{"id":20774,"date":"2023-06-24T09:56:49","date_gmt":"2023-06-24T08:56:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wheelsforwomen.ie\/?p=20774"},"modified":"2023-06-28T12:01:01","modified_gmt":"2023-06-28T11:01:01","slug":"six-tips-for-tackling-your-first-bike-tour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wheelsforwomen.ie\/index.php\/six-tips-for-tackling-your-first-bike-tour\/","title":{"rendered":"Six tips for tackling your first bike tour"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

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Ruth touring the Rota Vicentina, Portugal <\/em><\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Bicycle touring is one of the most enjoyable ways to see the world. Slowing things down, you get to take in the world from a completely different perspective writes Ruth O’Connor<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you\u2019re thinking of venturing off around Ireland or further afield, here are a few tips to help make the trip a lot more enjoyable.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Weight <\/strong>– When I think about the gear that I packed when I first started bicycle touring, I\u2019m both horrified and amazed that I managed to cycle up 22% gradients. Fast forward to 2019 and I\u2019m much more streamlined in my approach to packing. When I say streamlined, what I mean is I am ruthless. That extra pair of socks, the spare shoes \u201cjust in case\u201d \u2013 all of these things add up and before you know it, you\u2019ve a fully loaded monster.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Sun Protection – <\/strong>I still have tan lines from our first bicycle tour. That was 4 years ago and my skin still hasn\u2019t recovered. We were far too relaxed about it, putting on Factor 20 in the morning, cycling for at 10 hours in 40\u2019C heat and not reapplying once. Fools, I know. Apart from the obvious dangers of skin cancer, imagine lying in your tent in the sweltering night time heat trying to get some sleep, but unable to think of anything but your roasted skin. Factor 50 for me from now on, thank you.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Menstrual Cup – <\/strong>If you\u2019re planning on going on a long tour and get periods, I\u2019d recommend you consider switching to a menstrual cup (eg .Mooncup, Diva Cup).<\/strong> No pads or tampons to pack and no worrying about disposal. Not only are they better for the environment, but they make touring life a whole lot easier.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Fancy Pants – <\/strong>With all the useless gear I packed on my first tour, the one thing I didn\u2019t think of was \u2018something nice\u2019 to throw on if we were going for dinner or a beer. Obviously, our cycling clothes were very functional and also had a pretty constant smell of sweat off them \u2013 not exactly the kind of clothes you want to wear to the local pub. Within a week of leaving on our first tour, I had picked up a basic jersey dress that I could throw on and wear in the evenings. Be practical in your choice though and make sure it\u2019s something that you can also cycle in.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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DIY Basics – <\/strong>If you\u2019re a bit green when it comes to maintaining your bike, I can\u2019t recommend strongly enough the benefits of asking a savvy cycling friend or your local bike shop for a crash course in the basics. You will be so much more comfortable knowing that if you get a puncture, adjusting brakes, replacing brake pads, removing\/installing pedals (crucial if you\u2019re flying with your bike) \u2026 learning how to do these things yourself will save you time, money and stress. And finally, you\u2019ll be amazed what you can do with cable ties when you\u2019re desperate so always have a few packed in your panniers!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Keep a Journal – <\/strong>If you\u2019re heading off for a few weeks or months, I\u2019d definitely recommend keeping a journal. That remote caf\u00e9 you found that had the best cake you\u2019ve ever tasted, the family that washed all of your filthy laundry without batting an eye, the time you blagged your way on to a private yacht with your bike \u2026 these are all memories that can quickly fade but it can be a pure joy to sit down with your journal and reminisce. You\u2019d be amazed at how much you forget. Just remember to be honest and record the good, the bad and the ugly. That\u2019s what makes for good reading years later!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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The beauty of bicycle touring is in its simplicity so try not to overthink things. Don\u2019t be afraid to just go for it and figure it out as you go. You\u2019ll very quickly learn what kind of tourer you are and what works for you. A tour can last a weekend or several years, it\u2019s what you make it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Ruth O’Connor<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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If you\u2019re thinking of venturing off around Ireland or further afield, here are a few tips to help make the trip a lot more enjoyable <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":20780,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3613,117],"tags":[4516,4517],"yoast_head":"\nSix tips for tackling your first bike tour - wheelsforwomen.ie<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Bicycle touring is one of the most enjoyable ways to see the world. 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