Cycling, some people love it and others don’t even think about it, let alone on holiday. In addition, a cycling holiday is sometimes mistaken for a holiday for senior citizens. And we need to get rid of that stigma.
Cycling is an incredibly active adventure for both young and old, provided you don’t go on an electric bike of course. Moreover, you can not only complete a cycling holiday in the Netherlands, but you can also go abroad for more of a challenge. All in all, you can do anything with a cycling holiday. If you are going on a cycling holiday soon, you have made the right choice. But don’t go cycling unprepared, that’s why we have four tips for a successful cycling holiday!
Where in the EU are you going?
This is of course the most important question you can ask yourself. Without the answer to this question, you cannot make the right preparations. If you are going to a warmer climate, you will take less with you. But then again, the question is how to get there. Are you going by plane and taking your own bike as ‘extra luggage’? Please note that this will cost you a lot of money. You can also choose to fly to Spain, France or Italy and rent a bike there.
Of course, you can also stay in our little country (The Netherlands). Step out of the front door and you are on your way. But you have probably seen your own surroundings hundreds of times (if not more). So we understand that you might want to see a different side of the country. Of course, you can pedal to it yourself, but you can also rent a car or go by taxi to the destination.
The right bike to travel
A two-wheeler of the right quality, that is logically what you need for a successful cycling holiday. And what constitutes a suitable and right bike is actually entirely up to your trip. Through the streets of Amsterdam you can do fine with a city bike, but if you are going to pedal through the mountains of France, it is anything but ideal. Whether it’s an electric or racing bike that you’re taking on holiday, as long as you enjoy cycling on it, it’s all right.
So pack it up!
Destination and transport, check! The right bike, check! Then it is time to get your things together. With a cycling holiday you try to travel as light as possible. However, this is always more difficult than it seems. You always have those things that you just put in your pannier ‘just to be sure’. You really shouldn’t do that, because the more stuff you take, the heavier your bike will be to move forward. Are you going during the holidays? Then leave a little room for balloons (Dutch: ballonnen) or other decorations. You don’t have to bring all your Christmas attire, we’re sure you can buy a Christmas suit (Dutch: kerstmanpak) everywhere in the European Union.
The biggest tip we can give you for your cycling holiday is to have a pre-biking holiday. Go out for a day with the bike and all the gear you’re planning to take with you. This way, you can find out if you have packed well.
Have fun on your cycling holiday!
