Cycling Tour Options

Guided and Self-Guided Cycling Tours

Deciding to go on a cycling tour can very well be one of the best decisions you can make. This will not only give you much needed exercise, but will also allow you to recharge your batteries by taking in the view of the country and breathing fresh air.

Cycling of any kind is an excellent way to burn calories and shed some pounds in the process. Cycling tours, on the other hand, provide you with an even more effective means of losing weight because you will be far away from your usual temptations and you will actually be more inspired because of the sense of adventure.

Among the first decisions you have to make when going on a cycling tour is to select a destination. You will then have to choose whether to join a guided tour or follow your own instincts. While some people may feel safer with a guided tour, we actually recommend going on a self-guided cycling tour, which offers more flexibility and allows you to enjoy the experience so much more. You will still receive a copy of the route, but you will be able to cycle at the speed that you prefer without worrying about staying with the rest of the group.

Companies that offer self-guided cycling tours will provide you with a host of bicycles to choose from, some of which even have GPS navigation systems that will give you a sense of security even when following unfamiliar paths. The hotel accommodations will all be taken care of as well. All you have to do is to get yourself checked in, get yourself a good night’s sleep and get ready for another day of cycling the following morning.

There are some things that you will have to do on your own, though, like replacing flat tires or handling other types of repairs. You will also have to bring a helmet to use for the tour because these are usually not provided by the tour companies.

If you prefer a more organized plan, you can opt for the guided cycling tour, which means that you will be traveling with a party of other cyclists and a couple of tour guides. These guides will provide you with everything you need along the way, and you will have to follow a strict itinerary along with the rest of the cyclists. Most cycling tours usually last for about a week or so, and coves about 52 miles (60 kilometers) a day.

Czech Bike Tours Are Unique

The Czech Republic may not spring to mind immediately as a place to go on a bike tour, but it certainly is a wonderful place to holiday, whether on a bicycle or not. Czech bike tours are unique, simply because they are a little off the beaten path. You will be experiencing things that other people have not and enjoy all the things that come with a cycling tour.

There are many roads that are conducive to Czech bike tours. If you choose, you can have a journey that takes place mostly on tarred roads with very easy terrain in between, or a route that is mostly difficult terrain with short breaks of tarred road. The choice is yours, depending on your ability and fitness level.

Easy Trails

One of the easiest trails that you can follow on Czech bike tours, is a route that follows the Elbe river. This route is mostly downhill and requires little effort or a high endurance level. This is the Czech bike tour that would be ideal for a family holiday. Even the little ones will be able to keep up and have fun. There are stunning views of the river and many beautiful little towns along the way.

Some of these towns have beautiful historical monuments that you can visit. Do your research and decide which towns you would like to visit and which monuments are truly different and of interest to you. There are also some castles along this route and a detour to visit these places is definitely a must, if only to say you have been to a castle.

Timing Your Holiday

Czech bike tours have to be timed carefully, just like any cycling holiday, to make sure that you have nice weather. It is no fun cycling when the weather is unbearably hot and you are suffering from heatstroke midway through your holiday. The summer months of July and August are quite hot and crowded, as this is peak tourist season. If you want to take your time when visiting places of interest and don’t want the crowds, then avoid this time of the year.

The weather is pleasant around the months May, June and September. However if you have to go in July and August choose the mountain trails, as they will be cooler and good cycling weather, especially if your days are going to be long ones. April to October are considered the best months for Czech bike tours, so plan your time and journey around these factors.

Next Page »