A Beginner's Guide to Self Guided Bike Tours

If you're looking for an unforgettable experience, self guided bike tours are just the thing. Self-guided bike tours are a great way to explore the world around you because you have greater opportunity to interact with your environment.

​You can also take your time to stop and explore an area that otherwise might not have captured your attention, all while rolling at a pace faster than walking, but slower than driving: the perfect balance in my opinion!

It might sound intimidating, but don't worry! This beginner’s guide will give you all the information you need to go on a self-guided bike tour. From what route is best for beginners, to what you need to pack and also safety considerations.

 

Table of Contents

• The basics of self-guided bike tours
• What Bike Touring Route is Best for Beginners?
• What to Wear on a Bike Tour?
• What to Pack for a Bike Tour?
• Hydration and Nutrition for Beginners
• Safety on a Bike Tour
• Beginner Bike Touring FAQs
• Quick Tips for Bike Touring Routes

The basics of self-guided bike tours

Self-guided bike tours are a great way to explore the world around you because you have greater opportunity to interact with your environment. You can also take time to stop and explore an area that otherwise might not have captured your attention.

You need a good level of fitness, but you don't need a lot of experience to embark on a self-guided bike tour! In fact, if you're new to biking, this is a great way to start out.

 

The first thing you'll want to do is make sure you know how to use your bike properly and perform some basic maintenance. It's important that you know how it feels to ride a bicycle with some luggage on varied terrain.

There's a difference between the feel of a road or mountain bike, so make sure you understand which type of bike will suit your route, and make sure you can perform roadside maintenance, such as flat tire repair and brake or gear adjustments - well before departure.

 

Once you have an understanding of the appropriate bicycle for your type of bike tour, find the perfect route for beginners.

What Bike Touring Route is Best for Beginners?

When you're preparing for a self-guided bike tour, one of the most important decisions you'll have to make is what route to take. A good beginner's self guided bike tour could have you cycling between three to five hours hours a day, with a straightforward route and with easy navigation and limited hill climbing.

 

 

There are many factors that will go into this decision including how much time you have, your fitness level, and your preference, but you can start off with making 1 of 2 choices: Loop or Point-to-Point.

Aim to avoid busy roads and industrial - or excessivly hilly areas unless you're riding an ebike!

Each option has its unique advantages and considerations, making them suitable for different types of cyclists and tour goals.

Point-to-Point Routes

Advantages:

• Scenic Variety: Point-to-point routes allow you to cover a broader range of landscapes and environments, providing a more diverse and potentially more scenic experience.
• Sense of Progress: These routes can give a strong sense of journey and accomplishment as you travel from one distinct location to another.
• Flexibility: They often provide opportunities to visit multiple towns or cities, making it easier to find accommodation and explore different areas.

Considerations:

• Logistics: You'll need to arrange transportation back to your starting point, which can be an additional cost and time consideration.
• Planning: Requires more detailed planning to ensure you have accommodations and resources available at each stop along the way.

Loop Ride Routes

Advantages:

• Convenience: Loop routes start and end at the same location, eliminating the need for transportation logistics at the end of your tour.
• Familiarity: You can store your vehicle or extra belongings at a central point, making it easier to manage your gear and travel light.
• Flexibility: Easier to modify mid-ride if you need to cut your tour short or extend it, as you'll eventually return to your starting point.

Considerations:

• Repetition: Some loop routes might only cover a small region, which can reduce the variety of scenery compared to point-to-point routes.
• Accommodation: Depending on the loop's length and location, finding convenient lodging might be more challenging.

Choosing between a point-to-point and a loop ride route depends on your personal preferences, logistical capabilities, and the type of adventure you're seeking. But here's my tie-breaker:

Loop ride tours are great for beginners because they simplify arrival and departure logistics considerably and therefore may not require as much planning. Also if you need to stop riding halfway through because it's too difficult or you tire out before reaching the end it's easier to return to the start point.

Point-to-Point routes are often better for more seasoned riders who are accustomed to covering greater distances, who want to explore larger areas and are happy managing begining and end of tour logistics like trains or transfers.

What to Wear on a Bike Tour?

