If you’ve always loved the idea of an active getaway, then a luxury cycling holiday in Europe could be just the ticket, and will allow you to explore some incredible landscapes and take in breath-taking scenery whilst taking on a route or trail that’s as challenging – or as easy – as you like.
If you’ve only ever cycled for fun, the idea of spending your entire holiday on wheels can feel daunting, but by arming yourself with the right knowledge and know-how, you’ll be well equipped for a fun and fulfilling experience that will have you wanting to do it all over again. And, with some of the continent’s best cycling destinations, like Majorca and Girona, also boasting some opulent five-star hotels to rest your head in at night, and some great places to eat and drink along the way, you won’t have to compromise on all the little luxuries that make a holiday memorable.
To set you off on the road to cycling holiday success, here are some simple tips from the pros on what to do, what not to, and what you should know before you go.
Getting kitted out
The key to comfort during any cycling escape is getting kitted out with all the right gear – and it’s also important to ensure you enjoy a safe ride. Sitting atop a saddle all day can soon begin to take its toll without the right attire, and padded cycling shorts will provide you with a much needed cushion to prevent bruising and chafing – neither of which are issues you’ll want to be dealing with on holiday.
Wearing a helmet is essential, and this is even more the case if you plan to take on challenging trails or cycle on busy roads. Gloves and knee pads are also a good idea – the latter will protect you from any nasty grazes or scrapes should you suffer a fall, while the former are particularly beneficial for mountain bikers and hardcore downhill riders, where you might find yourself putting extra pressure on your hands and wrists. To make sure you have all of the safety gear and equipment you need, visit here.
Keeping your bike in check
Before embarking on any cycling route, you’ll want to ensure that your bike is in optimal condition, and that it stays that way throughout your journey. With this in mind, knowing a bit about bike maintenance will go a long way, and will mean you’re able to fix any minor issues that may occur as you go.
Keeping your chain clean and lubricated will ensure it can move smoothly, reduce friction and prevent corrosion and drivetrain wear, and checking your tyre pressure before you set up to make sure they are properly inflated will allow them to conform to bumps and absorb shocks. As a general rule of thumb, your tyres will likely feel good at around 100 psu but on a rougher road surface, you might want to keep them at 90 psi to maintain optimal speed.
If you plan on cycling off-road, then invest in some mud guards to prevent yourself from getting splashed with mud, water and dirt in wet weather or on damp terrain.
Learning how to fix a puncture is also a handy skill to have – always carry a repair kit with you, including tyre levers, patches, a new inner tube and a pump, just in case.
Staying safe
It might be a holiday, but it’s still important to prioritise safety, and that means staying hydrated and well fuelled and packing enough refreshments to see you through should the route take longer than expected or an injury or bike problem occur along the way. Many off-road cycling routes will take you miles from the nearest shops and cafés, so don’t leave getting your hands on enough water to chance.
In hot weather or on long rides, packing some sachets of electrolyte powder or a few bottles of sports drinks can be a good idea to maintain optimal hydration – and of course, wear sunglasses and cover your shoulders and head to avoid getting heatstroke and sunburnt.
If you’ll be cycling on the road, then get to grips with the rules of the road in your chosen destination and make sure you adhere to them – as these can vary dramatically depending where in the world you are. If you’re going alone, then downloading and using a cycling app is a good way to allow your loved ones to track your route and locate you should they need to.
When cycling, be careful not to jam your brakes. The front brake is much more effective than the rear at stopping your bike in an emergency, so make sure you know which is which before you set off so that you don’t find yourself flying over the handlebars later on.
To turn effectively, ensure your outside pedal is in the lowest position and place pressure on it to give you more grip so that you don’t fall.
The bottom line
A cycling holiday can be a great way to immerse yourself in nature and explore parts of a country or region you wouldn’t otherwise see, and if you’re the active type, then it’s an excellent alternative to simply sitting on the beach all day. Check yourself in at an opulent five-star hotel so that you can enjoy great food, wonderful facilities and impeccable service in between, and it’s the perfect choice for a late summer or early autumn break in Europe.
