Those who are planning to do a long cycle trek need to make sure that they are doing the right amount of preparation. The amount of preparation that is needed is going to depend upon the type of trek that is being undertaken. It could be that the trek is across country, or even abroad. Many of these cycle treks are designed so that those involved can raise money for charity at the same time, and most involve a fairly large group of people. What needs to be considered?
Clothing for a cycle trek It is important for those taking part in the trek to take into consideration the type of weather that may be encountered. Obviously, nobody wants to be weighed down with too many layers while they are cycling, but some provision may need to be made for thermal gear or wet weather gear. This is in addition to cycling gear and safety equipment such as helmets. Some people may want to take along extras, especially if cycling at altitude. Women’s compression socks are designed to improve blood circulation and might be a useful addition to the kit. It is important to remember that if the trek is going to last a few days or more, most things will need to be carried by the cyclist as not every trek boasts a support vehicle.
Training A real training programme should be put into place a few months before the trek. Treks tend to be far longer than most people’s weekend cycle ride, so everyone involved needs to work on building up stamina and distance in order to be sure that they can survive the rigours of the journey. Training will also mean paying a bit of attention to food. There is no point spending the few weeks before the trek eating takeaways and junk food as it will undo all the hard work done in training. Healthy eating is the best option, and for a few days before the trek, opt for starchy carbohydrates such as pasta as this will provide the energy needed. Those taking part will also need to make sure that they are properly hydrated when they set off, otherwise they will find that they become tired and sluggish very quickly.
Careful packing As most things will need to be carried on the bicycle, it is important to pack carefully. A small first aid kit with basic dressings and antiseptics will be needed. A good idea is to try a few long rides while carrying everything that will need to be taken on the trek to figure out what is practical and what is not. The right preparation will help to make the experience of the trek much easier – nobody wants to take part in something like this and end up tired and injured because they were not really ready for it. A long cycle trek, especially in another country, is the opportunity of a lifetime, and it is so much more enjoyable when done properly.
This article was originally published on www.thelongtriphome.com. Read the original here.
*Image of bikers via Shutterstok
