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There is a variety of cyclists out there with a steadily growing
number, but no two are alike. True, they have all caught the cycling bug
at one time or another, but the different approaches to it can be
stunning. There are those who only commute on bikes for economic,
environmental or convenience reasons. There are others who are obsessed
with the athletic aspect of it (always in search for the half a pound
lighter tire to give them the tiny boost in speed). Some take it up
because they want to work out and running is too stressful on the
joints, others because everyone else is doing it, some because the
traffic is hell where they live (tens of thousands of Chinese bike to
work for this reason alone!) and others because they can't afford a car.
Whatever the reason, I suspect most of them can't help falling in love
with it (I'm sure there are exceptions to this but hey, why talk about
those guys?). I know I did because my impulsive purchase of a bike is
the beginning of the road that eventually led me to starting a long
distance cycling company.
So yes, I belong to the tribe for whom a bicycle is more than a tool to get to the supermarket. I like to explore on my bike - the farther, the better!
There are dozens of websites and forums today where you can easily find information about what a long distance bike rider needs - the number of bike tourers is larger than ever! But I do admit that it can be daunting and a little overwhelming from time to time. So I decided to write something for the newcomer who wants to set sail (or wheel, if you prefer) to the far off hills and doesn't quite know what this takes. Keep in mind that these are humble opinions of a biker who doesn't match up to those who traveled the world on a bicycle and came home to write a book about it. In fact, as you will learn further below, as much as I like biking I have never really engaged in the more robust form of it that includes a whole lot of camping in some pretty wild places. For me, maybe because I did most of my trips alone as a woman, the options were a little more limited and became clear preferences over the years.
Long Distance Touring - The Literature
I think when you are reading through the material out there (and there is a lot of it these days!) the first thing you have to understand is that whether its books or blogs, almost all current 'long distance biking' literature is based on the assumption that you are traveling with your own tent and cooking pot, ready to play Survivorman in the wild. This was surprising to me because although I enjoy the occasional sleeping under the stars, I never was and still am not a huge fan of camping. I know this raises eyebrows in the hardcore biker community where the hardship and pain is worn almost like a badge but to be perfectly honest, because I like my hot shower after a long ride and my soft bed without critter problems in the night and I do like good coffee (or tea - depends what country you are riding through) in the morning just as much as I like riding and sweating long hours. As someone who passionately loves biking I can understand the appeal of being a true nomad and completely self-sufficient to go where no man has gone before on two wheels, but since I rode alone for most of my adventures, I do appreciate not only the comfort but also the security of adding hotels and pensions to my long distance rides. Since this is where my experience lies, this style of long-distance riding is the one I will focus on in this article. There is tons of literature for the bikers who want more from their adventure, but not so much for those who like to go the distance in a more convenient manner.
Both kinds of tours extend far beyond the home-to-work commute though, so there are requirements you should always take into consideration.
What kind of Bike?
While wading through the long list of must-haves in forums and books for long distance riders, you should always keep in mind that by choosing not to camp, you practically eliminate a huge number of those items. The way I see it, instead of putting the money into a ton of gear I will have to maintain, repair and re-buy (and probably trip over in the non-touring winter months), I'm putting the money into nice hotels with open buffets and AC. For one thing, you don't have to invest into a super-sturdy-best-of-its-kind-the-ultimate-and-only touring bike (which most surely comes with an outrageous price tag) when you are not planning to carry all your camping gear for the next week(s) around with you. Although it's always a plus to have a good bike for obvious reasons, it is not a MUST if you are not planning to carry heavy load. All the professional touring bikes are built to maximize your load capacity as well as offering very sturdy (and often a little on the heavy side) frames, front and back racks, drop down handsets. If you are like me and are not a fan of one or more of those features, you actually have the option to take a bike you find much more comfortable on long distance tours when you decide to stay in hotels overnight. My first bike as an adult was a Dahon Mu and ever since, despite having listened to the voice of the forums and having bought a proper touring bike for a few thousand dollars, I still feel most comfortable and efficient on bikes with straight handlebars and lighter on the scale. I don't know if this is because I rode that Dahon anywhere and everywhere and it left an imprint on me or if it is simply because my riding style and body anatomy finds it easier to handle a Dahon than the heavy and somewhat big touring bikes.
