How to plan a self supported bike ride

Planning your own bike trip saves money and allows the freedom to explore new areas on a whim.
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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.

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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.