Earth Rider
  • Home
  • Shop
    • Ebikes
    • Bikes >
      • Youth Bikes
    • Lights
    • Helmets
    • Bags and baskets
    • Accessories >
      • Pedals
    • Outerwear >
      • Glove Box
    • Apparel
    • Bicycle inspired goods >
      • Greeting Cards
  • Service
  • Rentals
  • Events and rides
  • About
    • Learning Center
    • Explore Ebikes
    • Explore Serial 1
    • Newsletter signup
    • Privacy Policy
    • Refunds
    • Learning to Ride a Bike
  • Blog

How to plan a self supported bike ride

3/19/2019

 
Picture
Planning your own bike trip saves money and allows the freedom to explore new areas on a whim.
​
Evanston Bicycle Club members Peter Glaser and Robb Gieger shared tips for planning and riding a self-supported bike tour at the March 19 Evanston Bicycle Club meeting.  They planned and rode their own bike trip last fall to the Vermont- Washington DC area without any dedicated SAG support, sleeping hotels or Airbnb properties each night.

Advantages of doing the planning and riding yourself or with your own small group are:
  • You decide where you want to go, what you want to see, and how long you want to tour
  • Set your own pace and are able to change your plans on a whim
  • Can save about 50% or more over an organized tour
 
Some of the tips they offered were for planning were
  • Besides the traditional maps, utilize newer tools such as Google Maps, RideWithGPS, and Garmin as well as Excel spreadsheets
  • When selecting road to bike on, verify if they are suitable for biking in terms of surface and traffic
  • Be mindful of any days or locations that are likely to be busy and make hotel reservations in advance
  • Consider going multi-model in getting to your starting location by using a combination of auto, train, airplane, and ferry if appropriate
  • If using a train of airplane, research in advance how they want to break down your bike
  • Practice basic bike maintenance skills such as changing a flat, adjusting a brake, and replacing a spoke
  • Have all wheels the same size so you can carry only one spare tire
 
On the road they had addition recommendations:
  • Plan to spend about $200 per day for two people
  • On the route, call a few days in advance for a hotel reservation for where you plan to be
  • Carry bike tools that you know how to use
  • Do not relay on a single navigation method, i.e. you might use a Garmin and also have hard copy maps
  • Travel light; there are always stores available in case you forget or need something
 
While the tips they shared were good for a trip in the United States, if you are biking internationally or in an unfamiliar areas, they recommend considering an organized tour.  One such organization is Adventure Cycling Association.  They are currently planning another trip to New Orleans with a larger group of riders and having more people on the ride increases the complexity in terms of making hotel reservations, stopping at restaurants, and individuals riding at different paces and distances.  

Comments are closed.

    Earth Rider Blog about Cycing


    Author

    Sharon Kaminecki and others comment on adventures in bicycling and other stories

    Categories

    All
    Being Visible On Your Bike
    Bike Comfort
    Bike Safety
    Buying A Bike
    Cycling General Interest
    Learning About Ebikes
    Protecting Your Bike


    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017

Earth Rider logo of earth intersected with a banner with an image of a cyclist and the words Earth Rider in colors blue, green, aqua, black and red

Address

1873 N Milwaukee Ave
​Chicago, IL 60647

Phone

773-360-1816

Email

bikefun@earthridercycling.com

Payment methods:
Credits card visa, mastercard, american express, and discover
Sign up for our newsletter - click here.

Winter Hours              

Wed. 10am - 8pm
Thu.   10am - 5pm
Fri.      10am - 5pm
Sat.      10am - 5pm
Sun.     Closed
​Mon.    Closed
Tues.    Closed
Or by appointment--contact us!
  • Home
  • Shop
    • Ebikes
    • Bikes >
      • Youth Bikes
    • Lights
    • Helmets
    • Bags and baskets
    • Accessories >
      • Pedals
    • Outerwear >
      • Glove Box
    • Apparel
    • Bicycle inspired goods >
      • Greeting Cards
  • Service
  • Rentals
  • Events and rides
  • About
    • Learning Center
    • Explore Ebikes
    • Explore Serial 1
    • Newsletter signup
    • Privacy Policy
    • Refunds
    • Learning to Ride a Bike
  • Blog