Is a bike tour the perfect getaway for you this summer? Are you hoping to make lasting friendships (and perhaps, even romantic relationships) on the road whilst taking in the sights that a country has to offer? If that does indeed sound like the perfect vacation for you, then by all means, go ahead and book that bike tour right now. But you are a beginner – what exactly should you do, and how should you go about it? Here are some useful tips!

• Find out what bike tours are available – the first thing you should ascertain before you pick a tour is finding out what types of tours are available. There are different types of cycling tours, and depending on your needs, one might suit you better than the other. Most rookie cyclists tend to pick a low-impact, scenic ride for their very first cycling vacation because it is both not as taxing and beautiful enough to make you want to get on the saddle again. However, if you do believe you are up for the challenge, you can definitely try one of the cross-country tours, mountain rides and even triathlons for some truly memorable experiences!
• Who do you want to travel with? – another very good point to clarify early on is how you want to travel on the tour. The main questions that affect this decision are whether you can handle yourself well, and are able to get around with a map and a GPS – and of course, if you do not get lonely travelling alone. Of course, if you are travelling to popular locations such as the Vuelta De Espana 2018 route locations, for example, you do not have to worry about getting lost. For individuals looking forward to some relaxing time immersed in nature, a solo trip, or one with your partner might be best. On the other hand, those looking to have fun with friends might want to book a tour with a guide and a group.
• Start training – another golden piece of advice you really need to hear is training. Riding a bicycle for tens of kilometres for days on end is a very taxing exercise, and you can get worn out pretty fast if you dive into the experience with no training whatsoever. Most experts will recommend you to start training – perhaps by increasing your exercise load and focus on cardio – around a month or two in advance as preparation. Keep in mind, however, that upping your stamina alone won’t help you; you will also need to get used to being on a saddle for a number of hours (and that can get uncomfortable quickly if you are not used it!).