Why a Cycling Holiday?

Why choose a cycling holiday?

It is a common question … why do you cycle on holiday rather than other means – catch a train, walk, cruise, bus, car?

Our thoughts here are based on riding a gravel bike with 42mm tyres that is comfortable both on sealed surfaces and reasonably compact gravel.  This is similar in its capacity to a hybrid, a bike that is often found as one to hire.

Cycling the lesser roads gives a different view (pov) from driving the motorways.

All forms of transport for holidays have their place and we are lucky to have them available in our lives.  These are some points as to why we enjoy cycling, and you may say – I can relate to that, or they may encourage you to give cycle touring a try.

• Our rides are not about the speed or whether we rode or walked a particular section, it was about the feelings on that day.  This is quite a transition from Strava records and fitness targets, where speed, distance and elevation define your worth.  With this “slow” (def: retaining always a degree of energy and time) approach we take in more, but also feel there is more - we can’t say we “did” (ie. North Macedonia or even Lake Ohrid), or anywhere along the way, we experience that there is so much more to experience. Initially, dialling it back and stopping and listening, there were gaps/silence … but these soon filled, and we saw the butterflies, watched the tortoises cross the path in front of us and felt the country/people/city/the rhythm. 
• With our distance per day being around 60-70 km, often this takes in 2-3 villages, so there become expectations as to snack stops, the village squares, the makeup of the countryside whether that be forests, pastures, crops, intensive horticulture etc – long enough for there to be plenty to take in. The journey is about the people, the experiences, the sites and sounds … smells – all so available on a bike.  
• The bicycle is a wonderful means of transport, able to be stopped at any point and open to the changes in the natural elements … we felt the country.  

Livestock and crops are always interesting to be close to.

• Given that many of the larger villages and cities have very little car parking close to the centres, bikes are the ideal transport to your accommodation or coffee/lunch. Bicycles are often well catered for, just remember to take a lock.  By cycling and without a vehicle, this determines that accommodation is found within walking distance to restaurants and attractions – a good outcome!
• In many countries throughout the world cycling is being encouraged for lifestyle and fitness. Cycle paths are being constructed and being linked with small country roads (such as the farm tracks in France) to provide a safe and tranquil journey between villages for cyclists.
• By retaining flexibility in accommodation commitments, this gives us the opportunity to listen to our bodies and consider weather forecasts should we wish to change the itinerary. 
• By doing a moderate amount of exercise each cycling day, and the days off when walking attractions, this makes way for a good appetite to taste the local cuisine with no holding back.
  

  No guilt eating treats like these. Ride all day and eat everything.

• On a broader note, a cycling holiday will contribute positively towards your fitness. In the UK inactivity causes one in three premature deaths, and it’s recommended that adults take part in approximately 2.5 hours of moderate activity per week.
• At the end of a days cycling the body feels quite supple and free from aches. Cycling isn’t a weight bearing exercise. When you sit on the saddle you put the weight into your pelvis, which means that it’s good for anyone with joint pains or other age-related stiffness.
• You will feel good about yourself. Not only is inactivity killing us, but it’s also harming the environment. Thanks to global warming we need to cut carbon emissions. One of the biggest sources of these emissions is car travel.
• It can be something for the whole family. By actively encouraging not just yourself, but the kids too, you all take part in something healthy and fun. It’s a great way to bond as well, learn to repair bikes, and discover new routes. Plus, it could be the start of a good habit you instill in the kids, helping them to stay fit and healthy all year round.
• It will improve your navigational skills. Being out and about on the bike means you have to pay attention to where you are and where you’re going. You’ll likely have to remember routes and directions.

Cycle Safely

• Get an OK from your doctor before embarking on a cycling holiday, especially if you are not a regular cyclist, or if you’ve been unwell or suffer from heart disease or arthritis.
• Check your saddle height making sure it’s not too high. You should have a slight bend in your knee on the downwards stroke, otherwise the saddle is too high for you. Too low, with very bent knees at bottom of pedal stroke will quickly give rise to sore knees. 
• Get a helmet and wear it always when riding, with the strap done up.
• Be visible with some bright clothing on the upper part of your body. Make sure you can be seen.
• Make sure your Lights (front and rear are charged). Use the rear light at all times, the front when the light is fading.
• Don’t wear headphones whilst cycling as you’re disconnecting yourself from your environment. Stay aware at all times.
• Carry a first aid kit.

Jen and Greg
October 2024