When everyone begins to actively talk about cycling, they mean the passage of a variety of routes in which you can meet sights, as well as a variety of sightseeing objects. If you decide to relax as actively as possible, cycling tourism is exactly what you need.
You will certainly have a completely unique opportunity to climb into the remotest and most secluded corners, drive along the paths and see simply magnificent places that cannot be seen if you go on a trip by sightseeing bus or car.
Cycling tourism is also attractive in that you get an excellent and useful physical activity during the entire exciting journey, improve the condition of the entire immune system.
The main task is to properly prepare and choose high-quality equipment for cycling tourism. What is so attractive about this type of modern and so popular tourism? What type of cycling tourism do you have the opportunity to do and enjoy the sights around you?
Popularity
Modern cycling allows every tourist to feel a complete unity with a certain area, because you will not have any boundaries. With the help of a bicycle, you can explore the area as if you were walking on it.
Complete freedom of directions for travel. A unique opportunity to choose a route for yourself, change it at any time when you want it. Mountain modern bikes absolutely any route is subject, so this should definitely be used.
Many people in our modern world turn their attention to the environment and try to take care of it to the maximum. Everyone wants to actively travel, visit the most different countries. In this case, cycling tourism is the best and optimal option.
What else is the advantage of such popular tourism:
- Every minute you breathe fresh and clean air and the body receives a constant load.
- The tourist has a unique opportunity not only to see the sights, but also to improve immunity.
- Cycling tourism is also relevant for those who suffer from heart disease, but they are allowed to exercise controlled by a doctor.
- Cycling is quite economical.
You will have to spend financially only once - the purchase of a good and comfortable bike, as well as equipment. You have the opportunity to buy some things or update your set. Sometimes repairs are needed, but they are not global, so there will be no big costs.
Varieties of cycling
Bicycle tourism has different guises. This type of recreation stands out quite favorably against the background of other types of tourism. It is the benefits of it for humans and the entire environment that are a real find for a vacationer.
Cycling tourism gives everyone the opportunity to combine business with pleasure: you eat on long distance, you feel unity with the environment around you, which is simply impossible to achieve while traveling by car.
You have the opportunity to choose the best type of this tourism for yourself in order to enjoy your vacation as much as possible and get the benefits that are guaranteed to be.
Bicycle touring classic
Here everything will happen, as in the usual tourist and exciting hike in nature. Your main means of transportation is a bicycle. You will have a great night in nature in a well-equipped tent, interesting evenings around a warm fire, food cooked at a picnic. All these aspects must be taken into account so that the rest is pleasant and exciting.
This cycling tourism has a certain advantage - you will be able to overcome the greatest distances in the time allotted for the trip. You will even have the opportunity to carry cargo, but not on your back, but on a bicycle.
Bicycle tourism is civilized
This is a common and popular type of outdoor activity. Not so long ago, he came to our country from the far west. You will have a great opportunity to relax during an overnight stay in a comfortable hotel, hostel or campsite. Often they take food from shops or in cafes on the spot, but if you wish, you can cook on your own or in the company of vacationers with you.
There are certain advantages here that cannot be overlooked:
- Light weight that should be on the bike. This is due to the fact that overnight stays will be at the hotel. There will be no tents, no thermal underwear, or other things that are needed for minimal comfort during a tourist holiday on bicycles.
- Food will be bought in shops or cafes, so you won’t need to take ingredients. This will also lighten your load.
- Ability to walk short or long distances a short time. It won't take a lot of strength and energy from you.
Very often this variant of cycling is called European. It involves the use of certain charms of civilization, which is simply necessary for many tourists. This style has nothing negative and bad, as you have an excellent opportunity to gently enter the world of cycling.
Bicycle tourism educational
This type is the simplest, but at the same time quite common. The main purpose of such a holiday is a bike tour with sightseeing, interesting historical and natural places. You will not need absolutely anything from a cyclist, except for his desire to enjoy the ride. Educational cycling allows you to relax for several days with or without a well-thought-out overnight stay - it all depends on individual preference.
Sports cycling
Sports cycling is a multi-day cycling trip with full camping equipment. This is a cycling competition. The emphasis is on the complexity of the route with difficult roads, off-road and forest trails and the like.
