How to Plan Your First Bike Tour

[@SinnerSince1962]

I couldn't help to notice what a beautiful cozy home you have. It looks so serene.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Aww I loved this space! I was actually cat sitting at the time hehe but thank you -- I enjoyed being there so much!

[@liamahern8527]

Thanks Sheelagh, I’ve been cycling for years but planning my first bike tour along the Rhine in May 2024. Video was really helpful with very sound advice.

[@SheelaghDaly]

I’m so glad you found it helpful! I hope you have a great adventure!! 😊

[@karlmouck4878]

I'm a 58 year old guy and I'm preparing for my first bike tour this summer. Going to bike across Pennsylvania. That's about 400 miles, give or take depending on the route. I actually started planning & training last year. This ride is going to require crossing over the Appalachian mountains so I'm especially making plans for that. I totally changed out my bike gearing so I'll hopefully be able to get my middle-aged butt up those hills. This is exciting!

[@SheelaghDaly]

That is so exciting Karl! I hope you have an amazing first bike tour!

[@psps6623]

I'm planning something similar. Eastern PA to Western PA. All the best, say hi if you pass through Lehigh County.

[@karlmouck4878]

@@psps6623 I passed just north of Lehigh County. I rode thru Palmerton then north to Lehighton. I spent that night stealth camping at an abandoned Boy Scout camp just north of Tamaqua.

[@freeradical5535]

You pronounce "kilometers" in, just... the most American way possible. 😂 This was the first result when I searched for "preparing for first bike tour," and it was really helpful, thank you! I'll be wild camping in a hammock. Also first time doing that. My route will be mostly flat and about 40 miles, which I've done before on this bike, so I know it's just the right amount of challenge for me. But I digress, thanks again for the very informative video!

[@SheelaghDaly]

Aww I'm so glad you found it helpful! Oooh wild camping in a hammock -- I've never tried that but sounds super cool. Sounds like you have a great trip planned -- enjoy!!

[@inneralchemist4379]

Im really lookin forward to see more videos of you. Great charisma and very informational for a newbe like me :)

[@SheelaghDaly]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm glad they're helpful :)

[@jodydownes2271]

I'm doing my first trip this summer. I'm trying to rush in to it but now after watching your post I won't to jump on my bike and go . But I won't ,I will take you advice and get all my ducks in order. thanks for posting.

[@SheelaghDaly]

Aww I totally get it! You have plenty of time! And the nice thing is if you do a little preparing and planning you can still make up things as you go and have an awesome adventure -- you're just a little more prepared and can have a smoother experience :) So excited for you!!

[@jodydownes2271]

@@SheelaghDaly I'm literally starting with a blank canvas. The only thing I have is my bike witch I fall in love with the first time I seen it . Was only looking for something to get me in and out of work on but now I can see my self traveling as far as my legs will let me. I have to get everything, from tent to toothpick if you know what I mean so you're posts are more then helpful thanks for posting you're enthusiasm is infectious

[@SheelaghDaly]

Thank you so much for the kind words Jody! That means so much!

[@shuttle461]

Thanks for the video and tips in general. I already subscribed and hit the like button!

[@SheelaghDaly]

You are most welcome and thanks for the support 😊

[@popkes100]

thank you for your video it has got me thinking lol.more to this than i thought but hope to give it a try

[@SheelaghDaly]

Aww haha there's a lot to think about at first but once you get the hang of it it's so fun! I hope you do give it a try!

[@Kristersgulbis1]

Thank you for the information, i love it😍😍😍

[@shuttle461]

Hi! How about proper clothing to wear in summer time for your first bicycle tour?

[@SheelaghDaly]

That’s a great question! I think the important thing is to ride/train in what you’re thinking about bringing so that you know it works before you set out. Moisture-wicking is definitely good and I generally try to keep my shoulders/back covered to avoid sun burns. Good sunglasses and maybe a visor can also be helpful so you can see well. I wear sugoi shammy shorts on most of my rides. Hope that helps!

[@neadster469]

Three month vacation from work ? I can only wish...

[@garyreid1956]

Like your vids ,your good fun 👍

[@SheelaghDaly]

Thanks very much!!

[@chuto4826]

I like your english accent, where exactly are you from ¿? Sorry for my english

[@SheelaghDaly]

Thanks! I'm from Canada :)

[@alanbratt1929]

Question 🙋‍♂️ Are Vitamin and minerals handy a to take with you or a waste of money? 😉🇦🇺 🌏

[@vanomadcyclist3474]

I don’t seem to see the link for the nutrition guide, can you send me the link on this comment? Thanks so much, great video

[@SheelaghDaly]

Absolutely! Here you go Barbara! mailchi.mp/5efdca9e20ae/bike-tour-nutrition-guide

[@shahzadhabib6929]

Hi i am planning to bike in Oct 2022, from Kitchener to Montreal, can you please help me with the bike route. I am not sure if camp sites will be available during this time of year. Regards, and thanks

[@SheelaghDaly]

Hey there! I did Toronto to Montreal last year, here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2HUfKZjp5lrraM In the description below it I include a link to the Great Lakes waterfront trail that might be worth checking out. Some campsites might be closed so definitely a good idea to call ahead!

[@pranavpradosh123]

You are cool👍

[@SheelaghDaly]

Aww thank you!!

[@bobboettcher2797]

Can you tell us what percentage of the route is gravel?

[@SheelaghDaly]

An app like komoot will provide a detailed breakdown of the "type" of road surface (i.e. paved, unpaved, cycle way). The only way to check how gravely it is is to take a look at parts of the route through google maps. Best of luck!

[@1LeggedAdventures]

how do you feel about ride with GPS and their route planning?

[@SheelaghDaly]

I haven't used them much! I liked that maps.me is free (you just have to be mindful to download the maps you need ahead of time to run offline) and komoot is a one time fee - so I didn't experiment much with Ride With GPS as it was pricer from what I remember. But I know lots of riders love it!

[@1LeggedAdventures]

@@SheelaghDaly I downloaded maps.me and went to the website but couldn't figure out how to even get started lol. From what I have seen a huge portion of rwgps appears to be free. I have only dabbled but you are far more experienced than I. I am just overwhelmed at the moment with so many tools planning my first tour across Texas. It's exhausting.

[@SheelaghDaly]

@@1LeggedAdventures I really think all 3 are good -- different cyclists prefer different ones, go with the one that feels best to you :) I'd recommend having 2 you feel comfortable with so if one route doesn't feel quite right you can see what else is available. Good luck - sounds like an incredible tour!