Also, touring bikes are expensive. And they usually look it, too. I do have one and chaining it outside on a New York street or a country I don't know well or a country I do know well enough to know there are bike thieves lurking in every shadow always made me feel uncomfortable. The idea that I could walk out a store 5 minutes later and realize my bike was gone brought a certain panic with it because a) the price tag makes them very painful to replace and b) now you are stuck in the middle of nowhere without a commute. Thankfully this never happened to me, but riding around in a very expensive looking bicycle added an extra layer of discomfort and stress to the journey.
I think it is important to really know what you like and what you intend to do on your trip to come to an opinion of what kind of bike you will need. I like comfort and I like to have the peace of mind of leaving my stuff in a hotel to go out and stroll around the town I'm in or scout through ancient ruins when I'm touring. Others enjoy something fewer and fewer people get to experience in our day - self-isolation from the increasingly high-traffic life of modern 21st century life and the luxury of self-retrospect in the midst of a very crowded world. Make sure you try both to decide what suits you best (and perhaps you enjoy both at different times) and build your trip around that idea.
For long distance riders who prefer residing in hotels and pensions overnight, the needs for a long trip are far fewer. You will still have to carry a good number of items on you, but these are nothing compared to a camping tourer.
For one thing, make sure you choose a bike that allows a back rack to be installed. Not every bike frame allows this so picking one that does is essential! Chances are you won't need a front rack (unless you are a pack rat) but a back rack on a bike is necessary. You can choose to bring a backpack along and most likely will have to for longer rides, but backpacks can get very uncomfortable after the first 10 miles, therefore I do recommend letting the bike carry most of your load and keep lighter (and more important items such as wallets, phones etc.) in your backpack. A simple rack is good enough because you can find simple panniers to clip on it without having to add a ton of fancy gadgets. A pannier on each side of your bike and a light backpack should cover all your needs if you pack smart.
Biking Gear
The necessity of wearing a helmet is a continuing debate. I understand how constricting they are, but I am convinced that they can avoid some serious injury if you get into an accident like I did. There is a substantial difference between your head hitting asphalt naked or with a helmet on. So to me, helmets are a must. I do like the airy and lighter versions though because sweating on long rides definitely makes helmets uncomfortable - the more so if they are closed and tight. Always buy helmets from stores because a good fit is important. Once you know your size and preference you can opt for online shopping.
Most people swear on biking shoes and the corresponding pedals. Just like the bigger and more refined touring bike, I found both the shoes and the pedals very uncomfortable. I was told that there is substantially less effort spent with them and I don't doubt it. But despite trying for many weeks, I just could not overcome the fear that when I needed to step on the brakes very quickly and sharply, I would not be able to un-click them fast enough to put my feet on the ground. But I think what made it really impossible was the fact that when you are touring long distance, you do get off your bike often to take pictures or walk into a corner grocery or walk your bike if you are very tired and the hill is simply too steep. During these times biking shoes felt very uncomfortable to me and even if you resign to the inconvenience of changing your shoes for those activities, you really can't afford to carry a second pair of shoes on you if you want to pack smart and light. So if you are already used to them and feel more efficient with them, go for it but if you are like me and prefer regular low-heel sneakers, I can tell you that they won't be a problem on a long trip.
When you first start biking, you really need almost nothing at all. When your rides begin to get longer and start to serve other purposes than just commute, you realize you actually need many things. As someone who rode long enough with a simple short and t-shirt, I can say with confidence that biking gear and gloves will make your ride MUCH more enjoyable. The moisture absorbance of your clothing and a good pair of cut-finger gloves are far more important in long rides than they are on short commutes. Although one can argue that they are not essential, I believe that the better you feel at the end of the day, the more you will enjoy your trip, which is the objective of the adventure in the first place. If you feel sore and miserable after each day, cycling will turn into an ordeal, not a vacation.
