Login | June 29, 2026
Taking the bike tour plunge
PETE GLADDEN
Published: June 29, 2026
If you’ve been into recreational cycling - or even competitive cycling - then I’m willing to bet that at one time or another you’ve tinkered with the notion of doing some kind of bicycle trip, taking that giant step of going from several hour rides to multi-day trekking.
Indeed, the whole concept of traveling at a slower, more leisurely pace coupled with the challenge of being dependent solely on your legs for several day’s traveling can make for some exhilarating as well as memorable experiences.
So if you fall into this “Cycle Touring Wannabe” category, let me offer you a little advice such that you just might be persuaded to take on your first cycling tour this summer.
Now before we talk about the nuts and bolts of cycle touring - the equipment and such - let’s first consider the several touring options you can choose from.
Totally self-supported trips are tours where you carry all your own gear, do all the trip planning and bike prep, do some or all of your cooking and usually provide your own lodging, typically tenting.
Credit card touring is where you’re still self-supported and do your own planning and bike prep but you stay in hotels and buy food at restaurants/stores, all of which cuts down on the amount of gear you carry.
Fully supported tours are trips where all the planning, bike prep, lodging, and luggage hauling is done by an outfitter who follows with support vehicle(s), which means that you simply ride your bicycle unencumbered by everything else.
So each of these touring options come with its own unique set of peaks and valleys, so the option you choose depends largely on how much time you want to put into the planning, how much gear you want to carry, how far you’re willing to stray from creature comforts like beds, AC and prepared meals, along with other factors like your budget, your fitness level and your time constraints.
Now once you decide what option to undertake you can dig deeper into the elements required.
Those elements include route choice, bicycle choice, touring equipment (racks and luggage carriers) if any, clothing choices, camping gear if any, and incidentals like bike computer and charging equipment, all of which if chosen properly will make for a safe and unforgettable bicycle touring adventure.
The bike
Darned near any bike - mountain, gravel, road and hybrid - in good working condition could be used for touring, with the caveat that the road surfaces usually dictate bike and tire choices.
Hilly/steep routes require more gearing range, while really flat routes require less gearing range.
Essentials
A fully supported trip entails the support team carrying all your luggage, while your on-the-bike needs include a good helmet, a handlebar/frame bag for incidentals (phone, snacks, wallet), GPS, water bottles and cycling specific clothing and shoes (these two make a HUGE difference).
If you’re going it on your own with a credit card trip, then in addition to the above you’ll also need to consider some kind of rear luggage rack and a pannier for carrying your change of clothing, foul weather gear, charging equipment and a small first aid kit.
And if you’re going fully self-supported with camping then add to the above camping gear and more panniers to carry that extra gear.
Now if you plan on creating your own route, make your first trip something that’s close to home, say for instance a multi-day trip on the towpath where the terrain is fairly easy and where there’s plenty of food and lodging options (stores, restaurants, campgrounds, hotels) along the route.
You could also choose to ride to a nearby state park on secondary and tertiary backroads which would require just a bit more in-depth route planning and bike prep.
As you become more proficient in cycle touring you can create more challenging routes to more distant places.
From a physical perspective, you must gradually extend your riding distance in order to improve your ability to endure longer hours in the saddle.
And to build strength and stamina try to incorporate one or two shorter, more intense rides each week to go along with your long “saddle time” endurance rides.
The keys to having a successful inaugural bicycle tour hinges on the proper bike, cycling attire, touring gear, along with thoughtful route planning and good mental/physical pre-tour preparation.
Once you’ve got that done it’s time to hit the road!
Pete can be reached at pjgladd@aol.com.