The difference between a great bike tour and a series of breakdowns? The right planning! In this guide, you'll find out how to prepare your bike tours effectively - from route selection and digital aids to the perfect packing list. Whether it's a day trip or a multi-day tour, you'll find everything you need for your next cycling adventure here.
Table of contents
How do I plan my bike tour correctly?
Which route is suitable for my bike tour?
How do I find the best information for my cycle tours?
What do I need to consider for longer cycle tours?
What belongs on the ultimate packing list for bike tours?
Conclusion
How do I plan my bike tour properly?
To be honest, proper planning is the absolute key to the success of your bike tour. Before you get on the saddle, you should think about a few basic things. How fit are you? How many kilometers can you realistically cover in a day? And what about elevation gain?
For perfectly planned bike tours, you first need to determine the level of difficulty. Are you a powerhouse who can easily manage 100 kilometers a day? Or do you prefer a relaxed 40 kilometers with plenty of breaks? Be honest with yourself here - nothing is more frustrating than an over-ambitious tour where you end up falling off your bike completely exhausted.
| Rider type | Recommended daily distance | Elevation gain | Breaks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 30-40 km | max. 300 m | every 10-15 km |
| Occasional riders | 40-70 km | 300-600 m | every 15-20 km |
| Experienced riders | 70-100 km | 600-1000 m | every 25-30 km |
| Pros | 100+ km | 1000+ m | as required |
Safe cycle paths are a real game changer in planning. Try to avoid busy roads and use established cycle networks instead. Believe me, the difference between a tour along a main road and a well-developed cycle path is like night and day for your riding enjoyment!
Also think about the small details: Where can you stop for refreshments along the way? Is there accommodation if you are on the road for several days? What cool sights are there along the cycle paths? Thorough planning ensures that you can concentrate fully on cycling instead of frantically looking for the nearest supermarket.
Which route is suitable for my cycle route?
The perfect cycle route depends largely on your bike. You won't have any fun on gravel paths with a fancy road bike, while a robust mountain bike won't be able to show off its strengths on asphalt cycle paths. Match your bike with the right terrain!
Bike types and suitable routes
| Bike type | Ideal terrain | Less suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Road bike | Asphalted roads, smooth cycle paths | Gravel, forest paths, cobblestones |
| Mountain bike | Trails, forest paths, unpaved paths | Long asphalt stretches (inefficient) |
| Trekking bike | Versatile: cycle paths, easy forest trails | Demanding trails |
| Gravel bike | Gravel, easy trails, asphalt | Technically difficult trails |
| E-bike | Almost everything (depending on the basic type) | Routes without charging options |
A good route planner is your best friend when creating the perfect bike route. Apps such as Komoot, Strava or Bikemap help you to find routes with little traffic and well-developed cycle paths. You can often even set filters to display only certain types of routes!
Particularly important: Pay attention to the places where you have to turn off. Are they well signposted? A blue cycle path sign can be worth its weight in gold in unfamiliar terrain. Nothing is more annoying than constantly stopping and staring at your phone because there are no signs.
If you don't have that much experience yet, choose routes with a plan B. By this I mean routes that you can shorten if necessary or that offer the opportunity to add more kilometers if you're feeling great. This flexibility is a real comfort factor, believe me!
How do I find the best information for my bike tours?
To find reliable information for your bike tours, the internet is of course your first port of call. In addition to the route planners already mentioned, there are numerous forums and communities where cycling enthusiasts share their experiences. This is where you can often get the most honest tips on what a route is really good for.
Don't underestimate the expertise of local tourism associations! They often offer free, detailed maps and brochures that have been specially developed for cyclists. Such materials are worth their weight in gold when planning and organizing cycle tours, as they usually also list places of interest, places to stop for refreshments and accommodation.
For more detailed information, classic cycling guides are still unbeatable. While apps show you the route, books often give you the cultural and historical context of the area - and usually on a practical scale for route planning. This background information can enrich your tour enormously!
A real insider tip: join the world's largest two-wheeler community! Whether it's the ADFC in Germany or similar associations - membership not only gives you discounts, but also access to exclusive tour databases and the wealth of experience of other members. Plus: you support the promotion of cycling.
What do I need to consider for longer cycle tours?
Planning is even more important for longer cycle tours. A well thought-out packing list is the absolute cornerstone here. You not only need clothes and toiletries, but also tools for minor repairs, rain gear (even if the weather forecast promises bright sunshine) and enough energy bars for emergencies.
