tipage
Just a few things I have learned along the way. By having a listing of tips for touring, I am not claiming to be a bike touring expert. I do present these ideas in hopes of making your tour more enjoyable.
"Experience is that marvelous thing that enables you recognize a mistake when you make it again." ~F. P. Jones
#1 Let's get the hypocrisy out of the way right off. Tip #1 from me; tour with a companion. Even though I have been touring alone for nearly 2 decades (The only trip I ever took with a partner was my very first) I would still recommend touring with someone. While there are benefits to touring alone, the benefits of touring with a partner are greater. Safety, and companionship, are just two.
#2 More hypocrisy with tip #2, 'Stop and smell the roses' as they say. This advice comes from a man that tours like he’s running from the law. I can't imagine all the people and sights I have missed over the years.
#3 Take your gear for a ride! I recommend loading the gear on the bike and taking it for a spin or two around the block at the very least before tour day. This reacquaints you with handling a loaded bike, allows you to redistribute weight (move gear around) if necessary, and perhaps the best benefit, prepares you psychologically for the load you will be carrying.
#4 Once your route is planned, I recommend leaving a map of the route and itinerary with somebody not traveling with you. In addition to safety reasons, this provides you with a guide for additional information. For example, If you have a storm coming up behind you while on tour, your resource back home could locate a hotel and make reservations for you.
#5 Carrying more than enough liquids. For me if I am touring in the Midwest that translates into 5 water bottles. The downside to this is added weight, but the benefits are numerous, including; always having enough, and spending less time searching for water sources. Another benefit is having to pay for it less often. If I find a good free source, I can fill up, and perhaps 40 miles later when I might normally be out with just 2 water bottles, I can ride past the convenience mart.
#6 Along with liquids, I highly recommend always having a food source with you, especially if you are prone to 'bonking'. Sources could be an energy bar, or fruit for example. Being prepared with an adaquate energy source will divert disaster in instances when we misjudge our hunger (Easy to do on tour) or don't make a destination that we had intended too. Also, I always carry more than I need into camp with me every night.
#7 Consider using a, 'false wallet' as an added safety precaution. Purchase a lightweight, cheap wallet, or use an old one. Stuff a few bucks in it along with any other documents needed to make it look authentic. Keep the, 'false wallet' in an accessible place for you, meanwhile keeping your real wallet, or whatever you store your method of payment in well hidden.
#8 Ever considered programming an ICE (In case of Emergency) number in your cell phone's contact list? The number can be used by paramedics and others in case you are unable to talk. Often the ICE number is the number of family member or close friend. I recommend having several ICE numbers in the event someone could not be reached.
#9 It is important for first responders to have access to your medical information (Blood type, insurance, allergies, relative's and doctor's contact information etc etc). If you're traveling with others let them know where they can find it, or share it with them. If your touring alone make sure this information can be easily found.
#10 It is always nice to have a 'pillow' or something to rest your head on when taking a break. I use my rolled up sleeping bag. Whatever you use, I recommend making it easily accessible so you don't have to untie or unpack a lot of things to get to it, or put it back.
#11 Please be seen. There are two points to this. First follow the traffic laws which makes it easier for car/pedestrian traffic to predict where you will be and your future actions. Secondly, increase the contrast between you and your surroundings by proper lighting at night and displaying bright colours by day. For bright colours, perhaps It's your jersey, or cloth attached to the back panniers , or a flag.
#12 I believe making eye contact with drivers at intersections is a great safety practice. For example, if I am pulling up to a stop sign and I make eye contact with cross traffic, they know I see them and I am not going to pull out in front of them. Making eye contact with drivers across the intersection is important too. Once eye contact is made I then make my hand signal. Once the intersection clears of cross traffic, or the light clears both parties can proceed knowing what the other is going to do.
#13 Sunscreen protection, It's a given. Be sure to use lots of it, often, and cover all exposed areas. I use a waterproof variety as it stays on better when sweating.
#14 It's always important to keep your water bottles clean, but it becomes essential if you are drinking mixed powdered enhancers out of your bottles (electrolyte enhancers, protein drinks). Use every opportunity to rinse the bottles with hot water and detergent to prevent illness.
#15 Once your route is planned, I recommend programming the police/sheriff phone numbers of counties and larger municipalities you will be passing through into your cell phone. If a situation is developing, or has taken place, you are then able to be on the phone with the local dispatcher very quickly. These numbers can be cateragorized into a folder on most cell phones. I recommend this be done for your daily training runs also when you are back home.
#16 As I am touring I tend to discard the no longer needed portions of my maps as I use them. On occassion, however, I recommend saving maps, especially maps you may have picked up on the way as they make wonderful memory items years later.
#17 Foundation to me in my life is daily meditation and spiritual study. It needn't stop while on tour. I recommend simply bringing your reading with you. Travel size Tanakhs (Hebrew Bible) and Greek Bibles are made and can be purchased (The Gideons version of the Greek Bible for example). Studying out in nature can be a powerful experience.
#18 Reward yourself! I recommend ending all your longer tours with scheduling a deep tissue sports massage from your favorite therapist!
It's so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and say the opposite." ~Sam Levenson
links
Bicycle tourist Rev. Johannes Myors offers numerous tips and instructions on his site, 'Pedal Prayers'. Sections include: 'Tips for Touring', 'Basic Mistakes of Bicycle Tourist', and 'Some Basic Hints for Bicycle Tourist', among others.
Pedal Prayers Cycling Ministry - BICYCLE TOURING INDEX
Rivendell Bicycle Works provides a tipe page entitled 'Tips for Happy Riding'. While the page is not touring specific, I found it far to entertaining not to share with you. Enjoy!
Rivendell Bicycle Works: Tips for Happy Riding
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"Never use your face as a brakepad." ~Jake Wadsworth