tour NYCto help your body get ready for the long rides ahead. Apart from the physical aspect, you will also be better prepared psychologically.

Discuss and Manage Expectations

If you are planning to go on a cycle tour with a group on rental bikes, it is very important that you know exactly what you are in for. Discuss your schedule, the sort of distances that you will be covering daily, whether the other members of the group are of the same experience level as you, and what the focus of the trip is. For example, you are expecting a peaceful and relaxed biking holiday and you land up in a group of experienced bikers wanting to use the occasion as a training camp, then you can very well imagine what your plight will be.

Make Out a Proper Schedule

If you are looking to spend four to five days or even more in the saddle, you should plan your trip in detail. Apart from including some of the more popular local climbs, you can dedicate each of the days to trips that also include sightseeing and a taste of the local culture and cuisine. If you plan to cover some especially challenging sections, do allow yourself some to relax too. Making some alternate plans in case the weather turns bad can save your holiday from being completely ruined.

Make Sure Your Bike Is in Proper Condition

Regardless of whether you are planning to ride on your own bike to take a bike on rental, there are a few things that are as off-putting as a bike that is not in a proper working condition. For enjoying a biking holiday or even a relaxed bike tour NYC, it is essential that your bike is in top condition so make sure that the bike you will be using is properly maintained. Look out especially for noisy pedals and chains, brakes that don’t work properly, wheels that are out of alignment or even types that are past their prime and can be a hazard on the roads. If your ride is going to include challenging terrains like steep climbs and descents or even twisty mountain trails with loose surfaces, you have got to be sure that your bike is good enough to tackle whatever you throw at it. Most reputable bike rental companies keep their bikes in top condition; however, you should always check your bike out and ask for a replacement if you are not satisfied. If you are using your own bike, then planon a hard case for your bike to travel in safely and securely.

Study the Expected Weather Conditions

Among the most important things that you should prepare for is the weather. While in sunny places, you can travel light, you also need to keep in mind that the weather too can change very quickly and dramatically so you should take care not to get caught out. Make sure that you carry layered clothing that you can add on or remove according to the temperature you are riding in. If it can get chilly, do include packable jackets, arm and leg warmers, and even a rain jacket. There are a lot of high-tech materials that are capable of wicking away the sweat so that you can keep comfortable even when the going is really strenuous and you are not constantly bathed in sweat or catch a cold due to your skin cooling rapidly while descending. A set of lights can be a great asset if you suddenly encounter dark tunnels on the mountain roads that are so common in Europe.

Make Sure You Have a Comfortable Saddle

Since the saddle is the main point of contact with your body, it is very important that your saddle is comfortable and you are used to it. Getting really good saddle on a rental bike can be quite a hassle since it is a very individual preference so it might be a good idea to take along your own saddle with you and have it fitted on to the bike that you will be riding. Ensure that you have quite a few pairs of very comfortable cycling shorts with you.

Conclusion

Whatever that you do on a biking holiday, you need to keep in mind that you will be able to enjoy it all the more if you take care of your diet. On long rides, carry protein and carb-rich food like protein bars, chocolates, and energy drinks and make sure that you keep yourself hydrated adequately to prevent cramps. If you are staying at hotels or eating out in restaurants on the trip, keep a watch on what you are eating and avoid the unhealthy stuff. Above all ride safely because you are on unfamiliar roads. It is a good practice to buy insurance; also check if the rental bike is insured.

Randy Stark is a leading blog writer and expert travel photographer. He has written numerous articles and blog posts.