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There’s nothing more freeing than riding your bike across a hiking trail or an open road. There are no shortage of biking routes throughout the United States, whether you’re planning your first bike road trip or want to expand your itinerary to include multiple states. A cycling road trip comes with unique challenges that you need to plan for, from considering your physical health to having a contingency plan.
Planning in advance will streamline your bike trip, from ensuring you pack the right gear to helping you save money with more affordable accommodation. If you’re starting your road trip in a different state, auto transport services are the best way to travel between destinations and add flexibility to your itinerary. In this article, we’re sharing our essential trips to plan a safe and scenic cycling adventure across the United States.
Essential Gear and Packing Tips for a Seamless Bike Road Trip
Your gear is just as important as your bike itself. Packing for a bike road trip is different than a normal vacation. Alongside your bike, you’ll need your core riding equipment, including cycling shoes, gloves, and a helmet that is correctly sized to your head.
Your packing list should also include the general maintenance tools you’ll need to keep your bike in working order, including a portable pump and chain cleaner. It’s also important that your clothes are appropriate for cycling with reflective colors. Weather-appropriate clothing is a priority, including having an extra outer layer to wear if rains and a high-visibility vest for cycling in busy areas.
You’ll want to think practically you’re packing for this type of trip. If you’re traveling with kids, you may want to bring stroller or trailer to attach to your bike and you’ll need a bag for carrying your on-the-go essentials.
If you’re heading on a bike road trip far from home, auto transport services can bring your personal vehicle to your destination, giving you the flexibility to expand your route and change your plans on the go. Some car transport services may allow you to send your bike inside your vehicle, saving you the additional cost of flying with your bike.
Route Planning Strategies for Safe and Scenic Cycling Journeys
Part of the appeal of a bike road trip is the flexibility to go wherever you want. You can use your car to travel to cycling routes across different states and change your mind at the last minute. However, it’s a good idea to have at least a potential route plan in place. You can always adapt it as you go, especially if you want to spend more time at a specific location or exploring a cycling trail.
Planning your route will make it easier to bypass high-traffic areas by choosing scenic pathways instead. Doing your research ahead of time can also ensure you’re physically capable of cycling through your chosen routes, especially if there’s difficult terrain or changing elevation.
You can find information for the best bike routes and suggested itineraries by researching local cycling groups and using online forums like Reddit. Although you might plan to spend most of your time cycling, having your vehicle allows you to cover more ground and explore less popular routes.
How to Choose Auto Transport Services for Your Next Bike Adventure
Booking a cross-country car transfer is the key to planning a seamless bike trip. Reliable auto transport services will offer transparent pricing and be fully certified by organizations like the FMCSA and U.S. Department of Transport. Take the time to double check that the company’s insurance policy will fully protect your vehicle and reach out to their customer service team if you have any questions, including whether you can send your bike inside your vehicle.
If you’re flying to your starting destination, look for some cross-country auto transport services that provides a door-to-door service. They can coordinate your pick-up and delivery to take it directly from your front door to the first stop on your bike road trip.
Health and Safety Precautions Every Road-Tripping Cyclist Should Know
Health and safety are one of the most important things to consider when planning your cycling road trip. Most cycling injuries could be avoided with better hydration planning, physical preparation, and traffic awareness.
The CDC recommends always wearing a bicycle helmet to reduce your risk of head injury in the event of a crash, including ensuring it is properly fitted. Your packing list should also include fluorescent clothing to wear when cycling, even during daytime to make you more visible to approaching traffic. Similarly, some states will legally require you to have active lighting on your bike when riding in poor visibility. If you’re visiting a new state, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with local road regulations and bike lane usage.
Even with all this planning, you never know what might happen during your road trip. One of the main reasons why cyclists use auto transport services is to have a contingency plan if something unexpected happens. You never know when bad weather, a bike malfunction, or poor health might derail your plans. You’ll be able to continue your journey or go to a safe spot if you have your personal vehicle nearby.
Budgeting and Cost-Saving Tips for Long-Distance Bike Road Trips
Cycling road trips can vary in price, but there are lots of strategies to save money along the way. While you’ll want to invest in your cycling gear, most routes will offer campgrounds and budget motels as affordable accommodation. To save money, schedule your bike trip between November and March, when prices are typically lower.
Compared to renting a bike or running the risk of breaking your bike while flying, a car shipping service is more affordable. Purchasing groceries rather than eating out or relying on fast food is another way to save money if you have your car with you. Get the most out of your road trip and enjoy the security of having your own vehicle by choosing the best auto transport service for a seamless bike trip.
