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Proper Planing is Essential
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Dreaming of the perfect cycling holiday, full of happy, shared memories for everyone to take home? Many families have found that their first – and also last – cycling holiday resulted in quarrels, saddle sores and not much cycling fun at all. If you are among those that tried and failed first time around, or perhaps never dared give it a go, here are some useful tips for how to plan a successful cycling holiday.
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Putting the fun into cycling Once you have found out who is coming along, the next step in the planning is to choose an area that will cater to all your tastes in terms of things to see and do, countryside and tour-length. Cycling is only fun when you don’t feel you have to go further than you have the inclination or physical condition for. Set realistic goals – no one says you can’t discover something new on a camping site a day’s ride away from home.
Go on some practice runs Get some practice in before the holiday so you can all get fit and get to know each other’s limitations. Take off on a few day-tours and ideally a weekend tour so you can try out the equipment (tent, bags and so on).
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Don’t plan too much Don’t draw up too detailed an itinerary. You need to allow scope for sudden brainwaves – and also stopovers indoors if the weather turns bad. Prebooked accommodation provides reassurance, but having booked a bed for the night, you are also committed to making sure you can get there by nightfall. If you work with the idea that the average family can cover 50km in one day, you shouldn’t reckon on more than 30-40km between overnight stops, as not everyone will be in peak form every day. If the weather is nice and the whole family is feeling fit, you can always take a detour to extend the trip.
Plan rest-days for every third or fourth day, where you spend time on something other than cycling. Pick up information about sights, pretty countryside, etc. in advance and en route. But try not to get over-ambitious and plan to see and do too much. A day spent lazing on the beach can be the perfect way for weary cyclists to unwind.
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Be spontaneous If it all turns sour one day because mum is saddle-sore and no one wants to cover 50km in the pouring rain, then do something about it! Most plans can be changed - the accommodation you booked can probably be cancelled so you can book somewhere closer. Or why not take the train or bus to your day’s destination and then look for some indoor activities for the rest of the day?
Stop and take time out Both children cycling on their own and those carried in a trailer or on a child’s seat need frequent stops with time to play or pet the horse over the fence. Adult cyclists too will also get more out of the tour if they take the time to stop and enjoy the view or a flock of free-range pigs. It may be called a cycling holiday – but it’s not only about cycling as much as you possibly can.
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A checklist for your planning
- Set just a few main goals for the trip
- Get a route map and some information material
- Plan your route – but not as a detailed itinerary
- Book accommodation (unless you just head off into the blue and hope for the best)
- Make reservations for trains and buses for your outward and return journeys
- Plan what to take and who is going to carry it
- Get any new equipment needed (panniers, tent, etc.) well in advance and try it out before the holiday
- Go on some practice trips together
- Check the bicycles; oil them, adjust them and fit new tyres
- Pack the day before departure and go for a short practice ride
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