Have you ever taken a bike trip?

Old Mar 13th, 2009, 10:20 AM
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Have you ever taken a bike trip?

I'm thinking about taking a week-long bike trip this summer with my DH and I have a lot of questions. He's done a bike trip before in VT when he was in high school (a loooong time ago) but I've never been on a bike for that long. We once rode to and from Walden Pond from Arlington and my butt hurt for days. Literally, I couldn't sit down. I'm in better shape now and have padded bike shorts, but still...I'm worried I won't survive 7 days of touring. Any tips? Do I need to take spinning classes for weeks beforehand?

My DH has the ability to read and follow maps (I call him the human GPS) so we're thinking of doing a self-guided trip. Has anyone done a self guided trip? Any pros or cons on that vs. a group trip? We're trying to save money but we really want to go to Ireland. We may be convinced to stay in the states, though. Has anyone done a U.S. bike trip or a European one? Was it cheap? Thank you!!!
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Old Mar 14th, 2009, 04:26 AM
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I did one in the Dordogne with the family a few years back, and it did not go that well. Please check my response to the same question on the Europe board.

But, yes I would definitely recommend both spinning classes and on the road experience before you go. Padded shorts (and padded with gel, not foam) and take you own seat that you know and like - and toe clips.

Our trip was self guided and my DH is like yours. We did get a little turned around, but that was kind of fun. But, if you have any doubts at all about your abilities, take a van supported group trip. That way you can take a break in the van if you need one, and still keep up. I got exhausted because I stayed back with the lesser fit members of our group, so never got a break. DH and strong sons and nephew zoomed ahead and rested waiting for us, and took off as soon as we got to them so we had to keep on going, and got no rest. We ditched the bikes after a couple of days and took taxis. My bike didn't fit, either.

I don't remember the price of the trip, it wasn't that cheap, but it would have been worth it if it had worked out as planned. Self guided is cheaper, but that van support would have made the trip for us.

I would do a European one - the distances are more human, more people do them there, and I just like Europe more.

The company that we did ours with no longer does them...

Hope this helps!
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Old Mar 15th, 2009, 06:11 PM
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Never been on one, but I'd loved to try some day.
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Old Mar 16th, 2009, 06:29 AM
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Momliz, thanks so much for your super helpful reply. Good to know I definitely need to train for this and bring my ultra padded gel seat (I have a hybrid with a cushy seat and I can sit up really high which I like bc leaning over the handle bars hurts my back). We were thinking of even bringing our bikes on the plane but I have no idea how expensive that would be. Thanks for your experience on the self-guided tour. I guess we'll have to see how in shape we are by then (August) and how comfortable we feel riding on the street. I'm inclined to get van support just in case...
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Old Mar 16th, 2009, 11:17 AM
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I did a guided tour in Provence a couple of years ago and we're doing another in Burgundy this summer (six days in the saddle). There are so many good reasons to start spinning NOW and continue that and outdoor riding right along. Then continue it after your trip too -- your body will thank you! <smile> I spin all winter just so I don't get that springtime saddle soreness (well, and because I like being in shape and all that too).

Before our first trip I worried some about the distances, but then realized that at home, when we ride 30+ miles, we try to do it in a couple of hours. On your tour, the focus is the journey so the point is to take all day to reach your destination, enjoying everything en route.

We did not take our own bikes and that was fine. I prefer my own, as well as my shoes and clips, but using the rental bike with toe cages was adequate. Again, the better the shape you're in the easier the adjustment to the unfamiliar bike. I try to use different spin bikes all the time in class too, just so I am accustomed to variations and being able to accommodate myself to them.

I think in the future I'd like to try the self-guided touring. We had van support, mostly for luggage, but handy when one rider in our group had a mishap. We were not herded as a group, however. We had maps and route descriptions and the group broke into subsections quite naturally, according largely to ability. The van came along later. It was not intended as an alternate mode of transportation, obviously. I think you will better off convincing yourself that a lift is not an option; so much of your ability to ride on is just mental. And remember, from the van you will never experience the landscape as you will from your bike seat, under your own power. I found the experience magical.

Finally, make sure you have a Camelback or similar hydration pack. And empty it (by drinking all the water) a couple of times a day. Yes, you will have to make frequent pitstops to unload that water, but that too will help you see and experience other things. And dehydration will absolutely prevent you from riding to your destination as you tire and cramp and end up sore.
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Old Mar 20th, 2009, 09:40 AM
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I've not used this group, as the tour I did and the one I am doing this year have been guided, but have heard good things these trips: www.discoverfrance.com/index.html

Certainly can give a better idea of how things work. And tempt you to visit France!

These, by the way, are much less expensive than what we are paying for the guided group.
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Old Mar 24th, 2009, 05:21 AM
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Thanks, cageym, I'll check that website out. I've already gotten my DH to agree to at least try spinning with me and I'll do it even if he only goes to one class. And I'm planning to bike it to and from work (a short 30 min ride, but still) once it gets warm enough. I hear you about both the combined fitness plus mental strategy. Thanks so much for your insight!
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Old Mar 26th, 2009, 07:40 AM
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Our family took a 10 day trip along the Danube Cycle Path in 2007. It was great. Like Momliz, see the thread on the Europe board for my comments.

Our mileage was 25 miles a day for 8 days. I thought that was a good amount for us (with 12 and 14 year olds). We tried to get in some rides before going, but only managed a handful and only one 30 mile ride. This is one of the regrets I have. I wish I had trained more, so I would not have been so tired at night on the vacation. If I do this again, I will definitely get in more riding time before the trip.

Anyway, the Danube was a good place to ride, since it was flat and off-road the whole way. Also, there are ferries and trains as alternates to riding.
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Old Mar 26th, 2009, 07:40 AM
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Forgot to mention that our trip was self-guided.
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