If you’re considering riding on a bike tour for the first time you might be feeling intimidated or concerned. There are many kinds of bike tours available, form self supported (where you carry your own gear) to fully supported rides. Within the fully supported ride category you find camping only rides and rides that offer hotel options. Some bike tours have specific mileages you must cover each day. Others offer options for riding in a SAG truck (Support and Gear) or a bus that is transporting people/bikes/and luggage.
Each type suits different riders.
A good way to start is a supported ride without a minimum mileage distance, that takes the pressure off of logistics of carrying gear and also offers you options for riding in case you are not able to complete the route.
It is understandable if you have not attended something like the multiple day bike event before you might feel worried.
Find our 5 helpful tips below about riding with the Bike Virginia Tour for the first time. Use these tips from HMHB to help ease your anxiety about planning your first bike tour trip.
5 Helpful Tips For Planning Your First Bike Tour
Don’t worry about coming to Bike Virginia’s tour alone. Many riders attend the event alone, male and female. We provide a comfortable and safe environment for you to enjoy riding. You’ll meet great people and be around lots of fun people enjoying the same things you like. Each day riders ride at their own pace and often meet up with new friends to share the adventure with. At night, the camp headquarters is alive with activity. We also provide Bike Virginia organized bus outings for everyone to enjoy so you never have to worry about what to do and where to go.- Riders of all levels and ages enjoy the event. We have junior riders and seniors over the age of 80. We offer multiple bike route choices each day so you can pick something that fits your style. Do not worry about how you look, or how well you climb. There will be lots of people there that ride just like you do and walk up hills too if they need to. We also offer a fully supported ride with rest stops and SAG support trucks. If you can’t finish the route we will gladly give you a lift.
- No specific kind of bike is required to enjoy the bike tour. You will literally see EVERY kind of bike at our events. We recommend road or less knobby trail tires because they roll easier on pavement, but mountain bike tires are just fine too. It’s always a good idea to check your bike’s mechanical parts before you come to the event. Make sure you brakes, shifters, wheels/tires, seat, handlebars and frame are in good condition. If you do have a problem on site mechanical assistance is available at Bike Virginia as fee based service.
Camping can be easy with our assisted camping service. If you want to camp but don’t have gear, or don’t want to bring it, then look into our assisted camping service. For a fee, the vendor provides tent and camping accessories, and offers additional creature comfort services to help make your experience even more fun. If you like the luxury of AC then you can always stay one of our Bike Virginia hotels or local inns.- Your car will be convenient to access for the entire tour. At Bike Virginia we offer a special format that helps offer our riders the most convenience of any other week long bike tour. You will have your car handy for the entire event. We call this event structure Double Vision because you get the convenience of the first headquarters at the second one too. We ride 3 days from Headquarters 1 and 3 days from Headquarters 2. Each day features new bike routes for riding, without day after day of relocating. On Monday (day 3, we break camp and drive over to our second base location. From there you’ll enjoy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday riding. On the last day (Wednesday June 29) your car will be conveniently located right there at the finish. Just load up and go as you like.
First Time Bike Tour Experience Made Easy
Taking a bike ride with Bike Virginia is one of the best ways to get into bike touring. We offer easy to follow, planned routes. Every turn is marked so you can relax and enjoy the scenery. We organize camping, hotels, evening activities like yoga, massage, camping, and so much more. The Bike Virginia event focuses on relaxing convenience. We take care of the planning details so all you have to do is ride your bike, or “Pedal, Smile, Repeat.”