BIKING VACATIONS TRAVELING THE BACKROADS
BY CLAY LARROY
A vacation can soothe the soul and leave you renewed,
refreshed, and invigorated. Whether you are just now starting to plan your next
vacation, or are merely looking for travel
ideas and suggestions, read all the articles about travel. So take away some of
the stress of making travel plans, and get started thinking about the fun and
relaxing times you will soon be having on your next trip! When you are ready to plan an
exciting vacation contact me!
Regardless of the
pace and route, a biking vacation will make modest demands on a traveler’s
physical conditioning. In considering whether a biking vacation is for you,
take stock of you willingness to spend most of your day in the out-of-doors, in
a bike saddle being very active. Some riding and exercising in advance of your
vacation will help ensure that you do not spend your first nights on the road
nursing sore muscles!
Your tour operator
will probably suggest a training schedule prior to your trip that will match
the rigour of your chosen itinerary. Some biking activity three times a week
for several weeks before your travel is a must in order for you to fully enjoy
the experience during your vacation.
It is worthwhile to
take time prior to your trip familiarizing yourself with your routes. Although
it is likely that your tour operator will provide you with a daily briefing,
your own mental preparation and physical training will be easier to supplement
if you know in advance the general course and terrain of your daily schedule
while on the trip. Ask your tour operator to provide daily schedules with route
guidelines in advance, if possible.
Finally, discuss with
your personal traveling companions the various options on the trip and make
sure that each is comfortable with the varying degrees of skill, fitness and
desired pace represented by each member. It is important that the individuals
that make up your personal traveling group are each in agreement that it will
(or will not!) be appropriate for each biker to set their own pace and daily
distance. Discussing such matters before you arrive at your destination will
make your biking vacation much more pleasant on yourself and on the other
participants.
The climate of the
destination will determine your clothing selection. To the extent possible,
pack lightly. Be sure to take equipment that is important to your comfort or
protection such as your helmet (if not using the tour operator’s equipment),
biking shoes and rain gear. Most excess luggage and equipment will be carried
in the shuttle van during the course of the trip.
Are biking vacations
safe? Any travel entails some degree of risk. However, biking tour operators
are very much aware of the inherent risks of being in the out-of-doors and seek
to minimize the risk riding in unfamiliar destinations.
Here are a few tips
that can help you ensure that you enjoy your biking vacation with the maximum
value and minimum risk:
- Prepare for the
trip by making sure that you can physically handle the course, pacing and
terrain you have chosen.
- Your tour
operator will ultimately indicate that you are responsible for your
choices, so be objective in your estimation of your conditioning.
- Learn the rules
of the road. If you are not in Kansas anymore, you might be in Killarney
and that oncoming traffic means you have forgotten that you are supposed
to be on the left side of the road. Other localities are more or less bike
friendly than your home routes, so get good local advice and follow it!
- As always, stay
hydrated.
- Wear a helmet!
- Wear a helmet!
(intentionally repeated!)
- Respect the
local inhabitants. You are their guest.
- As with any
vacation, travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip interruption
and medical emergencies is a good idea.
Biking vacations are
available the world over. From a road not far from your home, to the most far
off reaches of the planet, it is highly likely that an organized biking
vacation exists. Even a brief list would include most of the countries of
Europe and the UK, all 50 states of the US, Canada, South America, Africa,
Australia and Asia.
In Europe, France,
Italy and Switzerland, as well as England, Scotland and Ireland are all
favorite biking destinations. In North America, the western United States, New
England and practically all of Canada are offered by a multitude of tour
operators. The Asia-Pacific area opens new and exciting possibilities in
Vietnam, China and Cambodia. Practically any country that you would want to
visit offers some biking vacation opportunities.
The seasons of your
destination will determine the most comfortable time for you to undertake your
biking vacation. Your personal budget will comprise the other half of the ‘when’
question and answer. In general, your best values are in the shoulder season:
that period between the highest, peak travel months in your destination and the
lowest, off season. Typical shoulder season weather is a bit cooler than peak
seasons yet much more affordable. Low seasons, while very inexpensive, tend to
be uncomfortable...too hot, too cold, or too wet. Balance off the cost of the
trip with your comfort and you will find value!
Not all tour
operators will offer all destinations during all seasons. Likewise many tour
companies will have policies about cancelled departures resulting from too few
participants. Be sure to check on, and be comfortable with, the tour operator’s
right to cancel a departure. The brochure or website of your tour operator will
likely have an FAQ (frequently asked questions) section. Review the FAQ’s with
your travel consultant and fellow travelers until satisfied with your research.
Carefully review what
is included in your rates. Some bike tour operators include tips, some do not.
Taxes are almost always additional. Food is typically covered, as are any fees
for additional activities, but cover these issues with your travel consultant
when making arrangements. The world awaits, so get in gear!
REFERENCE SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
I find buying a bicycle is a great way to stay in touch with people.
Jan Chipchase
Jan Chipchase
<a href="https://feedshark.brainbliss.com/">feedshark</a>
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