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CYCLING PERFORMANCE TIPS
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Last updated: 3/23/2011
Trip Planning - from
start to finish
One thing I have loved about cycling is the ability to cover more miles than
hiking or walking, yet stay in touch with the people and the country or
area I am visiting in a way that never happens in a car.
I have had many experiences where, while taking a break or fixing a flat,
someone would walk over and start up a conversation. I remember one time in a small
Italian hill town where a couple of fellows walked over and started the
conversation asking about my bike and then we moved on to what they were really
interested in, their biking trips in the US. Or a time in France when I was
taking a break and an elderly man walked over and we communicated only
with gestures and a map as a way to discuss where I had come from/and was
going. That never would happen on a bus tour or car trip.
Over the last 20 years I have had a chance to ride
throughout the US as well as in Europe, South America, and Asia. To help me with
my trip planning, and as a reminder for my gear, I have pulled together a number
of helpful sites as well as put on line my own personal "lists" that help me
remember all the things I need to do before I leave. Hopefully they will be
of value to you as well.
If there is a banner ad on this page, they will send a rebate my
way if you click through to purchase from here (as best I can tell,
your costs are the same as if you went to their site directly. The other
links are personal favorites and recommendations from readers.
I find that many of my trip ideas come from people I have ridden with, or
an interesting ride I find online while researching something else. When you
meet new riders, you generally get to talking about bike gear or food (where to
stop for a snack or on the bike snacks) but a third common discussion is about
places they (or their friends) have ridden.
Once you have a general idea, I have found Google a nice place to
firm up a plan. You can look at common routes on trips offered by
commercial companies (usually bike friendly/low traffic volume if they are
using them for their tours) and at the same time get a sense of the time of
year that is best for that area. If they run tours over several months, I will
generally pick the middle of the season as statistically the best time. Too early
and it can be wet/cold; too late and you have the issue of too hot if it is in
the south.
Web surfing for ideas for your trip? Local color, adventure ideas in the
area, support for the trip? There are a number of online web support options
to help you out.
- Gliider is a browser tool that helps save
and organize travel research. It is an add on for Firefox.
- Travel Muse and Nile Guide help organize trip information and will
also make bookings via partners. They also contain some unique user created
content and ideas.
- Kijubi is a fairly new site, but is
oriented towards the adventure traveler.
- And finally, Goby and Uptake
confine their search to sites that are oriented for travelers - thus might
give a more refined search than google.
Looking for a place to go (or a critique on a
company you are considering)?
You've got an idea as to where, now the next decision is whether this is going
to be self supported (you and a few friends) or are you going to go with a
commercial company. If this is your first time, or you haven't been able to
talk anyone else into signing on, a commercial company may make sense. It will
get you to actually commit, I can guarantee you will meet great and interesting
people (some of whom will become life long friends), and you won't have to
worry about mechanical support if you have a breakdown.
Expense is always a concern. Just as with lodging, there are many choices.
The high end companies (Backroads is an example) stay at the best places, eat
at better restaurants, and will run a trip with only 4 to
6 people signed up (BTW if you are going with a commercial company, be sure
they will guarantee the trip is a "go" before you buy tickets).
Then there is the middle, companies that provide
great tours, good food, and comfortable lodging at a reasonable price.
Examples of companies I have personally traveled with are
Experience Plus,
Easy Rider, and
Nichols
Expeditions.
But in my book the real finds are the smaller companies just getting started
and focused on a specific area. My son and his wife (a guide) decided to start
a travel company focused on central Europe and The Czech Republic
(Pathways Through Europe).
I talked them into doing a bike tour and it was one of the best trips I
have ever taken. Not only did they
cover the small things (a beer after the ride was included while most
companies charge separately for alcohol) but we stayed in local lodging, ate local
foods, and got to experience first hand the culture of The Czech Republic. In addition,
they gave it the real personal touch with a day filled with non biking opportunities.
So keep an open mind as you look at the second (or third) page of a Google search.
Have a plan, but looking for support arranging accommodations, transportation,
or equipment transfers at your destination?
- Nichols
Expeditions - based in Moab, Utah, you pick the country and/or route and
they will set up the lodging, find someone to move your bags while you bike,
and help find a rental bike if you need one. I've personally used them
more than once in the past.
- Map my Ride - will help you map
your ride (includes distance and elevation gain). Other mapping options:
- Use the "avoid highways" option at Google maps and there is a chance of
getting a decent cycling route.
- or go to Michelin
maps - enter a start and end point, select 'options' and choose 'by
bike.' It will then give you a cycle-friendly route. The only caveat is
that for cycling the two points have to be less than 200 km (124 miles)
apart.
Tour companies that I have used or have been recommended by
readers. Even if you don't book a tour with them, the online sites are
full of ideas. Areas they visit, routes, and as they generally are familiar with
the areas, the prime times to visit as they generally book their tours when
the weather is at its best. As I live in Seattle,
there are more NW options than for other areas of the country.
- Nichols
Expeditions - based in Moab, Utah, you pick the country and/or route and
they will set up the lodging, find someone to move your bags while you bike,
and help find a rental bike if you need one. I've personally used them
more than once in the past.
- Cycling Safaris- an Irish
company a friend has used. The prices are right, and they include a bike.
- Adventure Cycling- a broad
selection of moderately priced trips in the US.
- InfoHub compiles a wide range of
interesting tours (not just cycling)from companies around the world.
compiles a number of tours.
- Mid-Valley Bicycle Club is a non-profit
club centered in Corvallis, Oregon, that keeps track of a number of rides in
their area.
- Corvallis
Blog links to a number of local club rides in the Portland area.
Time to book ? Here are two "one stop shopping" sites we all
recognize -- plane, rooms, the works -- and another that specializes in
international travel.
A few others that can be helpful in providing other
options - last minute deals, international travel, and book a place to
stay.
Alternatives to a hotel - and a great source for reviews on
accommodations.
- Bed and Breakfast.com - if
you want something other than a hotel.
- Trip Advisor.com - great reviews
if you've never been there before. A good place to cross check guidebook
recommendations with some useful links to articles about various
destinations or traveler advice forums. I have found their prices to be wrong on occasion,
so check with the hotel sites directly before you book.
- Northwest Cheapsleeps is for
those of us in the northwest - Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia for
under $100 a night.
- Bootsnall travel is for those
looking for inexpensive accommodations around the world.
- In Your Pocket specializes in
central and eastern European cities.
Ground transportation - Cars, trains
Other accessories for the trip or bike.