Bring water - yes. Tons of it? That depends. Unless you are riding through a really barren and uninhabited landscape, chances are you will get a chance to stop and buy more water very often. Therefore I only keep a single bottle on me and replenish it as needed. A more important thing to me is food, because I'm picky with mine. Being both vegetarian and sensitive about nutritious food, I discovered in my earlier years that most groceries or delis outside of New York don't offer a huge variety of snacks for me. If you don't want to feel sudden dizziness due to lack of nutrition and opt for the greasy donuts or the sugary chocolate bar, I suggest you have some good energy or granola bars and perhaps some fruit on you. Again, not enough to sustain you for days! Just enough to energize and finish the daily mileage.
Even when I was younger I had joint sensitivity. I discovered this quite painfully when I tried to join the popular trend of running in New York. Despite being told that the discomfort and pain would diminish as my muscles got stronger, it never did and I finally gave it up. In the winter months I speed-walk on treadmills to stay fit and in the summer I bike. But as the years passed, opting for these gentler exercises wasn't enough so I finally caved in and started joint pills. I must say that the right one really does wonders for your body. I tried a lot of different brands and am currently very happy with Bio-flex. But I also make sure to bring along tiger balm or muscle pain gel along with me wherever I go. An application before the ride and, if necessary, in the evening after a shower helps me to ride a mileage that would be torture without them. On longer rides, I highly recommend them.
One of the most frustrating things on road trips is getting lost and it happens more than you can imagine. I have been a New Yorker for 15 years and I would be lying if I said I did not get lost at some point on an overwhelming majority of my weekend trips to the beach or a park. If this sort of thing happens to you often in cities as uncomplicated as New York, you should know that riding a bike with a single printed map is not an option for you. Maps are very nice, but they don't always give you an idea of where you are and how to get back on your original route. A gps or a device that has a gps is very important. I use my iphone for almost everything and I can't imagine going anywhere without it. Other than the obvious need for a phone and a means to connect to the internet, it serves as my guide on tours. Mobile phones are very useful in the US and most European countries where you will rarely have connection. But remember that they are less effective in other countries so make sure that you bring along an updated map (this is important because some countries, like Turkey, will change comparatively fast so the hotel in the older version might not be there when you finally make it to your destination) along with your phone/gps. I also recommend the phone for the music feature. As minimal as it sounds, music can add a lot of energy and enthusiasm to your journey.
Some people ride without goggles and are perfectly fine. I am not a fan of sun glare and runny eyes, so I wear sunglasses. The important thing is to pick something that is light, prevents glare and is not too dark. After several pairs I settled for the HD glasses I saw on tv. Yes, they are cheap but they do the job remarkably better than some of the far more expensive goggles I have. Also, sometimes cheap is not so bad because you can have 2 and replace a broken or lost one without regret.
And last but not least, some essential repair tools for your bike are a must. The most common mishap is a flat tire, easy to fix with very few and simple tools. Despite being a cycling enthusiast I am not a very skilled in mechanics and the repair of more complicated bicycle problems is beyond me. Believe it or not, even learning how to fix a flat tire was a challenge for me. I did, however, watch dozens of YouTube videos on the most common bike problems and practiced them on my own bike before I started long tours. Everything can be found on the internet these days so if you cannot find a class or lecture in your hometown for a hands-on education, make sure you watch some videos and feel confident enough before you plan anything else. To this day there is a lot I don't know how to fix on a bike but I never needed to, because I do avoid the fringes of a country so I know that there is always a bike repair shop somewhere close enough to go to.
These are my essentials. You can add the legally required items on this list of course (front and back light and a bell in New York) as well as common sense stuff like extra clothing (one extra pair should be enough. Clothing is not very expensive and can be obtained in any town if yours becomes unusable. You should, however, bring along several pairs of underwear because you might not find a laundry shop everywhere you go), some rain gear such as a light raincoat and longer pants, charger for your phone (yeah, it is left behind more often than you would imagine), extra cash (outside of the big cities and especially overseas always cash>credit cards. It gives you buying power where credit cards are not accepted and bargaining power where they are. Do not bring along a huge amount but always have some on you and withdraw more from banks or ATM machines if you run low), a light jacket to put on when you take a break and especially when you go into a store with AC (I always put my jacket on when I stop riding. Although it might look ridiculous in the summer, it is very easy to get sick because you might not feel cold but your body will), a rag and chain lube to apply to your bike every few hundred miles (theoretically these can be found in cities and towns but unless I have a mechanical problem, going around looking for bike repair shops is a waste of time for me on my vacation, so I will bring these along and the oiling makes a huge difference in the quality of your ride).