This type of holiday will require you to formalize certain documents, as well as maintaining detailed and thorough statistics of the entire bike trip. This is necessary in order for the campaign and, accordingly, you are assigned a certain sports category. This important indicator directly indicates how prepared you are. The category is needed for professional instructors and for participating in a variety of cycling trips.
Cycling adventure
Travel companies in recent years for thrill-seekers in some countries organize trips to hard-to-reach areas - rainforests, mountains and deserts. Usually a group is accompanied by a bus for insurance. You can always use his services in case of rain, bad weather or just fatigue.
Types of bicycles for cycling
Road racing bikes
Designed for driving on smooth asphalt, where they take advantage of thin tube tires.
Hiking on such bikes is better for experienced cyclists. They are not very maneuverable, they have the lowest permeability among all types of bicycles. Thanks to tubes - thin tires - they are designed to move on smooth asphalt.
Tourings (Tourist bikes)
Classic touring is a more durable version of the road bike. Advantages of touring bikes:
- ease of movement on highways and dirt roads,
- good directional stability,
- large load capacity,
- wide range of gears (18-27).
Of the shortcomings, it should be noted:
- low maneuverability,
- moderate cross-country ability on technically difficult routes.
Tourings are good for classic and sporty trips on a variety of roads, but they are not suitable for aggressive and extreme riding.
Mountain bikes
Mountain bikes were born in the early 80s of the XX century and are still developing. They have many names: SUVs, mountain bikes, all-terrain vehicles, just bikes. They are designed specifically for driving in particularly difficult conditions. They have an aggressive appearance, have an off-road frame and 26-inch wheels. The mountain bike features a heavy-duty construction, big amount gears (24-27), wide tires, and excellent off-road capability.
A mountain bike is very versatile, suitable for city riding, as well as for sports and long-distance travel.
hybrids
It's relative the new kind: a symbiosis of touring and mountain biking. Hybrids are like Mountain bikes frame geometry, a large number of gears (24-27), steering wheel and its removal. The wheel size is usually 28 inches. Front shock absorbers allow hybrids to be even more versatile.
Excellent speed performance is combined in a hybrid with high cross-country ability on bad roads. Hybrids, like Tourings, are more suitable for classic trips, but are focused on hard driving modes.
road bikes
Modern road bike solid construction and tires, a wide range of gears, so they are not inferior to touring in terms of patency. The padded saddle and high seating position make it the most comfortable bike of all.
The main purpose of such bicycles is grocery shopping and leisurely walks over short distances.
The advantage of a road bike is its low cost. This is due to the initial class of equipment, simple frames and the absence of a suspension fork.
You are faced with an easy and understandable task of choosing the best option that will help you enjoy your vacation and cycling perfectly. You have an excellent opportunity to try each of the species - just buy a bike, equipment and enjoy the environment. The desire to travel is what guides every tourist who sets out on a journey in nature.
The benefits of cycling
Bring any type of recreation, and we will say how much less profitable it is than cycling tourism. The answer lies on the surface - in order to move around on a bicycle, you do not need fuel or fuel. in addition, in cycling tourism, movement through narrow passages is very common. Often there is a lot of beauty in there too. Can you get to places like this vehicle? Of course not. A car is much larger than a bicycle. I would also like to note that cycling is much faster than walking.
What makes cycling attractive?
Do not forget about the main advantage of bicycles - the movement on it contributes to the improvement of the state and health. This means that by participating in cycling excursions, you will not only enjoy picturesque places, but also spend active leisure time. Cycling tourism gives a lot of advantages to the participant. First of all, time. As a rule, such events do not require so much when compared with other types of tourism. But if you wish, you can significantly increase the time of participation in cycling tourism.
By the way, there are two types of cycling tourism. Now let's talk about them. We will do this in order to be able to find a suitable option and understand what makes cycling tourism attractive.
Types of cycling tourism
Bike Tours. This is a fairly popular and sought-after type of cycling tourism. It is a journey by bicycle, without extra cargo. As a rule, all necessary luggage is stored in the vehicle that accompanies the group. Participants of such cycling tourism eat in various cafeterias and other establishments. Overnight accommodation takes place in hotels.