Choosing the right clothing for a bike tour is crucial for comfort, performance, and protection. Start with moisture-wicking base layers to keep sweat away from your skin and prevent chafing. On very hot days however, I prefer cotton or another slower wicking fabric to enhance cooling!

Padded cycling shorts can be essential for long rides, providing cushioning and reducing saddle discomfort. I personally prefer slick lycra boxer type shorts under light, washable baggy shorts and a touch of skin balm rather than padding!

Opt for a breathable, lightweight jersey with pockets for easy access to snacks and small essentials. Layering is key, so bring a lightweight, packable rain jacket for unpredictable weather and a windbreaker for cooler conditions.

Don't forget a good pair of cycling gloves to protect your hands from sun and road rash, and enhance grip, and a helmet for essential safety.

Sunglasses will shield your eyes from the sun, wind, and debris, while a buff or bandana can protect your neck and face from the elements.

Lastly, wear comfortable, moisture-wicking socks and sturdy cycling shoes suitable for your pedal type to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort on the road. These days I opt for comfortable hiking sneakers with a firm sole so I can easily hop off my bike and explore towns.

It may sound obvious, but do pack cycling clothes that are appropriate for biking, but also pack after riding clothes that can get dirty or that are easy to wash and dry.

Pro Tip: wear light colors so you don't get overheated while cycling in the sun. And if you plan on riding at night, make sure that your clothes are reflective and easy-to-see.

What to Pack for a Bike Tour?

​Before you start your tour, make sure you've got the right gear:

• The most suitable Bike for your chosen route.
• Helmet and comfortable cycling clothes.
• Straps to attach bags and panniers to your bike.
• Charger for your phone or device.
• First aid kit (contents TBD by personal preference).
• Extra water and snacks (you'll burn a lot of calories on a bike!).
• Tools and spares.

If you are "credit card touring" and staying in hotels, often a single set of cycling clothes will last you several days or weeks with nightly washing and overnight drying.

Consider that your after ride clothes are worn on a clean body for a few hours each day only. Just make sure you have a spare jersey and shorts in wet weather when you may need to change into dry gear half way through the day.

When you're planning what to pack, think about what items might be essential based on where you're going. For example, extreme cold or heat, long hot climbs, long cold descents or longer distances between rest stops. These things must be considered when you pack your gear.

For example, if you'll be in a hot climate, sunscreen is an absolute must! If you're going somewhere with a chance of rain, bring appropriate clothing and a rapid change of wet gear. You can find a detailed bike tour packing list here.

 

Pro Tip: Pack your panniers or bags in chronological layers. For example, I always pack my after ride sandals and wash kit near or at the top of my panniers, and always have a light rain jacket in my bar bag for instant access.

Hydration and Nutrition for Beginners

Embarking on a bike tour is an exciting adventure, but maintaining proper hydration and nutrition is crucial for an enjoyable and successful journey. Start your ride well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water the day before and the morning of your tour.

Aim to drink small amounts of water regularly during your ride, about one bottle per hour, and consider adding electrolyte tablets to your water to replenish lost salts and minerals, especially in hot weather.

Fuel your body with balanced meals and light snacks. Begin with a carbohydrate-rich meal a few hours before your ride, and during the ride, opt for easily digestible snacks like energy bars, bananas, fruits and nuts every 45 minutes to an hour.

After your ride, focus on recovery by consuming a snack with a rougly 3:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio, followed by a balanced evening meal. I particularly love a lighter combination Portuguese soups and petiscos or a variety of tasty tapas at the end of the day, rather than a heavy meal.

Embrace the local cuisine along your route for a more immersive experience, but be cautious with raw or very rich foods to avoid stomach issues.

Planning ahead for water refill points and carrying lightweight, non-perishable snacks will help keep you energized and hydrated throughout your adventure. By prioritizing these essentials, you'll ensure a smooth and enjoyable bike tour.

Safety on a Bike Tour

Safety should always be your number one priority and nothing should ever deter you from taking the necessary precautions. It's important to wear a helmet, follow traffic laws, and make sure you can be seen on or off the bike. I recommend wearing a bright colored jersey, wind breaker or helmet in any weather.

