How to plan a bike trip and what to take with you?

Contrary to appearances, this isn't as obvious as it might seem. Planning a trip is crucial and will help us avoid unpleasant situations where poor preparation ruins the entire trip and causes the expedition to end earlier than planned. Therefore, before every trip (both small and large), it's best to prepare a plan. Based on this, we can prepare for the expedition. A bike trip is always a good idea, provided we don't forget anything. Bike for the trip? Check out what we have for you.

Some important questions

Planning a cycling trip should begin by asking yourself a few important questions that will help you enjoy your trip. The basic questions we should ask ourselves are: how long will the trip be, where and when do we want to go, who do we want to go with, and what are our budgets? Depending on the answers to these questions, we can prepare accordingly. The answer to the first few questions alone will determine the importance of our trip.

Bikepacking - what is this action?

Bike trip - where?

It will determine the size of our trip. Backpack? Pannier? Tent? The answer to this question will significantly simplify the entire trip, because studying the entire route and properly arranging it over time will allow for very precise day-by-day planning.

How to plan a bike trip and what to take with you - routes vary!

When?

This issue is a bit more complicated, as everything depends on the season. It's common knowledge that if you're going on a spring trip, you'll need to pack completely differently than if you're going in the fall. In spring and summer, you can afford lighter clothing and perhaps even pack a raincoat. These will protect you from getting wet in the event of unexpected rain. I'd like to warn you right away that you shouldn't rely on weather forecasts, even short-term ones. We all know the weather is unpredictable, and it's better to be prepared than unpleasantly disappointed. In the fall and winter, it's a good idea to stock up on thermal underwear. This way, you won't have to dress in layers, and you'll save space by not having to pack more clothes.

Our steel gravel bike with pannier racks is the perfect bike for touring.

Bike trip, but with whom?

The third question is quite a challenge, as whether we're traveling alone or with someone can make or break the journey. It's clear that when traveling alone, we're our own guides, we know our own abilities, and we know when and where we want to rest. When deciding to travel with a companion, we must consider their physical and mental capabilities and then plan the trip accordingly, ensuring it's a pleasure, not a chore.

What for?

The final important question: what for? Why important? Because this will determine whether we need to stock up on provisions and water, or whether we'll be stocking up on them on an ongoing basis during our trip. Will we be sleeping outdoors? At a campsite? Or in lodgings? And that's not all...

Bicycle tour - Mandatory set

Answering the above questions will help you plan your trip appropriately, but we mustn't forget about essential equipment—things we should always have with us, regardless of whether the trip is short or long, more or less demanding. These include:

• a small first aid kit,
• spare inner tube,
• a set of basic bicycle tools,
• pump,
• lighting,
• raincoat (you never know when it will come in handy),
• water,
• "Energy" - preferably dark chocolate. Why dark? Because it's a rich source of carbohydrates, magnesium, and iron, among other things.

Let's remember, however, that the most important element of our trip is the technical preparation of the bike, properly packing the panniers, and bringing the previously mentioned basic tools. Let's also remember that each subsequent cycling trip will allow us to be better prepared. We will gain experience that will help us in future cycling adventures.

What to take on a bike trip - a must-have kit

So that it won't be

Most importantly, go where you want to go, so it doesn't turn out to be a chore for everyone involved. Don't force yourself, because it doesn't matter whether it's a trip into the unknown or you repeatedly go to the same place because you like it or simply because. The most important thing is to enjoy it. Remember, take the bare minimum. Every extra kilogram (or gram) is an additional burden, which can be tiring on long distances, especially on climbs.

English Tour - LONDON by Bike

At the end

A small checklist to check off: a properly prepared, inspected, and technically sound bike ( it's worth checking with a service center to make sure everything is working properly), properly selected panniers or a backpack, a prepared route, a carefully checked map, road safety checks to avoid unnecessary surprises, appropriate clothing, and good company. Success and fun during the trip will depend on all these factors. Spring is approaching, so I wish you many wonderful trips and adventures. I hope that after reading this article, I've helped and made it easier for cycling enthusiasts to prepare for their first trips.

Take a look at more cycling trips - Tatra Mountains by bike