The latent idea of venturing on a long-distance ride with your bike has brought you here, and now is the time to explore its possibilities and requirements. To accumulate cycling mileage, you must equip yourself correctly in every way. You’ll need to choose the right bike, the essential accessories, and the best way to transport them.
This extreme sport will allow you to enjoy stunning landscapes in a unique and different way. Revel in forests, plains, lakes, and mountains as you travel by bike, truly savouring nature. Indeed, the effort of pedalling under the sun will make rest moments all the more valuable. Below, we’ll share the best tips to prepare properly for this grand adventure.
The Bicycle
Whether your trip is short or long greatly influences the type of bike you’ll need. Whether for a 60-kilometre ride or one exceeding 300 kilometres, the bike itself is the starting point.
To tackle all types of weather and terrain, pedal through steep climbs and descents, and cover any distance, we can agree that the best choice is a Mountain Bike. A mountain bike is fully utilised, especially when exploring challenging routes with significant geographical relief ahead. For this reason—without delving further—we generally recommend this type of bike for such journeys.
The key points to remember before choosing your bike revolve around its construction material and gears:
- Frame: First and foremost, the bike frame should be made of chromoly or aluminium to withstand the rider’s weight plus all luggage and extras. The quality of its construction plays a vital role in durability against weight and terrain challenges.
- Gears: With 18 to 21 gears, you’ll have enough flexibility to pedal comfortably throughout the journey. We don’t recommend fewer, as you’ll need varied speed options for steep or prolonged climbs. Don’t underestimate the importance of this mechanical feature.
Essential Accessories
Several items are critical, as a cycling trip means being outdoors all day and possibly camping in natural areas.
Here’s a list of vital accessories for your trip:
- Water: Hydration tops the list. To save space in your bags, a water bottle holder lets you keep water within reach without stopping. We recommend sipping small amounts regularly rather than waiting until you’re parched. For practicality, install two bottle holders on the frame to carry as much water as possible.
- Lights: Since delays are common on such trips, equipping your bike with front and rear lights is crucial. Opt for a halogen headlight (white) and a blinking rear light (red).
- Spares: Repairs are inevitable. Pack spares proportional to your planned mileage, especially in remote areas. At minimum, bring: patch kits (with glue and sandpaper), four inner tubes, an Allen key set, a 13-14 spanner, a spare tyre, a pump with the right valve, and preferably puncture-proof sealant.
- Bar Ends: These aren’t cosmetic but highly useful for steep climbs. They let you rest your arms on flat terrain and stand during ascents.
- Maps: A basic navigation tool to plot your route and avoid unwanted detours. Choose maps with detailed trail markers to plan daily segments wisely.
- Altimeter: Paired with maps, it’s invaluable in mountainous zones, providing elevation data to inform your decisions.
- Phone: Even if kept off, a phone is vital for emergencies in isolated areas.
How to Carry Luggage?
To transport belongings and camping gear, specialised bike luggage systems excel. Avoid heavy backpacks by installing front and rear racks.
Maximise your bike’s load capacity with panniers—small bags mounted on the rear rack’s sides. Distribute weight evenly between both panniers for balance. Top the rack with bulky/heavy items like a tent or a water reserve canister.
On the front rack, pack lighter, frequently used items like your phone, wallet, maps, or camera.
With these basics, start with a short trip to get accustomed to the adventure before attempting longer journeys. Research region-specific guides to understand the terrain and ideal camping spots—this prevents unpleasant surprises and mishaps!
