Tips for your next cycling trip

The UK weather forecast for the next month looks perfect for some outdoor adventures and if you are a cyclist then you will probably be relishing the opportunity for some great cycling trips to explore the best routes in the UK.

Before you head off on your cycling trip, make sure that you have everything in place to make sure your trip is as amazing as it can be. Here are some tips for how to plan and prepare for a great cycling trip:

Choosing your destination

The first part of planning is to decide where you are going to go. Are you planning on cycling directly from your home, or will you be driving and transporting your bike on a carrier? If you want to be able to take luggage with you, you should probably drive and find a base where there are lots of great cycling routes.

If you are travelling light, you could just be savvy with your packing and take a pannier bag and do the whole trip on your bike or combine it with train journeys. There are loads of good options to camp near good cycling routes, so you might want to find a good campsite or plan to visit a few around the UK. There are also lots of bike-friendly hotels near to some of the popular cycling routes, so choose a destination that will ensure you can keep your bike somewhere secure.

Bike service

If you have not had your bike serviced for a while, it is a good idea to book one in before your holiday, or at least give your bike a thorough check over if you are pretty knowledgeable about your bike’s mechanics. Check things like whether your brakes are working properly and your chain has been oiled, make sure that you take everything you might need such as spare tyres, puncture repair kits, Allen keys, etc.

Plan your routes

Before you set off on your journey, you should have planned out your cycle routes, so that you know exactly where you are going. If you are looking for traffic-free routes, or you want to find the most scenic routes, you can use cycling route apps to find the ones most suitable for your needs. You can also factor in stops for food and drinks to make sure you find the best spots or get to visit some nice cafes with views. 

Apps such as CycleMaps, Strava, Endomondo and Komoot should help you to pick the best routes for the type of cycling trip you are looking for.

Pack for all weathers

Even though the weather is looking fairly optimistic for the summer, British weather can be very temperamental, so make sure that you pack clothes for cold and wet weather, just in case the weather takes a turn for the worst.

Fit your cycle carrier

If you are opting for a trip where you drive, you need to make sure that you have a good quality cycle carrier for your bike(s). When you are choosing your cycle carrier, you will need to consider details such as how many bikes you will need to carry, the make and model of your vehicle and where you want to install the carrier on your vehicle. Read this blog for some help on choosing the right cycle carrier.

PF Jones has a huge selection of cycle carriers, including Thule, Witter, Westfalia and other top brands.

Shop your cycle carrier now.