 

 

Beyond road safety, some destinations are clearly safer for beginer bike tourers than others. We are experts in bicycle travel in Spain and Portugal and over they years we have observed that male and female cyclists alike have excellent experiences in both countries.

 

Look for destinations with friendly and welcoming cultures and good infrustrutures for visitors for the best experience as a newbee bike traveler!
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If you follow the rules of the road and use some common sense, bike tours are very safe if you just take these few small precautions.

Beginner Bike Touring FAQs

Q: What should I pack for our trip?

A: Pack essential items like plenty of water, electrolyte tablets or sports drinks, and a variety of your favourite snacks like energy bars, bananas, nuts, and dried fruits. Additionally, bring a small first aid kit, sunscreen, bike appropriate multi-tool for bike repairs, spare tubes + patch kit, a lightweight rain jacket, comfortable clothing, and a map or GPS navigation device.

Pro Tip: If you're using a cell phone or GPS device for navigation, be sure to bring spare batteries or a power bank!

Q: What's the typical amount of snacks and water that most people need to bring?

A: Most cyclists aim to drink about one bottle of water (500-750 ml) per hour of riding. For snacks, plan for a small, easily digestible item every 45 minutes to an hour. This might include 2-3 energy bars, a few pieces of fruit, and a handful of nuts or trail mix for a half-day ride. Adjust based on your personal needs and the duration of your tour.

Pro Tip: If you are cycling in a fairly populated area, you can and should buy fresh snacks like fruit and sandwiches daily or even hourly!

Q: Is there anything that people seem to forget to pack that I should make sure we have?

A: People often forget electrolyte tablets, which are crucial for maintaining fluid balance and preventing cramps in hot weather seasons. Also, ensure you have a small first aid kit, sunscreen, lip balm, a basic repair kit with tire levers and a pump, and an extra layer of clothing for changing weather conditions.

Pro Tip: Bring a couple of plastic bags for wet or very dirty clothes so you don't mess up the rest of your gear!

Q: Do most travelers carry a backpack with them for their rides?

A: While some cyclists prefer a hydration pack or small backpack, most seasoned riders use bike-mounted storage options like saddlebags, handlebar bags, or frame bags to keep their bodies lighter, cooler and more comfortable. Let your bike carry the load!

Pro Tip: You will almost invariably overpack so create a checklist and remove unnecessary items. 

Quick Tips for Bike Touring Routes

Self-guided bike tours are a great way to explore the world's most beautiful destinations. Here are 3 broad and simple tips for beginner cyclists to make their first self-guided bike tour a success:

 

1) Start with an easy and travel friendly destination, where you won't find yourself hopelessly out of your depth if things go wrong. Namely healthcare, basic sanitation and alternative transport options in case of breakdowns - mechanical or personal! You can find some of our favourite beginner friendly and recommended bicycle tour routes in Spain and Portugal here.
 
2) Look for routes that avoid major roads and highways​, to avoid traffic hazards, but that lead you to interesting destinations so you never feel too far from civilization - or that all you do is pedal without engaging with locals! 

3) Consider Logistics, Points of Interest, Distance and Elevation gain. When will you go? Where will you stay? Where will you be able to buy provisions? What is there to see? How far do you want to cycle each day? How much do you want to climb each day? Also think about terrain (paved or unpaved), time available for your bike touring adventure, and seasonal weather conditions.

 

You need to be sure you are fit enough to cycle the full distance of the tour, while taking into account that the challenge level is not just the distance cycled, but also the elevation gain for the days ride.

​I also recommend allowing sufficient time to actually enjoy the rides and also your overnight destinations - and points of interest along the way! Many inexpereinced bicycle travelers overlook this and end up going home tired and underwhelmed simply from riding too late into each day.

 

Although most people prefer spring and summer for the better weather conditions, we have many experienced cyclists who prefer cycling in autumn and winter, and risking a little rain so they can avoid crowds.

Cycling Rentals has been designing and operating bike tours for nearly 20 years, and we can help you choose or plan your perfect self guided bike tour - get in touch. In the mean time, click below for some inspiration!

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