Cycling is an increasingly popular pastime in the UK, with an estimated 5.7% of adults aged over 16 known to use their bikes at least three times a week.
However, many Brits remain reluctant to travel with their bikes, not least because this can be challenging and not all destinations or hotels boast the required facilities to store your bicycle safely.
In this article, we’ll consider some of the key preparations needed before travelling with your bike.
1. Check your Accommodation’s Facilities
We’ve seen a growing number of people book city breaks throughout the UK and Europe in recent times, and when coupled with the rising popularity of biking it’s little wonder that hotels and B&B’s are increasingly aware of the needs of cyclists.
However, it’s fair to say that not all accommodations are bike-friendly, so you’ll need to check with your hotel to ensure that they have the fundamental facilities that you require. This includes secure bike storage as a basic minimum, and this should be lockable, alarmed and ideally covered by CCTV.
This is an important consideration, and you’ll need to compare the market thoroughly before making your final selection.
2. Box, Bag or Cardboard?
Unless you intend to arrive on your bike, you’ll also need to decide on how to transport your bicycle when you head to your destination.
The most basic option is to use a cardboard box from your local bike shop, but this scarcely offers any protection against damage whilst in transit, especially if in a plane cargo hold.
Instead, you may want to consider investing in a soft and lightweight carry bag or purchase a hard-shell cycle case that provides the type of heavy-duty protection necessary for long-distance journeys.
Ultimately, you should base your choice on your budget, frequency of travel and preferred mode of transportation, as this will ensure that you make an informed decision that delivers genuine value for money.
3. Do Your Research
Ultimately, the whole purpose of travelling with your bike is to enjoy some of the world’s most exciting cycle routes, so you’ll need to research your intended destination to ensure that you make the most of your excursion.
There are some overseas destinations that feature well-known cycle routes, with Mallorca being a popular choice. In this case, it will help to check with the locals to see if there are any hidden trails or loops that can enhance the overall experience.
This will ensure that you won’t miss out on any of the best sights, and it also allows you to create a detailed itinerary of routes to try out during your trip.