5 Most Important Bike Touring Lessons

I like these tips, particularly about keeping it fun and respecting the weather.

Two tips from me,
Pack light, I’ve tried both taking loads of stuff and taking minimal gear, apart from saving weight and space I find my mind is not cluttered with checking everything is in its place and packed daily, I even mailed about 3kg of stuff home from Scotland during my LEJOG tour a couple of years ago, it made the bike lighter and gave me a psychological boost.

Second tip is go with the mindset that if it’s too tough I’ll just go home / book into accommodation / take a train or similar (I know I’m lucky to have the resources to make that possible), in other words do the bit of the route that’s in front of you. You may lose some money, have to face friends when you’ve abandoned your plans or feel you’ve wasted your time, but for me it’s going out with this mindset that got me bike touring in the first place and has kept me at it for about 12 years now.

Thanks for putting your thoughts into this video Sheelagh.

You have a good handle on being a 21st century Nomad. Being outside it is important to have good enough gear for the kind of tripping you do. All you folks following this vlog, think about using your gear every day of the year. Ride casual, work casual, think casual. When not on the bike add cross country ski trips, canoe trips, Kayak trips, backpacking, hiking, llama trips, horse trips, and any other human powered trip you can. Make moving under your own power not a vacation or a weekend warrior challenge, Make it a way of living. If that trips your trigger go for it. Don't let a fall, a bad weather trip, or too many hills be an excuse for sitting in front of the TV. Shit happens but that is part of being human. This past week my 57 year old son and myself 82 where doing a variation on a four-day trip we did 25 years ago, Starting at home and returning to our homes four days later. 25 miles into the trip I took a bad Crash, Boom, Bang, Ouch! Why did I crash? Maybe 1,000 minuscule body functions crossed paths at the same microsecond. End of the four-day trip in just a few short hours. No broken bones just some bad bruises and no one lost an eye. Was this my last time I will ever get on a bike, Hell NO. Sometimes stuff just happens no matter how many times or how often or how prepared. That is why it is called an accident. Since we were prepared, we both had a First Aid kits designed for road rash, bad falls and seasonal weather extremes. Injuries were limited because of proper clothing, eye protection, a good helmet, padded gloves, equipment secured to the bike and knowing how to fall.

Don't waste your money on ultra light backpacking gear - use moderate off the shelf light weight gear - You are going to put the gear on your bike not on your back.

My way to bike tour is on a recumbent, the best, there is no denying this. Also, I don't go to campgrounds or motels; I "stealth camp." Once you get over the initial taboo of it, it becomes really easy. I got caught once, and this is what the cops did, "you can't be here cause its private property," and I said o.k. and moved on. That's it, no jail time or a ticket.

I check the expected weather conditions (if I can access it).....the daily, hourly, and even down to the 15 minute increments at times. I look at the projected wind directions and speed. I look at air quality and humidity levels I also look at road conditions that I am planning to ride on. Essentially I look at the variables I have no control over. But, I can try and predict my response. Before a multi day trip, I like to do an overnighter to evaluate my setup. All that being said, stuff is gonna happen that is not expected. I like to think that some days may not go as planned, but it was still my day, and no one can take that away from me. And finally, look around, take in everything and have fun!

Totally agree about the weather -- some of my scariest situations have been weather-related.

Here's another one: don't feel bad about using other forms of transportation (train, bus, boat, car, etc) if necessary. I've gotten to places where bikes were just not allowed on certain sections of road, or I could bypass some sections I wasn't really motivated for by taking a boat ride, for example (or boat was the only possible access). Unless you really have some special reason to ride every inch of the way, judicious use of other forms of transportation can potentially make your trip a lot more enjoyable or practical. In some places it's really easy to integrate train travel into your bike tour, and that can be a great benefit.

One lesson I learned from experience was the balance between calories used in cycling and calories eaten. Which also ties in with rest days. You can easily burn more calories than you eat, using up your body's fat reserves to compensate, rest days can help with catching up on the eating!.

One thing is sure, you are clearly not a nerd, you rock BIG TIME, and yes, we find you very cool and surely also ''tough'', at least to keep cycling as you do, you must be, right? Thank you for all your great videos 😘

That's very valuable tips. A lot of people think they need be a hero everyday. 😂😂😂😂

Probably a bit off the subject but when you mentioned your gear and yes, I understand that your video needs to be a certain time length to keep it interesting (which I found it to definitely be!) but when we ride with things like plain flat pedals and big, heavy hiking shoes (to protect the feet) we tend to get what I call 'pedalling fatigue' whereas the toes and the balls of the feet get sore because the feet are trying to constantly find a comfortable spot on the pedal(s) surface.
Investing in a proper biking shoe and cleat is well worth the investment as your legs and feet will greatly appreciate you for it.
I've seen 2, 4 and yes, even $800.00 shoe and cleats. This is absolutely unnecessary.
The same goes for the helmet. As a mountain bike rider, I've had my share of head contact issues with both a tree as well as a jagged rock protruding out of the ground. My helmet ($60) allowed me to see another day.

