Bike tours are the ultimate means of discovery. Nothing compares to the experience of enjoying the sights, sounds and even the smells of your surroundings than by riding a bike. Many tourists visiting big cities that offer much to see like New York, London and Beijing, and even those opting for more serene tours outside big cities are opting for bike tours.

Biking vacations are popular because they are suited for travelers of all ages and abilities. While cycling around enjoying the views is great, it’s important to be well prepared for a multi-day bike tour. Here’s are some tips on what you should expect, how to be ready, what to pack and much more on preparing for a bike tour.

A Typical Bike Tour Day

Most bike tour companies will provide a choice of various routes and distances both in the morning and afternoon. Because this is your vacation, you’re encouraged to ride at your own pace and stop when you want to take in the beautiful views along the way or perhaps converse with some friendly locals or even buy something at a store.

According to BikeRentalCentralPark.com tours, bike tours offer you an opportunity to explore and discover much more than you would on a bus tour or even a simple sightseeing walk. You have the opportunity to stop and visit local attractions and any other point of interest. Bike tour companies will often brief you of the route so you can plan accordingly.

Preparing Yourself Physically

While you’ll be pedaling at a leisurely pace throughout your bike tour, it’s important to ensure you’re physically ready. A day’s ride visiting different places around a city or an expansive tourist site can be tiresome. Consider doing some pre-tour cycling to be physically fit and make your vacation even more enjoyable.

If you want to enjoy the wide-open vistas, city attractions, riverfront views or cultural sites during your vacation, you better be prepared both physically and mentally. If you don’t ride a bike regularly, combine some aerobic training with at least two or three times a week of cycling before going for your bike tour.

Choosing the Right Bike

Bike tour companies provide travelers with a variety of bike rental options. From hybrid bikes, electric bikes, road bikes to mountain bikes, you get to choose the best bike for your needs. Choose a comfortable bike with a wide gear range, a helmet, a rear luggage rack and other accessories needed for your own convenience and safety as you cycle around.

Bike rentals are available in most big cities at a reasonable price. If you have your own bike, make sure it’s tuned up and in good working order. The most important thing is choosing the right type of bike for your planned tour.

What to Pack

When it comes to choosing what gear to pack, make sure to find a good balance between comfort and convenience. Unless you’re planning a long distance bike tour, there is nothing much to carry except water, a camera and a small backpack or rear rack pack to carry some extra items. For city tours or short bike tours, carry light as much as you can.

The less weight you carry around, the more fun you will have cycling, so know what to carry for your next bike tour. Of course, the stuff you’ll carry for your bike tour will again depend on whether you’re planning a basic city tour or a longer distance multi-day tour with regular stops along the way.

Don’t Forget to Have Fun

Bike tours are one of the best ways to explore the outdoors and enjoy sightseeing at it’s best. Remember to have as much fun as you can. Take photos, share good moments with friends, meet new people and partake in socializing, sample foods and drinks and stay safe.