Planning A Self-Supported Bike Tour Part 1: The Exploration Phase

So you want to go for a bike ride, eh? A long one? Like, a really long one? Are you overwhelmed with the possibilities and aren't sure where to start? Well, you're in the right place!

Before we start...

Defining DIY or "Self-Supported"- There are lots of ways to get on your bike and explore the world. One of them is the DIY way, which is what this post mostly refers to. However, if you feel you would like to explore the world with more support, there are options for you too! Companies like Backroads can cater to 100% of your needs. They provide everything from your bike and gear, to arranging your meals and accommodations, to designing the tour itself. Of course, you pay to put responsibility in someone else's hands, but if that is in your financial means, then Backroads or a company like them is an excellent option for avoiding the hassle of purchasing gear, and saving tons of time in the exploration and research phase. If you feel like saving a little bit more dough, but still want some support, there are companies which can just create a route for you, haul your stuff for you, or even just rent out gear. In this post, "Self Supported" means doing everything yourself from choosing and buying your own equipment, to planning your route, to finding accommodations. You can definitely save money doing things on your own, but it takes a LOT more time and energy. So, If you are interested in doing things the hard way (but also incredibly rewarding, frugal, and more sustainable way!) then keep reading!

STEP 1: START WITH A BUDGET

For most people, the first question which needs answering is: What is your budget? This will help dictate the answer to other important questions like where you can go, how long you can stay, the quality bicycle you'll use, and how classy (or thrifty!) you'd like your trip to be.

For a single, adult US citizen, this is a general budget for a two month tour.

High End (Fancy AF Trip): $12,000+ USD

Mid Range (Normal Trip): $5,000-$12,000 USD

Minimal Budget (Dirtbag Trip): $0-$5,000 USD

Beautiful, life changing, multi-month tours are possible in each of these categories, but they will all look a little different. I would highly suggest mixing and matching! Pull a few things from the fancy list and pull a few from the dirtbag list to create your own adventure! *PRO TIP* Budget for what you already have in your bank account, NOT for what you WILL HAVE in your bank account. Lots of people plan to save up for trips and end up spending what they save on other things, never allowing their dream vacations to come to fruition. Making realistic goals with realistic funds will help when it comes to implementing Part 2: The Action Phase of your bike tour. Sometimes this means drawing from the dirtbag category a bit more often, but honestly, those trips are usually the most memorable!

STEP 2: FIGURE OUT YOUR TIMELINE

Most US citizens who aren't willing to quit their jobs will have 2-3 weeks of vacation. This is plenty of time for an enjoyable tour to just about any location, but if you're hoping to explore a whole country or region of the world, more time is certainly ideal. The sample budget I have provided is for 2 months, so if you have more or less time please divide or multiply accordingly. With 2-3 weeks I would suggest choosing one country to explore, or 2-3 small countries in close proximity. I make this suggestion because many first time bike tourers make the mistake of piling on insane amounts of milage per day and trying to "see" too much. They end up missing out on the smaller, more personal interactions with locals, street fairs, or impromptu concerts, which is what the experience is all about anyway. If you are blessed with the time, allow yourself NOT TO BIKE for a few days and enjoy getting to know the back alleys, the paths less traveled, and the people of the town you're in.

Something else to keep in mind is the length of time you are allowed in the country you are visiting. For US citizens there are hundreds of countries which DO NOT need a visa but DO have time limits. EU countries, otherwise known as Shengen Countries, for example only allow for 3 months of free tourist travel. Check your destinations here.

STEP 3: PICK YOUR DESTINATION... OR DON'T!

A quick google search can show you the most and least affordable destinations in the world. Many of these lists are great for covering cost of food, lodging, and airfare, but don't necessarily cover where the biking is scenic and safe. Be sure to check the bike routes and availability of bike maps in the countries you are considering for your tour. Many countries allow bikes to share roads with cars, but reader beware that this does not mean it will be enjoyable or safe!

Suggested Destinations:

Fancy AF Trip: Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa

Normal Trip: Central America, East Asia, Cuba & Caribbean Islands

Dirtbag Trip: South America, Southern Asia, The United States

**IMPORTANT NOTE** you can go just about ANYWHERE on any budget and have an excellent trip if your timeframe is negotiable. If you want to go for a tour and don't have your heart set on a destination, and are flexible with your dates, SKIP THIS STEP FOR NOW and just wait for a killer deal on a flight. Seriously!