Les gens on fait trois voyage à velo veulent donner des conseils mdr
Boboland

Yes Sheelagh, you ARE pretty cool and tough! 😉 Wholeheartedly agree with everything you said. Our bodies are our engines and they certainly need fuel and TLC. It's our trip and we should do it our way... that's what makes us all unique. Keep on rollin' and spreading the good vibes! 😍

The last point, "staying positive" is so important, especially when things get tough, as they will from time to time (on cycle or bike packing tours and in life in general). For example, if the weather takes a turn for the worse (strong headwinds and rain being the worst) or in the latter part of the day, when you're particularly tired. There are two great Stoic quotes that state "We have no control over external events, only our response/reaction to those events" (Epictetus, Stoic philosopher). Also "The quality of your experience of life is determined by the colour of your thoughts" (Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher). Remember, you ALWAYS have a choice to experience life in a positive or a negative frame of mind, in any situation. Don't let negative thoughts take control of your emotions and control how you feel. Choose to not engage with negative thoughts and to always approach life with a positive frame of mind. Hope this helps.

I'm lucky with gear. I'm an old hiker/backpacker. So true on over thinking bike gear. Weather! Respect it! Make yourself visible as much as possible.
Hydration is a +. Take breaks when needed. The road isn't going anywhere.
Thank you for sharing 😊. Ride On!

The last one is key!! When I start to hate it, we try to take a rest day. I've learned that hating it happens because we're pushing it too hard, and giving our legs a rest for a day means they can recover enough so that we can focus on the experience and not how hard it is.

Great video!!

Your cool. Thanks for the info.

True words!

My self talk: "The worst days make for the best stories." "If you go looking for adventure and find it don't complain." I did my first solo tour in 1986 and my most recent one was in 2022. Hoping to do the next one in 2025 or 2026... I've been in some bad situations with the weather and people... animals not so much despite seeing from a bicycle seat most of what the U.S. has to offer (bears, coyote, fox, alligators, water moccasins, blah, blah, blah!). Tire pumps have been my nemesis! LOL I'm still here and have learned from my experiences... and those of others I've encountered in my travels. I'm still in contact with a couple people I met on the 1986 trip and stayed at one of their homes as recently as 2022... Life time friends!

Sheelah, I fully agree with your advise. Very wise, and i feel the same learning of all these things apply for everyday life. What is the real benefit of "cool and tuff" if your adventure brings you major problems instead of joy? I like what you are saying!

am in greece , so is hot , and not many forest or tree , so i carry a camo net just for shade , and bike from 9-13 ,, and 17-20 ,and since i like be comfortable at camp , i may take bit more gear ,

For me, I would just tress taking cre of your body in more detal. Research how to eat and then test it with maybe weekend trip. Every body and performance is different, but it's good to know basics of endurance sport nutrition. Other in is stretching and maybe doing some yoga/other small calistenic workout for core and arms. These can save you from quite a bit if issues.

Always take some entertainment. Obviously on a bicycle you’re limited but even in the 1980s I carried a little radio, handheld computer game, small portable chess / checkers set, etc. People may laugh but even on a bicycle 🚲 one can get stranded or held up by floods, etc.

On a motorcycle 🏍 I carried a bit more entertainment but the rule is always have some entertainment with you for down time.

Great advice, thank you!

Always bring cold weather stuff. Did the bike ride in Wisconsin in Boulder junction Wisconsin 1992 first day of summer. In my 20 degree sleeping bag. The low temperature 22 degrees. I didn’t bring fingered gloves. My cycling sandals were chilly. It frosted on this ride for 3 days.

Can confirm about the weather.

Was riding during late winter (March, I think, of this year) after bill-paying, and got wet.

Trouble is, it was raining most of the rest of the next few hours. I was getting into some serious hypothermia by the time I got home!

Very good list. Nummer 5 I had to learn. Now train lines or Bus Services are a factor in planning. Just in case a weekend in a nice city seems more interesting than cycling boring places in bad conditions. If you have never been there accept that you might need to change something before you like it.

One mantra I repeat to myself when bike touring especially climbing a long hill is "each moment is finite in nature with a beginning and an end"

Many people treat biketouring/bikepacking as a torture test, like who can suffer more. Forgetting the you should enjoy the journey.

Of course, if riding in 45C summer days, or ascending 3000m with a 40Kg loaded bicycle in a day are your cup of tea to enjoy biketour. Then ve my guest.

Thanks for your wisdom insight and experiences. Great advice.
I look forward to seeing your channel.

Touring cyclists usually take too much crap. Look at what long trail Backpackers take for hiking the PCT, or Appalachian Trail. Then, add a small repair kit for your bike. That is all you need. My experience: twice across U.S. with 18 pounds of gear, clothes, food.

Bring lots of nuts and dried fruit.

