Bringing Your Own Bike

HELPFUL TIPS

Backroads vans with bikes mounted

Bringing Your Own Bike

HELPFUL TIPS

Backroads vans with bikes loaded

Your Trip Consultant has noted that you will be bringing your own bike. Below are some things for you to consider. If you’ve changed your mind and have decided instead to ride a Backroads bike, please let your Trip Consultant know right away.

Shipping Case

If you’re flying or shipping your bike to the trip start, please check with your Trip Consultant to be sure there is a place to store your case during your trip. Many trips do not start and end at the same place, which can lead to difficulties retrieving your case at the trip’s end.

Packing for Your Trip

Please remember to bring any parts specific to your bike that you may need during your trip as the leaders may not have appropriate tools, tubes, tires, parts, etc.

Mechanical Support

While our leaders are knowledgeable bike mechanics, they may not know the specifics of your personal bike. Please be sure you have a good understanding of your bike and can make minor repairs as needed.

Is Your Bike Ready for Five or More Days of Riding?

Please keep in mind that the typical day on a Backroads trip may contain 25 to 45 miles, or about 4 to 5 hours, of riding. If you have not ridden distances of this length recently with your bike, we suggest you do so before your trip so you know its strengths and limitations. If you’re unsure whether it’s ready mechanically for the trip, we suggest you take it to your local bike shop for a tune-up.

Bike Etiquette During Your Trip

In order to ensure a safe experience for everyone, all cyclists must respect pedestrians and other cyclists by using safe speeds and signaling when passing. On mixed-use pathways, pedestrians have the right of way. When passing, you should slow and give them space. And when you’re passing other riders, you should call out, “On your left!” so as not to surprise them.

Spare Bikes

Your Trip Leaders may not have a spare bike available should you decide mid-trip you no longer want to ride your bike or in the event of a malfunction. This is also true should you decide last minute not to bring your bike on the trip.