Start your first cycle touring trip: Whether you dream of cycling across rice paddies in Vietnam, rolling through the French countryside, or just escaping the city for the weekend—cycle touring is one of the most freeing and unforgettable ways to travel.
But let’s be honest. The first time you seriously think about strapping your life onto a bicycle and heading into the unknown… it’s a little scary, right? What gear do you need? Where do you sleep? What if it rains—or worse, what if your butt hurts after 15 km?
Don’t worry—I’ve been there.
After cycling across 18 countries and covering more than 22,000 km, I’ve learned a few things (often the hard way). This post will guide you through everything you need to plan your first cycle touring trip, minus the stress and confusion. (Start Your First Cycle Touring Trip)
Let’s roll. 🚴
🚴 What is Cycle Touring (And Why You’ll Probably Love It)
Cycle touring is traveling by bicycle while carrying everything you need—your clothes, gear, snacks, and sometimes even your bed (tent!). It’s not a race. It’s slow, intentional travel where the journey is just as exciting as the destination.
Why I fell in love with cycle touring:
- I travel cheap
- I meet locals in a way you just can’t in a car or bus
- I stay fit and feel connected to the road
- I camp under the stars or stay in guesthouses with real character
- I disconnect from tech and reconnect with nature
Still on the fence? Keep reading—you might be surprised how accessible it is. (Start Your First Cycle Touring Trip)
🧭 Step 1: Pick Your Touring Style
Before you even touch your gear, figure out what type of trip suits your vibe.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want to sleep in a tent or a bed?
- Will I cook or eat out?
- Paved roads only, or some gravel and dirt?
The 3 most common styles:
- Credit Card Touring – Lightweight. You stay in hotels or homestays and eat out. Great for beginners.
- Fully Loaded Touring – Carry a tent, stove, food. Total independence, great for remote areas.
- Bikepacking – Ultralight setup for off-road adventures. Less gear, more terrain.
👉 For your first tour? I recommend a short credit card-style trip. Less gear = fewer problems. (Start Your First Cycle Touring Trip)
🚲 Step 2: Choosing the Right Bicycle
You don’t need a $5,000 dream machine. You just need a bike that’s reliable and comfortable for long hours on the saddle.
Look for:
- Strong frame (steel is ideal; aluminum works too)
- Mounting points for racks or bags
- Wide-range gears (because hills happen)
- A comfy saddle (seriously, test a few)
Bike types that work well:
- Touring bikes (built for comfort + load)
- Gravel bikes (light + versatile)
- Hybrid bikes (simple and practical)
- MTBs (if you plan to hit trails)
Already have a decent bike? Start with that! Just make sure it’s tuned up and ready to go. (Start Your First Cycle Touring Trip)
🎒 Step 3: Essential Gear for Beginners
Cycle touring gear can be overwhelming—but you don’t need everything from Day 1. I’ve done both minimalist and fully-loaded trips, and the key is packing smart, not packing everything.
My go-to gear list:
- Panniers or bikepacking bags
- Helmet, gloves, padded shorts
- Multi-tool, tire levers, spare tubes, mini-pump
- Front and rear lights
- Hydration (2 water bottles minimum)
- Light clothing + rain gear
- Offline maps (I use Komoot and Google Maps)
- Power bank + charging cables
Optional:
- Tent, sleeping bag + mat (for camping trips)
- Lock (lightweight is fine)
- Small first aid kit
- Earplugs (thank me later)
I also bring a dry bag to keep clothes and electronics protected during tropical downpours—hello Malaysia weather! (Start Your First Cycle Touring Trip)
🗺️ Step 4: Plan a Beginner-Friendly Route
Start with something manageable—don’t overdo it on your first tour.
Route tips for beginners:
- Stick to quiet roads or dedicated bike paths
- Aim for 40–70 km/day
- Avoid steep climbs early on
- Make sure towns, shops, and food stops are available
- Have an “exit plan” (train, bus) if needed
I recommend using:
- Komoot (great for elevation planning)
- RideWithGPS
- Google Maps (with cycling mode)
- Get the right Local,regional and global eSIMs
Even better?Ride a route someone else already tested(blogs,forums,Strava routes).It saves you the guesswork.(Start Your First Cycle Touring Trip)
🚴♂️ Step 5: Do a Fully Loaded Test Ride
Before you head out for a few days, do a trial run.
