Travel is something that we all love to do at times. Some people live by traveling while others simply travel for the sake of it. Some travel when going on vacations but some travel for the sake of the journey.

When you have a bicycle, it becomes that much easier to travel. You can leave at any time and you always have fuel as long as you are fed and rested (and not too sore from the riding). But, traveling longer distances on your bicycle requires some preparation, which is not just of a physical nature.

Here is how you can start traveling on your bicycle.

Start Small

Traveling on a bicycle can be done on a smaller scale. You should first visit something local, for example, something 10 kilometers away.

When you feel comfortable crossing this distance both ways, then you can increase it to something longer.

It helps if there is something to see along the way, and especially at the end, or rather, halfway point of the journey. This way, you have something to look forward to, both ways.

Work Hard and Smart

Depending on where you plan to go, your journey might be different, meaning the elevation gain and surface you are riding on. If your route has plenty of off-road riding, then you should by all means go out and practice riding off-road. It is not similar to asphalt riding, so keep that in mind and put it to the test.

If you have lots of elevation gain on your planned journey, start by adding uphill workouts to your routine. Find steep routes to test your burst and longer but still inclining routes to work on your lung capacity and overall endurance. Make sure to rest well and sleep well. 

Talk to Experienced Cyclists

In this modern world, it is easy to find the right people to talk to regarding anything. You can just look up an online forum or any other site for socialization and you can find whatever it is you want.

There are plenty of cycling forums where you are very likely to find experienced long-distance cyclists or people who travel on bicycles. They can instruct you in choosing the right gear and preparing yourself mentally for your first longer journey. 

It is a Process

Traveling by bicycle is a process and not just a single trip. Have that in mind, because it can liberate you from fears. Traveling by bicycle can start with anything local, from planning your first trip to a nearby city to traveling continents. 

Traveling long distances with a bicycle can seem daunting but with these tips, you should be well on your way to a first journey.