7 tips for your first cycling trip

I perfectly remember the first time I experienced the thrill of the wind in my hair and the speed of the descent, on my first multi-day bicycle trip. An emotion beyond words: I felt I was in control of the world and the road, completely intoxicated by the speed. I asked myself: why haven't I done this before? Why did I wait so long?

You may think that a cycling tour is only for trained cyclists, experts, something for athletes, for the emulators of the Giro d'Italia riders. This is actually not the case, as there is a cycling trip for any kind of rider,experts and novices alike. Just choose the right routes, tackle them with a minimum of preparation, and have a good organization taking care of all the needs of the cyclist on his first trip.

Ok, you may ask, but where should I start? Here are some simple tips to start planning your first cycling trip! 

1) It takes a little training. 

First of all, you have to get used to the saddle. Start with easy rides, a couple of times a week, for example by going shopping at the market. Each time, try and increase the kilometers traveled, adding another stretch of road to your usual itinerary. Without realizing it or tiring too much, you’ll be able to tackle a daily stage. It all starts from here. 

2) Don't kick into high gear 

Face your first rides with a low gear, without forcing your leg. Don't be like me, who, on the second day of travel, had to deal with some sore leg muscles, which I was only getting to know at that moment. By pedalling, we move parts of our body that we do not generally use, and that may result in some initial pain. Get your body used to fatigue gradually. 

3) The shorts make the difference!

Let’s face it: bike shorts may feel uncomfortable and not look so good; it actually feels like you are wearing a diaper. And yet, we highly suggest that you get used to it: their padding protects your private parts from the friction on the saddle. We also recommend the technical bike jersey, which dries quickly, protects from the wind and has comfortable pockets. 4) Do climbs scare you? If you are afraid not to make it, or you just don't feel so keen to work hard, just avoid them. They are not mandatory. Choose a trip with a lot of agile, flat pedaling, preferably in the flattest country in Europe: Holland. Which, incidentally, is also the country of bicycles, the one with a wide and perfectly organised network of cycle paths, suitable for children and families. The perfect choice for a first time cycle traveller.

5) Travel light 

 Not everyone likes travelling fully equipped with heavy bags, carrying everything they need for the whole trip; this is why we organize for your bags to be transferred to the next hotel, every day of your trip. If this is your first time, traveling with a light backpack with just your camera, phone and windbreaker makes all the difference. 

6) Getting lost is almost impossible

Thanks to our customizable app, which you can download on your smartphone and use offline, your location is always clear: our navigation system will smoothly guide you to your destination without having to stop and look at your paper maps (which we will still provide). We especially recommend a flat section of the Via Francigena: not only will you have our app, but also the trail signs of CicloVia Francigena, the longest cycling itinerary in Italy, which we helped signposting. 

7) The more you pedal the more you eat 

 Nothing makes you more hungry than a day on the saddle: luckily, we will be able to suggest and book the best family-run inns and trattorias, bike-friendly hotels that are well aware of a cyclist’ needs. You will celebrate your daily adventure with a dinner based on local specialties, the best way to recharge.