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8 Secrets to a Great Bike Day Trip
Enjoy a two-wheeled escape that'll work your body and refresh your spirit. Just a bike, helmet, and a few hints are all you need to get started.
The pace of a bicycle ride is a happy medium. You're traveling fast enough to cover miles yet slow enough to take in the view and chat with fellow riders. And if you want to take in more scenery, it's as easy as squeezing the hand brakes.
To make your day trip an easy, enjoyable getaway, here are a few insider tips from
Bike Touring: Everything You Need to Know to Travel Anywhere on a Bike (Rodale, 2005).
There's more than one way to get there. When planning a route, consider: 1. Loop: Ride in a big circle that will take you back to where you started. 2. Out and back: Take a path, get to an end point, then turn around. 3. Drive and drop: Ask a friend to drive and drop you off where you'll start, or arrange for a car to be left where your ride will end. And if you're looking for some inspiration when choosing a location, try these resources:
www.trails.com for mountain-biking day trips
www.nps.gov for day trips to national parks
www.adventurecycling.org for road trips and longer day trips
It pays to be prepared. Pack a multitool to adjust all the bolts on your bike. Stow at least one tire tube and a patch kit in a seat pack, and bring along a portable air pump.
Comfort begins before you start. A quick fit check and adjustments can help you ride with maximum comfort. At the bottom of a pedal stroke, your knee should be slightly bent. If your hips rock when you pedal, your seat may be too high.
You're better off going with a good pair of bike shorts that have a padded chamois liner than a squishy gel seat. And you don't need to squeeze into those tight-fitting shorts that you see pro cyclists wearing. There are baggier versions for men and women that still have the protective chamois, so you can stop to eat at a casual restaurant and not feel self-conscious.
Frequent water and fuel may be required. Drink often—even before you feel thirsty—sipping water every 10 to 15 minutes. With your body working, you'll need small snacks at many points along the way, so bring along a few nibbles for fuel.
Strapping on a helmet isn't enough. For proper head protection, your helmet should rest level on your head, cover your forehead, and be tight enough to slip only two fingers between your chin and strap. The pairs of straps should come down on each side of your ear and form a V at your chin.
Don't be locked out by your own lock. If you think you'll need to leave your bike to go into a restaurant or walk a trail, using a bike lock is a good idea. Even better: a combination bike lock. That way, you won't have to worry about losing a key and being stuck.
The sun sets quicker than you think. Add a headlight and rear blinker. When shopping for bike clothing, look for the kind with reflective piping and bright colors such as orange and yellow.
You deserve a break. Plan a stop near the middle of the route. Put up your feet, refuel, maybe even share a treat with your companions. In just an hour of easy cycling, a person weighing about 150 pounds can burn about 440 calories.
