Bicycle Touring 101: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide

If you’ve ever fantasized about pedaling through new landscapes, sleeping under the stars, and experiencing travel at the pace of a bicycle wheel, traditional bicycle touring may be your dream come true. Unlike bikepacking, which is typically more off-road and minimalist, traditional bicycle touring embraces stability, comfort, and endurance. It’s a form of self-supported travel that lets you cover significant distances on paved roads and light gravel paths using sturdy bikes, racks, and panniers.

Whether you’re planning your first overnight loop or contemplating a transcontinental journey, this comprehensive guide to bicycle touring will help you understand what it is, how to get started, what gear you need, and how to stay safe and comfortable along the way.

Bicycle touring is a form of self-sufficient travel where your bicycle becomes both your transportation and your luggage carrier. It usually involves traveling long distances over days, weeks, or even months with your camping gear, clothing, food, and other essentials packed into panniers or bags attached to your bike.

Traditional bicycle touring usually involves:

• Road or light gravel surfaces

• Heavier bikes with racks and panniers

• Larger gear capacity

• Emphasis on comfort and durability over speed

• Freedom : Go wherever you want, at your own pace.

• Self-Sufficiency : Learn to rely on yourself for shelter, repairs, and food.

• Simplicity : Strip life down to the essentials and focus on the journey.

• Sustainability : Lower your carbon footprint while seeing the world.

• Immersion : Interact more intimately with local cultures and natural environments.

The most important piece of gear is your touring bicycle. It needs to be durable, comfortable, and capable of carrying weight.

What to Look For:

• Steel Frame : Absorbs road vibration and is easier to repair anywhere in the world.

• Wide Gear Range : You’ll need low gears for hills and higher ones for descents.

• Rack and Fender Mounts : Essential for carrying luggage and staying dry.

• Sturdy Wheels : 36-spoke wheels with wide rims offer strength and support heavy loads.

• Relaxed Geometry : Comfort is king over long distances.

Popular Touring Bikes:

• Surly Long Haul Trucker

• Trek 520

• Kona Sutra

• Fuji Touring

• Co-op ADV 1.1

Traditional touring relies on front and rear racks and panniers rather than frame bags. This setup is great for carrying large amounts of gear, distributing weight evenly, and maintaining access to your items.

Front and Rear Panniers:

• Rear panniers carry most of your gear (clothing, food, tools).

• Front panniers help balance the load and can carry cooking gear, extra clothing, or heavier items.

Handlebar and Saddle Bags:

• Useful for snacks, maps, phone, or rain gear.

Waterproofing:

• Opt for waterproof panniers like those from Ortlieb or Arkel to keep your gear dry in all weather.

Packing Tips:

• Pack heavy items low and centered.

• Use compression sacks for clothing.

• Keep frequently used items accessible.

Your touring kit should balance function, weight, and reliability. Here’s a breakdown:

Camping:

• Lightweight tent or tarp

• Sleeping bag (3-season recommended)

• Sleeping pad

• Pillow or inflatable cushion

Cooking:

• Stove (canister or alcohol)

• Cookpot, spork, mug

• Lighter, matches, fuel

• Food containers and cleanup supplies

Clothing:

• 2–3 pairs of padded cycling shorts

• 2–3 jerseys or synthetic shirts

• Base layers

• Fleece or insulated jacket

• Waterproof jacket and pants

• Wool socks and gloves

• Helmet and cycling cap

• Sandals or off-bike shoes

Tools and Maintenance:

• Spare tubes and patch kit

• Multi-tool and chain tool

• Spoke wrench, tire levers

• Chain lube, rag

• Zip ties and duct tape

Personal Items:

• First aid kit

• Toothbrush, soap, toiletries

• Sunscreen, bug spray

• Passport, ID, credit card, cash

Electronics:

• Phone and charger

• Power bank or dynamo hub

• Bike computer or GPS

Start small and build up! A weekend trip or overnighter is ideal for testing your setup.

Route Planning Tools:

• Komoot

• Ride with GPS

• Adventure Cycling Association maps

• Google Maps (cycling layer)

What to Consider:

• Road conditions and traffic

• Weather and elevation

• Camping or lodging options

• Water and food resupply points

Touring Styles:

• Credit Card Touring : Stay in hotels or B&Bs, eat at restaurants.

• Fully Loaded Touring : Carry all gear, cook, and camp.

• Supported Touring : Travel with a group and support vehicle.

Not ready for a multi-day expedition? A Sub-24 Hour Overnight (S24O) is the perfect introduction to bicycle touring. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a short overnight bike trip that begins one afternoon and ends the following day—usually within a 10–50 mile radius of your home.

Why Try an S24O?

• Low Commitment : No need to take time off work or plan a major route.

• Test Your Gear : A chance to try out your camping setup, panniers, and packing strategy.

• Build Confidence : Practice essential skills like cooking, navigating, and dealing with weather.

• Mental Reset : Disconnect from daily stress with a quick escape into nature.

Ideal Destinations:

• Local campgrounds or state parks

• Warmshowers hosts (if available)

• Forest service roads or dispersed camping areas

Packing for an S24O:

You don’t need to carry everything—just the essentials:

• Tent or bivy sack

• Sleeping bag and pad

• Light stove or cold meal

• Water and snacks

• Lights and basic bike repair tools

Tip: Keep a small touring kit packed so you can roll out on short notice when the mood or weather is right.

Make It a Habit:

Regular S24Os can be a fun way to stay fit, experiment with new gear, and stay tour-ready all year long. They’re also a great social activity—invite a friend or two and turn it into a micro-adventure.

Touring safely means being prepared and visible:

• Use front and rear lights, even during the day.

• Wear high-visibility clothing.

• Always wear a helmet.

• Ride with traffic and obey local laws.

• Signal turns and stops.

• Stay alert—especially in remote areas.

Touring burns serious calories—up to 5,000 per day. Eat often and stay hydrated.

Great Touring Snacks:

• Trail mix, nuts, dried fruit

• Energy bars

• Nut butter and wraps

• Instant oats or couscous

• Freeze-dried meals

Hydration:

• Carry 2–4 water bottles or a hydration bladder

• Water purification: pump, tablets, or UV pen

You don’t need to be a bike mechanic, but basic skills go a long way:

• Fixing flats

• Adjusting brakes and gears

• Lubing the chain

• Replacing a broken chain link

• Truing a wheel (minorly)

Tip: Practice all these skills before your tour.

Bad weather is inevitable on longer tours. Be ready:

• Rain : Bring waterproof panniers and clothing.

• Heat : Ride early, use sunscreen, take breaks.

• Cold : Layer properly and dry your gear at night.

• Wind : Expect slower progress; draft behind other riders if possible.

Touring is as much a mental game as a physical one. It can be lonely, exhausting, and uncomfortable—but also deeply rewarding.

Tips:

• Embrace discomfort—it’s part of the adventure.

• Set realistic mileage goals.

• Take rest days.

• Journal or take photos to document your trip.

North America:

• Pacific Coast Highway (CA to WA)

• Great Allegheny Passage & C&O Canal (PA to DC)

• Lake Champlain Bikeway (NY/VT)

Europe:

• EuroVelo Routes (network of long-distance trails)

• Danube River Path (Germany to Hungary)

• Loire Valley (France)