Take your fully loaded bike for a 20–30 km spin. Ride the hills. Test your brakes. Practice patching a flat tire. Learn how it feels to ride with weight. (Start Your First Cycle Touring Trip)
This will help you:
- Adjust your seat and handlebars
- Ditch unnecessary items
- Gain confidence
Don’t skip this step. Even if you’re a strong cyclist, riding loaded is a whole different game.
🏕️ Step 6: Where Do You Sleep?
This depends on your budget, comfort level, and destination.
🏨 Hotels/Guesthouses:
- Easy and comfy
- Great for beginners
- Many allow bikes inside
⛺ Camping:
- Budget-friendly and adventurous
- Requires more gear and planning
- Research wild camping laws in each country
🏡 Warm Showers & Couchsurfing:
- Free places to stay with locals
- Warm Showers is made just for cyclists
- Amazing way to meet kind people
For my longer trips, I mix all of the above. But for short beginner trips? Guesthouses + occasional camping work great. (Start Your First Cycle Touring Trip)
🧠 Step 7: Mental Prep is Everything
Cycle touring is 80% mental, 20% physical. Your legs will hurt, yes—but it’s your brain that keeps you moving.
My favorite mindset hacks:
- Break big distances into small goals (just reach that next tree)
- Embrace discomfort—it becomes your story later
- Talk to locals—they often help when you least expect it
- Laugh at your bad days. They will happen.
I’ve had days of headwinds, wrong turns, flat tires, and soggy tents. But I’ve also had sunrise rides through misty valleys and strangers offering food, tea, and shelter. (Start Your First Cycle Touring Trip)
It’s worth every struggle.
🙏 Please Subscribe & Share ❤️
🏁 Final Thoughts: Your First Cycle Touring Trip Starts Now
You don’t need to be an athlete. You don’t need expensive gear. You just need the courage to start and the curiosity to keep going.
Start with a weekend tour. Ride your local roads. Make mistakes. Learn. Then… go further.
Cycle touring changed my life. And I believe it can change yours too.
See you on the road. ✌️ (Start Your First Cycle Touring Trip)
📌 FAQs About First-Time Cycle Touring
Q: How far should I ride per day?
A: Start with 40–60 km. It depends on terrain, fitness, and how much gear you carry.
Q: Can I bring my regular backpack?
A: You can, but panniers or bikepacking bags are better. Backpacks cause sore shoulders over long rides.
Q: What if I’m not super fit?
A: You’ll get fitter as you ride! Just start slow and build up.
Q: Is solo touring safe?
A: In most countries, yes. I’ve cycled solo through Asia and Europe and found people kind and helpful. Trust your gut and stay aware.
🙌 Let’s Connect!
Have questions or Start Your First Cycle Touring Trip)? I’d love to hear from you!
📩 Message me on Instagram @romanandfizah
📹 Or check out our cycling vlogs and travel videos on YouTube
If you found this helpful, share it with a friend who’s ready to roll.
And hey—don’t forget to pack snacks. Lots of snacks. 🍌🚴 (Start Your First Cycle Touring Trip)
- 10 Best Hotels in Stockholm for Every Budget
- 10 Best Sightseeing in Oslo: A Local and Traveler’s Guide to Norway’s Cool Capital
- The 10 Best Cafes in Terengganu You Must Try (2025 Guide)
- 5 Powerful Reasons Why Flexiroam eSIM is the Best Way to Stay Connected Abroad
- 10 Best Cafes in Stockholm for Coffee Lovers and Curious Travelers
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you
[Cycling touring– Roman and Fizah – Travel by bike – Bikepacking tips – Start Your First Cycle Touring Trip – Cycle touring tips – Bikepacking for beginners]
