Cycling tours are becoming increasingly popular. They offer the perfect mix of adventure, exercise and nature experiences. However, these trips can quickly become a challenge, especially for beginners, if a few important things are not taken into account. In this blog, we would like to point out the most common mistakes that many beginners make on their first bike trips and give you tips on how to avoid them.

1. Inadequate preparation: The key to success

One of the biggest mistakes that many beginners make is inadequate preparation. The adventure is often seen as something spontaneously considered, which turns out to be problematic in hindsight. The right equipment and thorough planning are crucial for a safe and comfortable cycling trip.

Tips for preparation:

Plan your itinerary: It is important to think about the route beforehand. Even if it is tempting to just set off, you should know which roads or cycle paths to take, which towns you will pass through and how far the individual stages are.
Book overnight stays: Especially in popular areas or during the high season, it can be difficult to find a room spontaneously. Looking for accommodation early on saves stress.
Take test drives: If you have never covered long distances by bike before, then plan test rides. This way you can find out what distances you can cover in a day and what equipment works best for you.

2. The wrong equipment: The comfort factor

Choosing the right bike and the right equipment is extremely important for beginner cyclists. If you make the wrong decisions here, you will quickly realize how much this affects your comfort and enjoyment of the trip.

Tips on the right equipment:

The right bike: A sturdy trekking bike or touring bike is best suited for a cycle tour. These offer comfort and are well suited for longer distances. Road bikes are less suitable for cycling trips as they do not offer enough space for luggage and lack a more comfortable riding position.
Luggage: Simple pannier racks or pannier saddles are sufficient. Make sure that the bags are waterproof and offer enough storage space for your things.
Clothing: Functional clothing is ideal for wicking moisture away from your body and protecting you from the cold or sun at the same time. Do not wear cotton clothing, as it gets wet quickly and does not dry quickly.

3. Underestimating the load: Your fitness is crucial

Many beginners underestimate the physical strain of a cycle tour. Even if you cycle regularly, a multi-day cycle tour can challenge your body in a completely different way.

Tips for physical preparation:

Train before the trip: If you have not yet ridden long distances, you should start with regular longer tours at least a few months beforehand. It is important to build up stamina to cope with the strain during the trip.
Increase fitness: Start with shorter distances and increase the distances continuously. Make sure that you not only train your leg strength, but also your upper body and core muscles.
Plan breaks: On a longer bike ride, you should take regular breaks to give your body a rest. Breaks help you to relax your muscles and make the ride more enjoyable.

4. Lack of navigation: The path to the target receiver.

Even on a well-planned cycle tour, it can easily happen that you get lost or end up on an impassable path. Without a functioning navigation system, this can quickly become a major problem.

Navigation tips:

GPS or maps: Modern GPS devices or navigation apps on your smartphone can help you find the right route. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the technical devices before your trip.
Download offline maps: A stable internet connection is not always available. You should therefore download important maps or GPS data in advance so that you can navigate without internet access. On the homepage of Pedalmondo we show you some beautiful bikepacking route suggestions in Switzerland.
Compass and paper maps: If you find yourself in remote areas without reception, a compass and paper maps are a useful addition.

5. Wrong tempo: Finding the right rhythm

A common problem for beginners is estimating their own pace correctly. Setting off too quickly or planning the route too ambitiously leads to exhaustion and pain.

Tips on the right pace:

Realistic stages: Plan stages that suit your fitness level. In the first few days, you should plan slightly shorter routes to get used to the constant cycling.
Slow increase: Slowly increase the pace and distances. Your body needs to get used to the new strain.
Note altitude meters: Riding uphill requires more energy. Allow extra time for hilly routes and avoid rushing on immediately after a climb.

6. Insufficient drinking and eating: Energy supply

During a cycle tour, it is important to keep your body sufficiently hydrated. Many beginners underestimate their energy requirements and drink or eat too little.

Tips on nutrition and hydration:

Drink water: It is important to drink enough fluids, especially on longer journeys and in warm weather. Drink regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty.
Energy snacks: Plan healthy snacks such as nuts, dried fruit or energy bars to keep your blood sugar levels stable. Make sure you eat enough carbohydrates and protein.
Meals: Plan regular meals and avoid eating only small snacks throughout the day. A balanced meal will ensure that you have the energy you need for the next stages.

7. Too little flexibility: Mastering unexpected situations

Unforeseen situations are part and parcel of a cycle tour. Be it bad weather, technical breakdowns or unforeseen detours - it is important to remain flexible and find solutions.

Tips for flexibility:

Allow for buffer time: Always allow some leeway in your itinerary for unexpected events.
Stay calm: Stress and frustration are useless. Stay calm if something doesn't go as planned and find a solution.
Technical failures: Find out in advance about the basics of bike repair, such as changing tires or chains.

8. Rushed packing: Less is more

Many beginners tend to take too much luggage with them. This makes cycling unnecessarily strenuous and uncomfortable.

Tips for packing correctly:

Lightweight luggage: Think carefully about what you really need. Less is often more. Only pack the essentials.
Packing list: Create a packing list and stick to it. This will help you avoid forgetting something important and taking unnecessary baggage with you.
Multifunctional equipment: Opt for equipment that fulfills several functions to save space and weight.

9. Too much faith in the weather: The weather factor

The weather can change quickly during a bike tour. Beginners in particular underestimate how quickly sudden rain or an unexpectedly high temperature can affect the day.

Tips for dealing with the weather:

Check the weather forecast: Check the weather forecast regularly and plan your stages accordingly.
Take rainwear with you: A good rain jacket and waterproof bags are important to avoid getting soaked in sudden rain.
Sun protection: Especially in the summer months, it is important to protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen and a hat or helmet with a visor.

10. Lack of rest: Finding the right balance

Too many beginners concentrate exclusively on riding and neglect the need for recovery phases.

Tips for sufficient rest:

Regular breaks: Plan enough time for breaks to relieve your muscles.
Sleep quality: A good night's sleep is crucial. Make sure you sleep comfortably and get enough sleep to start the next day refreshed.
Stretching: Don't forget to stretch after the ride to avoid muscle tension.

Conclusion:

A bike tour is a wonderful way to discover the world and experience adventure. But to get the most out of your trip and avoid unnecessary mistakes, you should prepare well. With the right equipment, well thought-out planning and a realistic assessment of your abilities, you can ensure that your cycling trip is a success.