If you are interested in a self-supported bike tour but do not know how to plat it or where to start, well make sure that you start early, possibly now. However, winter is considered to be the best time to start planning for your summer bike tour. This will give you enough time to make arrangements as well as accommodate changes that are required in the course of planning. Consider the duration of your tour, your goals, the location, climatic conditions and lots of other factors. With so much at stake, it will really pay you off well if you start planning early, whether it is your first tour or you are a regular at it.

Type Of Tour

Proper planning is required for a simple weekend jaunt or even for monumental around-the-world travel. Either way, a bike tour offers a rewarding and healthy way to explore nature to the fullest. If you want to give shape to your dream, you will need to be strategic and immaculate in your planning process.

Start with considering the type of tour that is most suitable for you. Do not feel shy to consult and take help of the bike pros for useful tips and proper choice. Remember, the plans for your bike tour will depend on a variety of factors such as:

• The type of bike tour NYC
• The level of planning Kind of gear you want to carry along
• Your effort level that you are keen to expand
• Amount of money you want to spend
• And the time you want to dedicate for the tour.

Credit Card Touring

There are many different types of touring that you must know first and each has its characteristic pros and cons. Credit card touring is a specific type of bike tour where cyclists usually carry basic clothing and cycling gear. For their meals and supplies and for overnight accommodations they typically pay as they continue with their travel plans.

• These tours are unencumbered with the low hassle and you can enjoy warm beds and comfortable showers at nights.
• The downside is that these are expensive, pose challenges in organizing and are limited to the accommodations available on the way. You will also have fewer tools to deal with injuries, sudden storms, and breakdowns.

Self-Supported Touring

In this type, all your clothing and gear will be with you on your bike. You may stop at food joints occasionally for basic supplies. You are fully equipped to handle inclement weather conditions and even prepared well to sleep outdoors.

• The positive side of this tour is that you will have a lot of freedom and enjoy the least expensive travel.
• However, the only downside is that you will need to carry more gear with you meaning you will need to put more effort while riding.

Vehicle Supported Touring

• This is a specific type of bike tour NYC where you carry a support vehicle. In this, you can store all equipment and supplies and carry it along with you as you ride.
• The advantage of such tours is that you can bring more clothing and gear and not have to worry about how to carry these providing you with a bigger margin for error and allowing you to travel further.
• The disadvantage is that you will need a companion to drive and it is more expensive. Moreover, your support vehicle may not go where you want it to.

Organized Bike Tours

• These tours are better planned and much more organized. Usually run by professional adventurers and commercial outfitters it offers full service with all details addressed along with route planning, lodging assistance, and others.
• Positives of this tour are that it is convenient and less hassle and provides a great chance for the beginners to meet new people and make friends in a social setting.
• However, the negatives are you cannot choose partners in this expensive and pre-packaged touring model.

Decide On The Group

You will also have to decide on the group you want to choose and the size of it for your tour. You can select a small cycling group of 2 to 6 people. You will feel easy to plan and manage a small group if you are a beginner. It is safer than a solo trip as you will get help in case of injuries, breakdowns and route finding.

Large groups, on the other hand, consist of more than 6 people and can be more fun but you will face a challenge in planning and be managing different people with different ideas, opinions, and outlooks. It is certainly not a cup of tea for a beginner.

Solo trips for a half or a full day is a great way for novice cyclists. You can hone your basic touring skills and get familiar with self-reliance on the road. After you gain the confidence, you can plan for a solo trip overnight.

Points To Remember

You must keep a few points in mind when you want to travel in a group:

• Interests: Know each person’s interest and the type of terrain they want to tackle scenery, activities, side trips and attractions.
• Physical abilities: Any group is as strong as the weakest person in the group. Therefore, know the limitations or the people in the group and plan a route accordingly.
• Cycling skills: This includes a willingness to ride in bad weather and traffic, overnight camping experience, route finding skills, tolerance for adversity.

Few Supplementary Factors To Consider

For better planning of the route and shopping gear consider proximity to civilization so that you get the help needed. Also consider the mileage daily so that you can check out on the scenic beauty. The traffic is an important factor to consider as more traffic on the route means more dangers. Always plan your route on secondary roads to avoid potential accidents. Consider a level route if you are a novice though nay terrain is enjoyable in a bike tour.  Avoid road hazards, construction zones, narrow tunnels, bridges, busy roads on the route. Also consider accommodation options, timing and weather conditions for a safe tour.