Sounds like great advice 😄

Why torturing oneself?

All very good points.
Every one is vital for a successful enjoyable safe cycling tour.
Combined all together makes a difference in these parameters.
Leave out or forsake one or two and it could take a toll on your overall tour.

I was going to pick one that was the most important, but after really thinking about all the topics that you mentioned.
If one is left out and forsaken. You will probably suffer because of this.

Weather is so unpredictable, even from day to day and even in a couple of hours.
So... it's best to have all types of clothing for various weather conditions: rain, cold, hot weather - (plenty of water, which is HEAVY, but needed. So a balance is needed for a ratio of either the amount of water or the distance traveled to compensate for its weight.
The good news is as you drink it your overall weight will decrease).

Traveling LIGHTWEIGHT is soooooooo overlooked too.
Im not a weight-weenie, but too many items becomes a heavy burden day after day, and you begin to BURN OUT physically and mentally.
This stems from fear, thinking we need every possible gear item while out on the road.
Not so, less is better.
Learn to do without all the comforts of home; and IF you really need something and don't have it, you can always buy it in a big city at a bicycle shop or camping store. Most of the time we really don't need what we think we need.
Its really a mental issue that needs to be retrained for touring.

I will say that top quality gear is much better than any Ol' gear. It is much lighter and packs down much smaller to fit in your panniers.
Cheap gear is much more bulkier and heavier.

A biggie that you mentioned is... Distance.
As long as you have the extra time allotted, mileage per day is not important. Don't force yourself to be pushed to make it to the next town. This creates more problems.
As long as you have enough water and food in between resupply stops, you can stealth camp in between long distances to shorten your daily milage.
Wind, weather can cause you to not be able to cover the presumed mileage.

ENJOY EVERY MILE!
Don't make your tour a miserable daily experience.

Incorporate all your points and embrace every mile and day with enjoyment.
Take breaks from riding...
Even walking with your bicycle, to relax and take a break from pedaling long continuous mileage.

Thanks for your points. 👍

Cycling alone is a different ball game!

Ah! The think that is taboo to talk about is money!
Money is going to rule out what you can do and how you can do it!
Every thing else is just gibberish!

Yea i brought a 30 kg dog with me 😂

Gear is personal, hey. I loved your line, "There are as many ways to bike tour as there are people bike touring." That's the truth! Prep is good, adaptability is its equal, gear only needs to be good enough. That would be my advice to newbies.

When heat exhaustion sets in your need sodium to bring you back out of extreme dehydration, this is the most misunderstood aspect of it…I had heat exhaustion on a hike once and even though I was drinking plenty of water and even eating banana at the same time (sugar and potassium) it did almost nothing to help, and it wasn’t until I had the first gulp of a sports drink that it immediately and instinctively brought tears of joy/relief to my eyes as my body just knew that what I had just gulped down was what it needed and within a minute all the sensation returned to my limbs as my heart started to get the sodium it was so extremely deficient in to starting blood to my extremities again (google hyponatremia). Too much salt bas water intake can cause dehydration, but too much water vs salt that is being pumped out through the skin with perspiration is also just as bad

Bike touring independently is quite different to going on a tour. I completed an organised tour, and had done only independent tours prior to this. Bike tours can be "expeditions", where the goal is to get you to a destination - how you are doing is not their concern, although they can "encourage" you. You go or you quit, and they will not tell you to quit, you have to. I would research very carefully next time I chose an "expedition" or preplanned tour, to make sure the pace is what you can, and want to. do. Otherwise it just isn't that much fun.

Great video. Funny how people seem to worry about what others are caring on their bike adventure. Those that carry less peddle less weight and those that carry more are seriously tough in many ways. Less is not more cool and everyone bring what makes you comfortable on your bike adventure.

I've ridden in nasty rain storms but I endured. Cold is another thing altogether. I camped in Grant Village in Yellowstone (7,800 feet above sea level) in July with inadequate gear. I saved a half pound of weight on my bike but froze for 8 hours. Never again.

Great tips!! Thanks!!

Great video - with important advises! Recommandation!

Thank you so much for this! There's a lot of wisdom crammed into this video. I'm 72 years old, and last year I received a new hip and knee. As soon as I recovered, I hopped on my 29'er hardtail MTB, which had been sitting in a corner for 5 years, and started riding again. I haven't stopped since. Every time I went out, I extended my range until last summer I was able to do a 250 mile solo tour. I learned piece by piece, step by step, what gear I needed, and what was most comfortable for me. In a few weeks I'll be getting my other knee replaced, and I'm already planning a 320 mile trip next summer. My new mantra is: "Better late than never"! I always check the weather. I always stay nourished and hydrated. I listen to the bike and my body, and I definitely try to stay positive, no matter what. I never feel as alive as I do when I'm rolling down the trail. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. Be Well and Prosper!

I would love to hear your experiences! What are the most important bike touring lessons you've learned?