Cycling Holidays

Specialist Reports Activity Holidays Cycling Holidays Tips 

Check that the bike is comfortable before you set off. Riders should clear the frame comfortably when standing astride and reach the handlebars comfortably when sitting on the saddle. This is particularly important for women as most bikes, apparently, are made for men. This includes checking (most importantly) that you will be getting a woman's saddle.

Wear comfortable clothes, though they don't have to be cycling gear. A windproof layer is important and something waterproof is also wise. Cotton t-shirts are advised against as they will get wet and cold if you sweat in them. A thermal vest is better. If you do want cycling shorts there are baggy versions if you find the lycra option embarrassing.

Consider taking mitts to save your hands if you will be cycling long distances.

Take flat shoes, ideally with a firm sole.

Unless you will be provided with a pannier, consider taking a bumbag or small rucksack to carry water.

Overseas Cycling

If you want to take your own bikes Eurostar transports bikes free if in a bike bag with the wheels removed from the frame. They can also be placed in excess baggage for £20.

Bikes can also be taken on most regional TER trains in France; either in the luggage van or a designated espace velo for bikes.There may be a €10 supplement. On TGV trains, as on Eurostar, the bike needs to be dismantled and stored in a bike bag.

Budget airlines charge around £15 per bike and you would be wise to pack them well as airport baggage handling can treat large packages badly.

Child Equipment

Child Equipment
From when they can hold their head up plus the weight of a helmet you can cycle with a child in a babyseat, clamped either in front or behind you (the latter restricting their view a little). Seats are considered usable from around eight or nine months and wrapround is thought best to give more protection. There are versions with a reclining back rest which allows the child to fall asleep without lolling forwards. In theory seats can be used until children are six but in practice most outgrow them before then.

There are trailers that which take seated children, when young in their car seat. Bratmobile or Burley are two brands. The first is described as suitable for children 3 months to 8 years, though off road though it is better not to go too heavy. The Burley is suggested as being for two children for up to 100lbs jointly. Trailers may include a flag for greater visibility.

Then there are trailer bikes; an additional wheel, pedals, handlebar and even gears, which attach to the back of an adult bike. These suit children 4-8 years. Tugmobiles or Rann trailers are two brands.

Children's bikes tend to be heavy in order to withstand mistreatment so a small mountain bike with gears might be easier to ride than a standard one. Experts say to get children used to gears from 6 or 7 years.

Helmets are important but must fit properly to be effective. A measurement of the child's head in centimetres is a better way to find one the right size than going by age.

Specialist cycling clothing is not entirely necessary but waterproof jackets and over trousers can be helpful. If the children are just going to sit you also need to make absolutely certain they are not getting too cold. Layers are ideal. Fleece is warm but not windproof for example. For details of suppliers see [Suppliers].

Finally, take plenty of food and drink, especially for cycling kids, and plan lots of stops and things to do along the way.