I hope I have managed to touch the most important points for those who wanted to have a quick idea about what long distance bike touring my way requires. I'd be happy to hear your input and include oversights if I haven't!
Happy Cycling!
So yes, I belong to the tribe for whom a bicycle is more than a tool to get to the supermarket. I like to explore on my bike - the farther, the better!
There are dozens of websites and forums today where you can easily find information about what a long distance bike rider needs - the number of bike tourers is larger than ever! But I do admit that it can be daunting and a little overwhelming from time to time. So I decided to write something for the newcomer who wants to set sail (or wheel, if you prefer) to the far off hills and doesn't quite know what this takes. Keep in mind that these are humble opinions of a biker who doesn't match up to those who traveled the world on a bicycle and came home to write a book about it. In fact, as you will learn further below, as much as I like biking I have never really engaged in the more robust form of it that includes a whole lot of camping in some pretty wild places. For me, maybe because I did most of my trips alone as a woman, the options were a little more limited and became clear preferences over the years.
Long Distance Touring - The Literature
I think when you are reading through the material out there (and there is a lot of it these days!) the first thing you have to understand is that whether its books or blogs, almost all current 'long distance biking' literature is based on the assumption that you are traveling with your own tent and cooking pot, ready to play Survivorman in the wild. This was surprising to me because although I enjoy the occasional sleeping under the stars, I never was and still am not a huge fan of camping. I know this raises eyebrows in the hardcore biker community where the hardship and pain is worn almost like a badge but to be perfectly honest, because I like my hot shower after a long ride and my soft bed without critter problems in the night and I do like good coffee (or tea - depends what country you are riding through) in the morning just as much as I like riding and sweating long hours. As someone who passionately loves biking I can understand the appeal of being a true nomad and completely self-sufficient to go where no man has gone before on two wheels, but since I rode alone for most of my adventures, I do appreciate not only the comfort but also the security of adding hotels and pensions to my long distance rides. Since this is where my experience lies, this style of long-distance riding is the one I will focus on in this article. There is tons of literature for the bikers who want more from their adventure, but not so much for those who like to go the distance in a more convenient manner.
Both kinds of tours extend far beyond the home-to-work commute though, so there are requirements you should always take into consideration.
What kind of Bike?
While wading through the long list of must-haves in forums and books for long distance riders, you should always keep in mind that by choosing not to camp, you practically eliminate a huge number of those items. The way I see it, instead of putting the money into a ton of gear I will have to maintain, repair and re-buy (and probably trip over in the non-touring winter months), I'm putting the money into nice hotels with open buffets and AC. For one thing, you don't have to invest into a super-sturdy-best-of-its-kind-the-ultimate-and-only touring bike (which most surely comes with an outrageous price tag) when you are not planning to carry all your camping gear for the next week(s) around with you. Although it's always a plus to have a good bike for obvious reasons, it is not a MUST if you are not planning to carry heavy load. All the professional touring bikes are built to maximize your load capacity as well as offering very sturdy (and often a little on the heavy side) frames, front and back racks, drop down handsets. If you are like me and are not a fan of one or more of those features, you actually have the option to take a bike you find much more comfortable on long distance tours when you decide to stay in hotels overnight. My first bike as an adult was a Dahon Mu and ever since, despite having listened to the voice of the forums and having bought a proper touring bike for a few thousand dollars, I still feel most comfortable and efficient on bikes with straight handlebars and lighter on the scale. I don't know if this is because I rode that Dahon anywhere and everywhere and it left an imprint on me or if it is simply because my riding style and body anatomy finds it easier to handle a Dahon than the heavy and somewhat big touring bikes.
Also, touring bikes are expensive. And they usually look it, too. I do have one and chaining it outside on a New York street or a country I don't know well or a country I do know well enough to know there are bike thieves lurking in every shadow always made me feel uncomfortable. The idea that I could walk out a store 5 minutes later and realize my bike was gone brought a certain panic with it because a) the price tag makes them very painful to replace and b) now you are stuck in the middle of nowhere without a commute. Thankfully this never happened to me, but riding around in a very expensive looking bicycle added an extra layer of discomfort and stress to the journey.
