Cycling has never been bigger in this country – 2 million Brits count it as a hobby, and the numbers are still growing.
Cycling holidays are getting more popular, too: if you’re going to take some time off, why not spend it doing what you enjoy? And if you’re going to do something you enjoy, why not do it somewhere special?
As a nation with a long history of casting envious glances at our European cousins – their climate, their landscapes, their food and drink, their general lifestyle – it’s no surprise where increasing numbers of us are looking. The attraction of cycling holidays in Europe is easy to understand.
The good news is that you can believe the hype. If you get it right, spending a few days riding the roads in Europe can be an unforgettable cycling experience. From the stunning routes and glorious weather to luxurious post-ride R&R and marvellous food for replacing all the calories you’re burning, it’s hard to imagine a better all-round way of spending quality time.
Get it wrong, though, and – well, if you’ve never managed to experience a really disastrous holiday, good for you!
Avoiding the pitfalls when cycling in Europe
There’s quite a list of pitfalls to avoid if you want to make the most of a cycling holiday in Europe. The most obvious is finding yourself on roads that, for whatever reason, don’t end up offering the cycling experience you were hoping for. You’ll cover a lot of miles over a few days, and there’s a lot of scope for ending up on the wrong track.
The logistical nitty-gritty needs handling with care, too. Whether it’s a question of sorting the documentation to get you and your bike where you want to be, or planning for the repairs that might be needed to keep you going, thorough preparation is definitely not something to skimp on.
There’s the small matter of making sure you’re in shape for the challenge, too. It would be crazy to go to all the trouble of arranging a trip only to find you can’t get the most out of it. We may all love to feel the burn, but feeling so shattered you can’t continue is another thing entirely. Upping your training, doing some day-long rides and maybe getting a few sportives under your belt before leaving is highly recommended.
None of this should put you off, though – cycling holidays in Europe are very possible to arrange and enjoy if you remember all the essentials.
Guided cycling holidays
There is another option, of course: you could let passionate specialists take care of everything, and create a dream cycling experience tailored exactly to your wishes. That’s what we do at Flyingeese.
If you’re determined to go it alone, feel free to give us a call and we’ll happily give you some pointers if you need any help or advice. One word of warning, though – if we get talking about what it’s like to ride with Flyingeese, you might just end up deciding to come with us instead!