Comfort While Bicycle Touring

Discomfort is the first thing many people think of when they hear the words "bike tour". You'll be perched on a tiny bike seat all day... Crouched on the ground cooking around a camp stove in the evening... Tossing and turning in a tiny tent all night... With the proper planning and attention to your needs, bicycle touring does not have to be uncomfortable at all - you just have to figure out what you will need to be comfortable.

Bike tourists have gotten creative through the years - they've strapped everything from lawn chairs to guitars to surf boards to their bikes. The important thing is to figure out what it is that you need to be comfortable and make sure you find a spot on your bike for those items.

For planning purposes, it'll help to think about your day in three distinct parts: biking during the day, relaxing in camp in the evening, and sleeping in your tent at night.

On the bike: Your clothes must be comfortable. You'll be wearing them all day in the sun, and they have to fit properly. Some cyclists prefer regular cotton t-shirts; others prefer special cycling clothes. You may prefer padded bike shorts or regular shorts. There is no one way to dress while biking, but be sure you're comfortable in your choice. There is nothing worse than wearing ill-fitting clothing that rubs you raw as you pedal.

Your bike also has to fit you. If possible, go to a good bike shop with experts in touring. They will be able to look at you on your bike and see if you are positioned correctly. You don't want your handlebar too low in relation to your seat or you'll have too much weight on your hands. Too short of a reach and you're bunched up, too long and you're reaching too far.

In the campsite: Think about what you'll do during the evening after a tough day in the saddle. Do you need a chair to sit on, or will you be OK sitting on the ground? Can you cook in one big pot or need a variety of shapes and sizes? Will you be comfortable hanging around in your cycling clothes or do you need something looser to change into? There is a wide variety of wants and needs in this department, so consider your needs and pack accordingly.

After a tough day of cycling, you'll be tired and need to rest. What are your needs? Make sure those items get stashed on your bike somewhere.

Sleeping: Sleeping is also a very personal issue. Some of us need big thick inflatable pads, while others are OK with a thin pad. Small, light tent or big, heavier one? Pillow? Some of us carry actual pillows, while others are content with clothing crammed into a stuff sack.

In order to perform at your best the next day, you will need to sleep well. Make sure you are properly set up to be comfortable.

Traveling on bicycle should not be a miserable, uncomfortable experience. If you pay attention to your needs, you will be able to pack in such a way that you can have your cake and eat it too!

Nancy Sathre-Vogel has been traveling by bicycle for nearly thirty years. She has tried all kinds of gear and equipment and discovered that sometimes, simplicity is best. For tips and information on all aspect of bicycle touring, check out her website.

Tags: Bicycle, bicycle travel, bike touring, Cycling, equipment, health, recreation, sports, travel