Now considered by those in-the-know as the leader in North America bike tours, Bicycle Adventures http://bicycleadventures.com/) is attracting more and more first timers on their tours. Starnes and his staff have developed a number of useful tips and strategies they like to share with anyone considering their first vacation on a bicycle seat.
If this is the first time testing the waters of a bicycle vacation, Starnes suggests choosing a fully supported tour.
“Instead of camping and carrying related gear, a supported tour allows you to focus on enjoying the ride, landscape, lodges and, of course, well-earned food,” he says. “You save yourself a ton of pre-trip legwork and a fair amount of suffering this way.”
“Nothing says commitment as much as putting your money on the line. But it’s not just the money – it’s money with a purpose. Padded shorts? I know what you are thinking -- those tight-fitting spandex/lycra shorts with ‘monkey-butt’ padding. This may be what the guy in the office recommends, but don’t listen to him. There are several better options that look like regular shorts, so you won’t be embarrassed to be seen in them. Ditto with the cycling top; there’s no need to buy a cycling jersey that has your favorite beer, sponsor or the logo for something you don’t understand. Just spend a few bucks to get a quality product that is comfortable both on the bike -- and off.”
Next, says Starnes, ride a bike.
“This doesn’t mean start training; just ride with purpose to help get in better physical condition for your tour. Think back to those days as a kid with wind in your hair (but please wear a helmet). Think about the freedom, the separation and distance. There was always a reward at the end of my rides. As a kid it was riding with friends to the A&W for a root beer, or riding to a friend’s house to play, or riding to practice.
But I was never riding to train. Ride for the enjoyment; minimize pressure on yourself. The distance and pace aren’t really important. Your guides will help you through the trip and get you just the right number of miles and difficulty for your level,” he says.
His last tip: ask for help.
“This is the most important and maybe the most difficult. Find a friend, mentor or spouse who will go along for the ride. Preferably it is someone who embraces the joys of riding a bike. They’re not going to try to impress you with their abilities on that first little incline or race you to the destination. They’ll actually ride by your side, chatting and stopping to smell the roses. If you can’t find someone to ride with, call us and we will guide you every step of the way so that when you arrive for your first bike tour you’ll be confident, excited and ready to get the most out of the experience.”
Starnes notes that most large cities have bike clubs with novice classes and groups. But again, his advice is to ask lots of questions and just ride for the pleasure of it.
“Make sure they understand you just want to go for a bike ride and enjoy the experience,” he advises.
There are still a number of tours ideal for first time cyclists with good space remaining for the 2014 season. For more information, availability and reservations contact Bicycle Adventures by phone: 800.443.6060, email: office@bicycleadventures.com or visit online at: http://bicycleadventures.com/.
About Bicycle Adventures
Scenic byways, four and five-star accommodations and local dining and visits to National Parks are trademarks of Bicycle Adventures, founded in 1984. Types of tours include Classic (25-50 miles a day), Classic Plus (50-60 miles a day) and Epic (70+ miles a day with the most demanding terrain). Value-driven Casual category trips offer budget-conscious lodging and meals, with the same full van support.
Pre-set and custom tours embrace the Pacific Northwest into Canada, California and the Southwest, as well as Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, New York, Hawaii and New Zealand. Excelling in its own backyard the Issaquah, WA-based company also conducts tours into Washington State’s wine country.
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