Guest blog post by: Henry Moore of FitWellTraveler.com

There’s just something wonderful about cycling. From a leisurely ride through the country to an official tour, you enjoy it all. But maybe you haven’t taken a tour or other cycling expedition yet. After all, they can be intimidating to new and experienced cyclists alike.

Thankfully, that doesn’t have to be the case. With some preparations and tips listed below, you can get ready for your big cycling expedition. It’s probably no surprise that it starts with training.

Training Beforehand Is Essential

No matter how long or grueling your ride will be, you absolutely have to train for it. Not only will this help you physically, but it will also toughen your mind so you can endure it all.

Shape.com recommends core training, which is a set of workouts focusing on core muscles like those in your abdomen and lower back. As your core strengthens, your balance and maneuvering while on your bike will improve. You can increase your speed and endurance by doing interval training where you alternate riding easy and pushing yourself.

Of course, you can train by riding your bike. Bicycling.com created a plan that uses three rides each week to build your strength and endurance:

A long ride, starting with 20 miles (or roughly 2 hours) and building up as you continue taking these rides.
A steady ride where you ride hard for 15-30 minutes to bring your heart rate up, then back to easy pedaling.
A speed ride with 5-6 very hard efforts up to two minutes apiece.

Equipment You Need Before Heading Out

As you continue to train for your cycling expedition, you also need to make sure you have the right equipment. No one wants to be in the middle of a tour, get a flat, and be unable to do anything about it. That’s why the following gear is recommended no matter how long your ride:

Cycling helmet, gloves, shirt, and shorts.
Waterproof shoe covers and rain jacket.
Touring shoes.
Cycling multi-tool.
Pump, spare tube, and patch kit.
A water bottle that connects to your bike.

Your most important piece of equipment will be your bike, so you also need to get a bike tune-up. Head to a professional shop and get your bike inspected and prepared for a big cycling expedition. This way, you can eliminate problems now before they happen on your tour.

Lastly, you should look into getting an e-bike. These are bikes that you pedal but can switch over to electric-powered. Ebikesflorida.com has many e-bikes to choose from and can be delivered to you.

Protect Your Home While On Your Cycling Expedition

After training and getting your equipment, there’s one last way you need to get ready: securing your home. You need to stay focused on your ride and the road conditions, and worrying about home can lead to problems.

As HomeAdvisor explains, there are several ways you can ensure your home is safe while you’re away on a cycling expedition:

Take a walk around your house and look for ways animals or people could get inside, even in your backyard.
If you’re not driving to the tour’s start, keep it in a garage.
Make sure all windows and doors (including the garage door) are locked tight.
If your expedition will take you away for a few days, hire someone to mow, shovel, or collect your mail.
Put lights on timers inside the house. If possible, use motion sensors on outdoor lights.

Enjoy Your Cycling Expedition

Regardless of how long or official your cycling expedition will be, you can get ready for it. Start by training to ready your body and mind, then make sure you have the right gear and a tuned-up bike. Once you get your house secure, there’s nothing stopping you from finishing the expedition and feeling good about it.

By: Henry Moore of FitWellTraveler.com