I think it is important to really know what you like and what you intend to do on your trip to come to an opinion of what kind of bike you will need. I like comfort and I like to have the peace of mind of leaving my stuff in a hotel to go out and stroll around the town I'm in or scout through ancient ruins when I'm touring. Others enjoy something fewer and fewer people get to experience in our day - self-isolation from the increasingly high-traffic life of modern 21st century life and the luxury of self-retrospect in the midst of a very crowded world. Make sure you try both to decide what suits you best (and perhaps you enjoy both at different times) and build your trip around that idea.
For long distance riders who prefer residing in hotels and pensions overnight, the needs for a long trip are far fewer. You will still have to carry a good number of items on you, but these are nothing compared to a camping tourer.
For one thing, make sure you choose a bike that allows a back rack to be installed. Not every bike frame allows this so picking one that does is essential! Chances are you won't need a front rack (unless you are a pack rat) but a back rack on a bike is necessary. You can choose to bring a backpack along and most likely will have to for longer rides, but backpacks can get very uncomfortable after the first 10 miles, therefore I do recommend letting the bike carry most of your load and keep lighter (and more important items such as wallets, phones etc.) in your backpack. A simple rack is good enough because you can find simple panniers to clip on it without having to add a ton of fancy gadgets. A pannier on each side of your bike and a light backpack should cover all your needs if you pack smart.
Biking Gear
The necessity of wearing a helmet is a continuing debate. I understand how constricting they are, but I am convinced that they can avoid some serious injury if you get into an accident like I did. There is a substantial difference between your head hitting asphalt naked or with a helmet on. So to me, helmets are a must. I do like the airy and lighter versions though because sweating on long rides definitely makes helmets uncomfortable - the more so if they are closed and tight. Always buy helmets from stores because a good fit is important. Once you know your size and preference you can opt for online shopping.
Most people swear on biking shoes and the corresponding pedals. Just like the bigger and more refined touring bike, I found both the shoes and the pedals very uncomfortable. I was told that there is substantially less effort spent with them and I don't doubt it. But despite trying for many weeks, I just could not overcome the fear that when I needed to step on the brakes very quickly and sharply, I would not be able to un-click them fast enough to put my feet on the ground. But I think what made it really impossible was the fact that when you are touring long distance, you do get off your bike often to take pictures or walk into a corner grocery or walk your bike if you are very tired and the hill is simply too steep. During these times biking shoes felt very uncomfortable to me and even if you resign to the inconvenience of changing your shoes for those activities, you really can't afford to carry a second pair of shoes on you if you want to pack smart and light. So if you are already used to them and feel more efficient with them, go for it but if you are like me and prefer regular low-heel sneakers, I can tell you that they won't be a problem on a long trip.
When you first start biking, you really need almost nothing at all. When your rides begin to get longer and start to serve other purposes than just commute, you realize you actually need many things. As someone who rode long enough with a simple short and t-shirt, I can say with confidence that biking gear and gloves will make your ride MUCH more enjoyable. The moisture absorbance of your clothing and a good pair of cut-finger gloves are far more important in long rides than they are on short commutes. Although one can argue that they are not essential, I believe that the better you feel at the end of the day, the more you will enjoy your trip, which is the objective of the adventure in the first place. If you feel sore and miserable after each day, cycling will turn into an ordeal, not a vacation.
Bring water - yes. Tons of it? That depends. Unless you are riding through a really barren and uninhabited landscape, chances are you will get a chance to stop and buy more water very often. Therefore I only keep a single bottle on me and replenish it as needed. A more important thing to me is food, because I'm picky with mine. Being both vegetarian and sensitive about nutritious food, I discovered in my earlier years that most groceries or delis outside of New York don't offer a huge variety of snacks for me. If you don't want to feel sudden dizziness due to lack of nutrition and opt for the greasy donuts or the sugary chocolate bar, I suggest you have some good energy or granola bars and perhaps some fruit on you. Again, not enough to sustain you for days! Just enough to energize and finish the daily mileage.
