First Time Touring? Where to Even Start?!

Simple tips to get you going on your first bike tour.

Planning any bike tour can be a daunting task. Planning your 1st tour even more so. Inertia and Apprehension are probably the biggest reasons people don’t do one. If this is the case, I have 4 easy considerations for you!

Four Step Plan

Step 1. Start Small + Convenient

The shorter the route, the more likely you are to do one and the less gear you will need. The easier it is to get to, the more likely you are to do one.

Think about routes that are 1-3 days long and no more than 30-50 miles a day. SpokenLocal is certainly a great resource. Remember, bike touring is a little different than a road race or workout. You really want to savor the experience, enjoy the local flavors and RELAX!

Success ≠ Miles Biked

Success = Enjoyment

Step 2. Start Established

Pick a well-established and safe route that is designed for cycling. SpokenLocal is certainly a great resource, But it’s not the only one! Rail-Trails are also a great place to start your search. These routes are typically safe, car-free and have the necessary infrastructure around long-distance biking.

Step 3. Think about what you want out of the experience

Culture, Nature, Meditation, Fitness, etc. These are all valid things to get out of a bike tour. To be honest, you’ll most likely get a combination of these things. Since there are so many route choices, thinking ahead about these things can help guide WHERE you decide to do your first ride.

For example, if you want a workout, you may opt for more mountainous terrain or a longer route in less time. Whereas a more cultural interest may take you to places with unique stops or towns along the way.

Step 4. Define Basic Logistics

Once you have a basic route lined out, think about some essential logistics. Here are a few to get you going:

Camping vs. Beds. For the 1st go around, I’d recommend a roof over your head (Hotel, hostel or BNB) so you don’t need to carry extra camping gear.
How will you get to the start/end points? Is this an Out and Back or Point to Point?
- If this is a Point to Point, how will you get from the end to the start?
What kind of bike do you have. I’d recommend doing a route which can handle the kind of bike you own. Check this article to see the pros/cons of your bike.
Essential Bike Touring Gear (Remember this is bare minimum! Longer and/or more complex tours will need more)

Lessons Learned after your first ride

Consider your 1st tour as a great way to learn more about yourself. Expect the fact that you don’t know a lot and EMBRACE the unexpected. This is the best part of bike touring. Feel free to use the questions below as Lessons Learned:

Do you even like bike touring? If so then consider investing in some better gear
What did you enjoy?
What extra stuff did you carry? What did you forget to carry?
Is camping feasible for you? Or do you want to carry less gear and opt for more comforts
What types of exercises do you need to do to plan for a longer tour?
How did your body feel after 30, 40 and 50 miles?
What was the craziest thought that popped up in your head on the tour?
Did you meet anyone cool along the path?
Did you ever have feelings of doubt that you couldn’t finish? If so, what prompted those feelings. What coping mechanisms did you employ to combat them.
What environmental factors are more suitable? Hot vs. Cold, wet vs. dry, rivers vs. mountains, climbs vs flat, remote vs. crowded.
What did you feel once the day was done?
What’s the 1st thing you’d tell a friend when you return back home?