STEP 4: GET THE BIKE 'N GEAR

I would suggest not cutting corners in this arena. I am a HUGE fan of dirt bagging, but in some cases you just need to spend the money on high quality products for your own comfort, safety, and sanity. Because of this, the suggestions for the fancy, normal, and dirtbag trips are the same. I will make some additional dirtbag trip suggestions which are definitely options, but are not advised. Please, allow yourself to get the right bike and gear and plan the rest of your trip around whatever money is left.

Bike- Get a Surly. They're the best in the touring biz. Cross-check for light weight tours. Long Haul Trucker for heavier tours.

Tires- Go wider than you think... but not too wide! You're bound to hit dirt, gravel, uneven pavement, or grass at some point, and I've seen thin tires crumble under too much weight (I'm lookin' at you, Ben Heiner!). Get a tire that feels secure under your rig, but not so wide that it slows you down.

Seat- Your bike will come with a seat and that seat will give you saddle sores. Upgrade your seat. To be fair, if you're biking every day for 2 months you'll probably still get saddle sores no matter how much money you throw at the problem... but to minimize the amount of damage you do to your nether regions I would suggest for women the Terry Ti Butterfly Saddle, and for men anything with a deep cut or hole in the middle.

Panniers/Handlebar Bag- Go with Ortlieb for the brand. They are sturdy and waterproof. I suggest 2 panniers for single rack set ups or lighter rigs and 4 for front/rear racks or longer tours. Always get a handlebar bag.

Bike Tools- Extra tubes (Make sure they are the right size for your tire, and that the valve diameter fits the rim), patch kit, tire lever, basic set of allen wrenches, mini tire pump, chain lube, old rag.

Front/Rear Racks- Sometimes these will come with the bike. If not, buy them and install them. You cannot use the panniers without them. You can use just a rear rack if you only have 2 panniers.

Miscellaneous Must Have's- Head Lamp, Leatherman Multitool, lighter, matches, chapstick, skin glide anti-friction balm, hand sanitizer, extra toilet paper, cell phone, cell phone charger, Shwag Bag, and Pit Viper Sunglasses.

**Camping Equipment- Sleeping bag (20' F compressible down or synthetic), sleep pad, tent (two person), hammock, tarp.

**Cooking Equipment- Jet Boil, fuel, cooking pans/utensils, water treatment (iodine capsules, SteriPen, etc), natural ingredient soap, small sponge, small sieve.

**Depending on the type of trip you want you may not need ALL or ANY of these items. Personally, I do not use ANY cooking gear while touring, and I am currently using a hammock/tarp set up without a tent for shelter.

HARDCORE DIRTBAG SUGGESTION: Fly to the cheapest country you can find, bring only essentials in a backpack, and buy a used bike when you arrive at your destination. You can sell it before you leave or give it away as a gift to that punk on the corner you played basketball with. Plan on looking and smelling like a homeless person. This might be the best option for very short trips.

STEP 5: ACTUALLY BUYING TICKETS

For many, this is the hardest step. You've planned out your budget, you have ordered your bike and gear, you've done your research to know approximately how much time you can spend on this vacation, and maybe you have chosen your destination. Now, all you need to do is look up available flights and pull the plug. Google flights is probably the best spot to start your search. If you don't like what you see there, try checking with the airline website. It is usually more expensive and will make the google flights seem more palatable. Most companies allow 24 hours to change your mind so... what are you waiting for? Buy your ticket!! Go for your dream vacation!! Do it!!! DO IT!!!

Did you do it? I'll bet you didn't but you still have the tab open. Thats okay. Take your time. I'll be writing the second installation, How To Plan a Self Supported Bike Tour Part 2: The Action Phase, the next time I have wifi... maybe. I will cover logistics like lodging, food, communication, and ways to make money from the road. Leave your questions and compliments in the comment section below, or feel free to email me directly. I am always looking for hilarious questions to post on the FAQ section of my website. Happy trails!