Even when I was younger I had joint sensitivity. I discovered this quite painfully when I tried to join the popular trend of running in New York. Despite being told that the discomfort and pain would diminish as my muscles got stronger, it never did and I finally gave it up. In the winter months I speed-walk on treadmills to stay fit and in the summer I bike. But as the years passed, opting for these gentler exercises wasn't enough so I finally caved in and started joint pills. I must say that the right one really does wonders for your body. I tried a lot of different brands and am currently very happy with Bio-flex. But I also make sure to bring along tiger balm or muscle pain gel along with me wherever I go. An application before the ride and, if necessary, in the evening after a shower helps me to ride a mileage that would be torture without them. On longer rides, I highly recommend them.
One of the most frustrating things on road trips is getting lost and it happens more than you can imagine. I have been a New Yorker for 15 years and I would be lying if I said I did not get lost at some point on an overwhelming majority of my weekend trips to the beach or a park. If this sort of thing happens to you often in cities as uncomplicated as New York, you should know that riding a bike with a single printed map is not an option for you. Maps are very nice, but they don't always give you an idea of where you are and how to get back on your original route. A gps or a device that has a gps is very important. I use my iphone for almost everything and I can't imagine going anywhere without it. Other than the obvious need for a phone and a means to connect to the internet, it serves as my guide on tours. Mobile phones are very useful in the US and most European countries where you will rarely have connection. But remember that they are less effective in other countries so make sure that you bring along an updated map (this is important because some countries, like Turkey, will change comparatively fast so the hotel in the older version might not be there when you finally make it to your destination) along with your phone/gps. I also recommend the phone for the music feature. As minimal as it sounds, music can add a lot of energy and enthusiasm to your journey.
Some people ride without goggles and are perfectly fine. I am not a fan of sun glare and runny eyes, so I wear sunglasses. The important thing is to pick something that is light, prevents glare and is not too dark. After several pairs I settled for the HD glasses I saw on tv. Yes, they are cheap but they do the job remarkably better than some of the far more expensive goggles I have. Also, sometimes cheap is not so bad because you can have 2 and replace a broken or lost one without regret.
And last but not least, some essential repair tools for your bike are a must. The most common mishap is a flat tire, easy to fix with very few and simple tools. Despite being a cycling enthusiast I am not a very skilled in mechanics and the repair of more complicated bicycle problems is beyond me. Believe it or not, even learning how to fix a flat tire was a challenge for me. I did, however, watch dozens of YouTube videos on the most common bike problems and practiced them on my own bike before I started long tours. Everything can be found on the internet these days so if you cannot find a class or lecture in your hometown for a hands-on education, make sure you watch some videos and feel confident enough before you plan anything else. To this day there is a lot I don't know how to fix on a bike but I never needed to, because I do avoid the fringes of a country so I know that there is always a bike repair shop somewhere close enough to go to.
These are my essentials. You can add the legally required items on this list of course (front and back light and a bell in New York) as well as common sense stuff like extra clothing (one extra pair should be enough. Clothing is not very expensive and can be obtained in any town if yours becomes unusable. You should, however, bring along several pairs of underwear because you might not find a laundry shop everywhere you go), some rain gear such as a light raincoat and longer pants, charger for your phone (yeah, it is left behind more often than you would imagine), extra cash (outside of the big cities and especially overseas always cash>credit cards. It gives you buying power where credit cards are not accepted and bargaining power where they are. Do not bring along a huge amount but always have some on you and withdraw more from banks or ATM machines if you run low), a light jacket to put on when you take a break and especially when you go into a store with AC (I always put my jacket on when I stop riding. Although it might look ridiculous in the summer, it is very easy to get sick because you might not feel cold but your body will), a rag and chain lube to apply to your bike every few hundred miles (theoretically these can be found in cities and towns but unless I have a mechanical problem, going around looking for bike repair shops is a waste of time for me on my vacation, so I will bring these along and the oiling makes a huge difference in the quality of your ride).
I hope I have managed to touch the most important points for those who wanted to have a quick idea about what long distance bike touring my way requires. I'd be happy to hear your input and include oversights if I haven't!
Happy Cycling!
Tina Saldiran has done solo and group cycling tours all over the world and she now leads cycling tours in Turkey. Contact her for information on the ride of your life in this beautiful country.
