How to Plan Long Bike Tours
Taking a long bike tour is a lot of fun when the preparations are in order ahead of time. One of the main things the riders need to be concerned with is preparing for unforeseen problems, such as equipment problems or bad weather. Knowing the exact route will also help the riders have a good time on the tour.
- Decide how many people are going on the bike tour. Make sure everyone has the proper equipment as well as the right type of riding apparel for the time of year. Go over the tour route with the other riders so everyone knows how long it will be.
- Have all the riders perform maintenance on their bikes before the tour starts. Purchase additional tires as well as the necessary tools to repair a bike in case an issue occurs once the tour begins. Arrange to transport the bikes to the starting point of the tour if it is at a distant location.
- Check the weather ahead of time to decide if the tour should go on as scheduled. If the weather looks bad, you can either have everyone wear the appropriate clothing or delay the tour to another date. If the weather looks good, let everyone know it will begin on time.
- Have each rider bring a cell phone with them on the tour. In case one rider decides to stop before the rest of the group, having cell phones will allow everyone to remain in contact with each other. Check the cell phones on a regular basis once the tour starts, to make sure they are functioning properly.
- Bring plenty of water and other liquids on the tour. Decide where to stop on the tour ahead of time so each rider will know how to ration their liquids once the tour starts. Ask the riders to stay together so no one gets lefts behind by accident.