Follow these five steps, and you’ll be well on your way to having the ride of a lifetime.
Spring is coming, and it's the perfect time for spontaneous, no-destination bicycle road trips. If you're itching to pack up your bicycle and hit the open road, these tips will get you ready in no time, so keep reading to find out what they are!
1. Get a bike camper
A bicycle camper is a sleek, lightweight trailer that attaches to your bicycle and allows you to live out of it as you travel. You can use the space inside as storage or for sleeping arrangements at night. The best part? There's no set up required—when you're tired, just park the bicycle, lean the bike camper against a tree, and go inside to rest your head. Having bike campers available doesn't mean you need to bring everything and the kitchen sink with you—it's easy to pick and choose your favorite amenities. These campers are easy to find and there are many available for sale online. You can also find them on sites like Craigslist or eBay, but if you're looking for a better deal, check out some more serious websites that sell them, as they have some of the best prices available. They are not expensive to buy, and they're definitely worth it—you'll be able to travel easily without setting up your tent every night!
2. Make it a social adventure
This is the perfect opportunity to go on a road trip with people you love. Whether it's your best friend or family, having others along during this adventure will make it that much better! This is the chance for everyone to really get to know each other and bond in a unique way. If you're going by yourself, take advantage of social media and try finding someone who lives near where you'll be traveling through—it's easy to meet new people these days thanks to social media sites. You can find other cyclists online who might be willing to join you on your journey for a day or two. It doesn't have to be just about biking all the time either—take detours, stop in small towns you've always wanted to visit, go camping for the night or just set up your bicycle camper and stay inside. The possibilities are endless with this spontaneous adventure.
3. Make sure your bike is prepared
Believe it or not, the biggest issue most cyclists run into during a long trip is having mechanical issues with their bicycle—your trusty ride should be your number one priority before you leave. Make sure to give your bike a full tune up two weeks prior to leaving, and then do regular tire checks once the trip has begun. Regularly check that nothing is loose or falling off of your bike (this includes parts such as brakes and cables). Take extra time at night to make sure everything is tightened up and still in place. Also, always carry an emergency kit along for those unexpected moments where something could go wrong. This is a must for any serious cyclist—having a backup plan is the only way to make sure you'll be able to keep moving forward.
4. Don't forget the camping gear
Camping is a huge part of the spontaneous adventure experience, and it's important to make sure you have everything you need before setting out. You can buy special gear for this kind of trip, including lightweight tents that will keep you protected from rain, as well as high-tech sleeping bags designed to keep you warm even in below zero temperatures. Gear like this can be expensive, so if you're looking for ways to cut costs and avoid spending hundreds of dollars on top-of-the-line equipment, think about borrowing or renting some camping gear instead. The best way to find helpful tips and tricks is by joining online forums where people share their knowledge—both novice and experienced cyclists participate in these conversations, and they're always willing to give advice.
5. Only pack necessities
This may sound hard to believe, but you can simplify your packing by removing any items that are bulky or unnecessary. For example, shoes are the heaviest objects you'll be bringing along on this trip—there's no need to pack them if you can avoid them. Instead of regular shoes that take up space in your backpack, choose the biking sandals that will provide good traction without adding extra weight. It's important to remember this is a minimalist approach and there are some essentials you'll want to keep around like sunscreen, bug spray, and high-energy snacks. If you're camping out overnight, make sure to bring enough clothing for at least three days—adding more than one change of shirt/pants isn't necessary, as it will just weigh you down.
Photo by Marek Piwnicki from Pexels
So, that's it follow these five steps, and you'll be well on your way to having the ride of a lifetime. Be sure to share this article with your friends who enjoy bike riding as much as you do! It doesn't matter if they're going on a long-term road trip or just a quick weekend jaunt, these tips will come in handy for whatever they have in mind. Thanks for reading and enjoy!
Main photo by Samson Katt from Pexels
