Cycling holidays: these tips will make your vacation unforgettable
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Cycling holidays have a special appeal for many people. They spend most of their time in the fresh air, do something for their health and experience the landscape through which they pedal on their bike up close.
If you are planning a holiday tour by bike, you should make some preparations to ensure that it is an experience you will remember fondly. This applies not only to planning the route, including stopovers and overnight stays, but also with regard to the equipment. After all, you have to take all your holiday luggage with you on the bike somehow.
Before the tour, it is also advisable to take the fully loaded bike for a short test ride to see how the bike rides and how it reacts in bends, for example. After all, you have to reckon with an additional 20 to 30 kilograms of weight on a fully loaded bike.
In general, a cautious riding style is advisable - especially when braking. It is also important that no straps hang loose from your panniers: They can get caught in the spokes on the road and cause a crash.
The journey - by bus, train or car?
Wonderful nature, an extensive network of routes and a short journey: Cycling holidays in Germany are easy and beautiful. If you don't want to set off on holiday by car, you'll have to rely on the train and bus services. We have listed the rules for taking bicycles with you here:
- Regional railway: It is generally possible to take bicycles with you, but the rules vary depending on the federal state. In some regions, transport is free of charge, in some only at certain times and elsewhere not at all. If you have to pay, it is worth buying a nationwide bicycle day pass. In Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia, there are state-wide bicycle tickets. Important: If you are travelling with a bicycle trailer, you must buy a second ticket.
- Long-distance train: You can only take your bike with you on selected ICE trains. You can generally take your bike on Intercity, Eurocity and night trains. To do this, you need a bike ticket, which is sold online or at the ticket counter. Exceptions apply for special types of bikes such as tandems and recumbent bikes: they cannot be transported on all trains and must be registered before travelling. If you are travelling across the border, you need an international bike card.
- Long-distance bus: Many long-distance bus providers take bicycles with them. This usually costs a small fee. The option to take bikes with you is selected when booking online. In any case, you should find out in advance whether the provider also transports bikes and if so, on which routes.
Different countries, different rules - what to look out for on a cycling holiday abroad
If you want to spend your holiday abroad on the saddle of a bike, you should take a look at the traffic regulations beforehand. Because not only cars, but also cyclists are subject to different regulations in other countries. On Mallorca, for example, it is compulsory to wear a helmet outside built-up areas.
We think so: Whether it's compulsory or not, it always makes sense to wear a helmet on a bike. Other accessories are also useful: goggles, for example, offer protection from stones or insects. And gloves not only cushion falls, but can also prevent blisters on longer tours.
Left, right, straight ahead - navigation systems for bikes are small and practical
Orientation in the forest or on small cycle paths places different demands on a GPS receiver than those required in a car sat nav. It is particularly important to pay attention to map material, a sunlight-readable screen and a long battery life when buying.
For a weekend trip to the Harz Mountains, a smartphone with GPS reception and navigation apps such as komoot will suffice. However, mobile phone navigation quickly reaches its limits for longer tours and more demanding requirements.
Is your bike ready for your holiday? A technical check before the journey is a must
A small technical check is also essential before setting off on holiday. Not least because of the heavier load. With full panniers, for example, the brakes on the bike need to be in perfect condition and have a good grip. We have a few check-up tips for you so that you can set off with your bike in the best possible condition.
Functioning lights and reflectors are also important. Cyclists can also take care of visibility when buying rear panniers: There are models with reflective strips on the back.
Saddle sagging or model too old? How to make your dream of a new bike come true
Your bike won't make it to your next holiday? No problem! How about a new dream bike from Bikeleasing? As you have a free choice when selecting your bike, you can configure it exactly as you want it. Some accessories can even be leased directly with the bike.
Would you like a new bike, but your employer doesn't yet offer our leasing service? Here are some arguments that are sure to convince them.
