It Pays to Get Into Shape for First Cycle Tour

Considering your first bicycle tour this summer? Here’s help for learning the types of trips available.

For the past four years, Bicycle USA, a nonprofit organization of bicyclists, has published “Tourfinder,” a 40-page guide which lists 170 tour operators in the U.S., Canada and abroad.

It covers where tours are run, how far cyclists pedal per day, level of difficulty and whether baggage transport is provided. It includes price ranges, types of accommodations and age restrictions. You’ll also find suggestions for planning a bicycle tour and information about youth tours, mountain bike tours and self-guided tours. Copies can be ordered for $3 from Bicycle USA, Suite 209, 6707 Whitestone Road, Baltimore, Md. 21207.

For a trip in Canada, you can obtain information on provincial cycling associations, tour operators and independent cycling from Canadian Cycling Assn., 333 River Road, Vanier, Ont. K1L 8H9.

Helpful Sources

Two other helpful sources are your local cycle shop and your library, where you can read through cycling magazines.

Chris Grimm of Bicycle USA suggests that you consider these points before your first bike tour:

--Inquire about the level of difficulty. If you are new to cycle touring but in good shape, you should be able to go about 30 to 40 miles a day. Think of it as about 10 m.p.h. At this rate you would spend three or four hours cycling and three or four hours sightseeing each day.

--Ask the company to supply references; speak to people who have taken the trip.

--Check the age of participants. There may not be an age restriction but certain tours seem to attract specific types, such as families and retired travelers.

--Find out if helmets are supplied. Many firms provide them free. If one isn’t available, invest in your own hard-shelled helmet.

--Pay attention to clothing suggestions. Cycle shorts are the most comfortable because there are no seams to rub. If you wear sneakers, the soles of your feet will ache; consider hard-soled cycling shoes. Gloves will not only keep your hands from going numb but they also provide some protection if you fall.

The American Youth Hostel Assn. provides a wide variety of guided tours in North America and abroad. They suggest this guideline for trip preparation.

Thirty days before you go:

--Make all transportation arrangements for yourself and your bike. Your bike may have to go before you do to be at the starting point with you.

--Make sure all repairs are made on your bike, including lubrication. Do other preventive maintenance.

--Take several rides of at least 10 miles to begin conditioning on a regular basis.

--Assemble a tool kit with specialized tools and parts for your specific bike.

--Assemble a personal first-aid kit.

Two Weeks Before

Fourteen days before you go:

--Take several long trips for conditioning, two to three days, 10 to 35 miles daily.

--Take a shakedown ride of 30 to 40 miles with full pack to determine the condition of your bike under weight and stress. Learn how to balance the added weight.

--Make certain you know how your equipment works.

Seven days before you go:

--Make all final bike adjustments after your last conditioning ride.

--Pack bike in reinforced box and ship it, if it isn’t going with you, or call your airline for bike-shipping instructions. Each carrier has different requirements.

--Buy travelers checks.

--Get medical prescriptions filled to last for more than the duration of your trip.

--Obtain a copy of your prescription for glasses or contacts, and pack an extra pair.

--If your trip involves international travel, change a small amount of money into the currency for the country you will arrive in.

AYH programs operate for a variety of age groups in North America, Europe, South America, Australia and New Zealand. Programs are outlined in “World Adventure 1987.” Free copies are available from American Youth Hostels, National Administrative Offices, 1332 I St. N.W., Suite 800, Washington, D.C. 20005.