Your bike must be fit for the bigger challenge. Don't forget to check it completely beforehand: Are the brakes well adjusted? Is the chain lubricated? Are all the bolts tight? A roadworthy bike in accordance with road traffic licensing regulations is the absolute minimum - for your own safety.
Riding an e-bike? Then you need to plan even more. Where can you charge your battery? How far can you get on one charge? Don't underestimate how much headwinds or inclines can reduce your range. A spare battery may be heavy, but it's sometimes worth its weight in gold on longer tours!
Before your bike trip, you should draw up a checklist - yes, really write it down, don't just keep it in your head! In addition to your equipment, it should also include emergency contacts, information on bike repair shops along the route and perhaps even a few words of the local language if you are traveling abroad. This little preparation can help enormously in an emergency.
✅ Checklist for multi-day tours and cycle tours
Before departure:
- Bike completely checked (brakes, gears, chain, tires)
- Road safety in accordance with StVZO ensured (lights, reflectors, bell)
- Route planned and saved as GPX file
- Accommodation reserved or campsites researched
- Checked the weather forecast for the region
- Emergency contacts saved in your cell phone and on paper
- Travel first-aid kit compiled
- Packing list created and ticked off
- Insurance checked (bicycle, international health insurance)
- Important documents with you (ID, health insurance card, emergency contacts)
For e-bike riders:
- Charger packed
- Researched charging options along the route
- Range tested with and without support
- Spare battery organized for particularly long stages
Accommodation planning:
- Bicycle-friendly accommodation booked
- Checked safe parking facilities for bicycles
- Inquired about washing facilities for cycling clothes
Navigation & communication:
- Smartphone holder installed
- Offline maps downloaded
- Power bank and charging cable packed
- Physical maps with you as a backup
What should be on the ultimate packing list for bike tours?
The basis of every bike tour packing list is, of course, tools. A multi-tool with the most important screwdrivers and Allen keys, a spare inner tube (or better still two), repair kit and a reliable air pump are a must. Even if you have no idea how to change an inner tube, someone who can help you will know.
When it comes to clothing, it's better to wear layers than too thick. A breathable functional shirt, a light windbreaker and, of course, a rain jacket should always be included. Don't forget sun protection - both sun cream and sunglasses. Nothing is more unpleasant than sunburn on long bike tours.
Catering is a chapter in itself. Of course, plan breaks in cafés or restaurants, but always have an emergency snack with you. Energy bars, bananas or nuts will quickly give you strength when hunger pangs threaten. And water, water, water! You should be able to drink at least 0.75 liters per hour in warm weather.
Not to forget: A small first aid kit can work wonders for abrasions or blisters. A power bank for your smartphone is also essential - after all, you don't want to lose sight of your route or be unreachable in an emergency. And despite all the digital helpers, a good old map never hurts in case your battery runs out.
Here you'll find the entire packing list at a glance:
🔧 Tools & repairs
- Multitool with Allen keys and screwdrivers
- 1-2 spare inner tubes
- Repair kit
- Reliable air pump
- Chain links and chain riveters
- Cable ties (save you in many situations!)
👕 Clothing
When it comes to clothing, it's better to wear layers than too much.
- Breathable functional shirts
- Light windbreaker
- Rain jacket and possibly rain trousers
- Sun protection (cream and sunglasses)
- Cycling gloves to prevent blisters
- For longer tours: a change of clothes
🍌 Catering
Catering is a chapter in itself. Of course, plan breaks in cafés or restaurants, but always have an emergency snack with you:
- Energy bars
- Bananas or other fruit
- Nuts/dried fruit
- Water (at least 0.75l per hour in the heat)
- Electrolyte powder for longer tours
⚡ Technology & safety
- First aid kit (plasters, bandages, disinfectant)
- Power bank for smartphone
- Bike lock
- Bike lights (also useful during the day)
- Physical map as a backup
- Emergency contacts (on paper and in your cell phone)
Conclusion
Careful planning of bike tours is the key to an unforgettable experience. From choosing the right route and the right bike to the necessary equipment - every detail counts. Different bike tours require different types of bike, be it a fast road bike for paved routes or a sturdy trekking bike for longer adventures.
Safety should always come first: A roadworthy bike, riding with foresight and obeying the rules of the road are absolutely essential. With a complete packing list and reliable sources of information, you'll be well equipped for your next bike trip, whether it's a day trip or a tour lasting several weeks.
With the right preparation, your next bike tour is guaranteed to be an adventure you won't soon forget. Can it be said that good planning is the key to success? Without a doubt, the answer to this question is a resounding yes!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your bike and discover the world on two wheels - carefully planned, of course!
