What You Need to Bike Long Distance: From Bike Supplies to Emotional Preparation
It's always been my dream to take a long distance bike trip. When you bike you can go anywhere you want, up hills and trails; you can park and swim in a lake without having to worry about whether or not your car will get a ticket; you go at a slower pace, which makes biking the perfect method for taking a scenic route. So when I decided to take a cross-country trip, I knew all I needed was a few grand for pocket change, my beautiful road bike, and a heart full of courage.
I also chose to bring cycling computers. They are a good way to track your distance and your speed. Knowing your average speed can motivate you to cycle harder and faster to get where you want to go. Bicycle taillights are important too. You need reflectors to show cars that you exist, especially if you bike dark, desolate roads. Bikers are hard to see at night in general, and if you don't have taillights you can easily get hit.
Then of course you need the bike basics. I brought some basic bike supplies, like spare tubes, bike tools and a backpack with a sleeping bag so I could camp out on the road. The trip will most likely take about three months, more if you want to see as much as you can. If you haven't been training for at least half an hour a day you're going to hurt once you get on the road. It will take about two weeks for you to get into shape, so if possible, train before you travel, and take your pack.
Be careful of thunderstorms. If you see signs of them, take shelter, and remember you will be seeing mostly small towns along the way. These towns may only have one store that closes at five o'clock so some days it may make sense to stop traveling and eat a solid dinner. You'll be thankful for the evening of rest the next day.
Above all, prepare yourself for hardship. There will be times where you have to sleep on hard ground, when you are scared and lonely and wish you had someone to talk to, and when you would do anything for a good meal and a hot cup of joe. Remember, though, that through your perseverance you will become a stronger person and a better human - the hardest parts will most likely be the best stories.
I also chose to bring cycling computers. They are a good way to track your distance and your speed. Knowing your average speed can motivate you to cycle harder and faster to get where you want to go. Bicycle taillights are important too. You need reflectors to show cars that you exist, especially if you bike dark, desolate roads. Bikers are hard to see at night in general, and if you don't have taillights you can easily get hit.
Then of course you need the bike basics. I brought some basic bike supplies, like spare tubes, bike tools and a backpack with a sleeping bag so I could camp out on the road. The trip will most likely take about three months, more if you want to see as much as you can. If you haven't been training for at least half an hour a day you're going to hurt once you get on the road. It will take about two weeks for you to get into shape, so if possible, train before you travel, and take your pack.
Be careful of thunderstorms. If you see signs of them, take shelter, and remember you will be seeing mostly small towns along the way. These towns may only have one store that closes at five o'clock so some days it may make sense to stop traveling and eat a solid dinner. You'll be thankful for the evening of rest the next day.
Above all, prepare yourself for hardship. There will be times where you have to sleep on hard ground, when you are scared and lonely and wish you had someone to talk to, and when you would do anything for a good meal and a hot cup of joe. Remember, though, that through your perseverance you will become a stronger person and a better human - the hardest parts will most likely be the best stories.
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