Bicycle trips. There are huge differences this species cycling tourism. The main difference is that participants will have to carry everything they need on their own. Secondly, the route mostly consists of those places where there is no civilization at all. Therefore, you are unlikely to be able to enjoy the benefits of civilization. This should be taken into account when choosing the right type for yourself.
It should also be noted such a sport that is included in the concept of cycling tourism - sports cycling tourism. In this sport, there are six categories of travel difficulty. Most easy stage-300 km. This is one of the features of cycling tourism. It lies in the fact that there are a lot of varieties.
By the way, cycling is very popular in the West. Moreover, in some countries, the development of such a direction of cycling tourism as adventure tourism has begun. In Russia, cycling tourism is not in such demand, and abroad, travel agencies organize various tours to exotic and hard-to-reach places. Yes, on bikes. This is the next feature of cycling tourism.
If you want to choose this type of tourism, you can find similar offers on our guide exchange. In addition, if necessary, you can choose a guide who will take you through the picturesque and interesting places. Thus, you will be able to understand why cycling tourism is attractive.
Cycling is one of the most popular outdoor activities. This is due to its great popularization and the interest of modern people in healthy way life. So what makes cycling so attractive?
The only means of transportation is your two-wheeled friend. On it, a person will have to go through routes that include objects of an excursion nature (specific and general tourism). However, even this would seem to be enough simple form tourism has its own characteristics, unknown to beginners.
With all the popularity of traveling by bike alone, it is team cycling that is developing more. We are drawn to it various groups in social networks, broadcasting on forums, and the usual word of mouth. According to the complexity of such races, they can be simple and not very (when, for example, you have to drive 200 km a day). However, the latter option is more likely intended for cyclists with more experience than beginners.
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In addition to ordinary cycling trips, there is also sports cycling tourism, in which participants go through distances laid on a certain route. For passing difficulties and obstacles, as well as for range and speed, they receive new ranks and titles.
But still, the most attractive type of recreation for a novice tourist who wants to have a good time and enjoy the body and soul is a regular bike ride. It allows you to see the cultural and natural attractions of various areas.
Laying such routes can be very simple, involve long stops and even overnight stays. According to this criterion, cycling trips are divided into several types:
- A day trip does not include overnight stays. They usually leave early in the morning and return in the evening of the same day.
- Weekend trip (PVD) - includes one overnight stay. Departure takes place early Saturday morning and return on Sunday evening.
- Multi-day bike trip - can include several overnight stays and any number of days. Usually these are long routes, sometimes intercity or even interstate.
How to prepare for a bike ride
Since cycling is extremely accessible, many beginners find it easy and does not require special training. However, it is important to understand that you can get caught on trifles - later this will lead to negative emotions and a complete mismatch of expectations with reality. Therefore, let's discuss the main points of preparation for a bike trip:
2. Plan a route in advance (calculate the duration, time of stops, evaluate the quality of roads in the areas).
3. Take a first aid kit with you.
- It is important:
4. Learn the rules traffic.
The last two points are especially important - your life and health depend on them.
How to prepare your bike for a hike
Before you go on a bike trip (especially solo), carefully check the condition of your steel friend. Pay attention to the following:
- Are the brakes working properly?
- is the steering wheel firmly fixed;
- are the carriages, chains, bushings lubricated;
- whether the chambers release air;
- Are there any damages on the tires?
- is the seat adjusted?
- are the needles intact;
- check the presence of lanterns and reflectors;
- equip the bike with mirrors (rear and front).
Choose the necessary equipment:
- special cycling clothing (it will protect against hypothermia or vice versa excessive sweating);
- tourist backpack;
- helmet;
- gloves;
- knee pads, elbow pads.
Cycling around the world
Today, in almost every city you can rent a bike. However, will it be possible to ride it with pleasure? The key to a successful trip (especially for beginners) are tracks and parking specially designed for this. Let's take a look at where you can find them.
Bicycle tourism in Russia is only gaining momentum. Among Russian cities, one can distinguish St. Petersburg, Ryazan and Yekaterinburg - it is there the largest number bike paths. In Moscow, Perm, Ufa and many other cities they also exist, but very few.
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Bicycle tourism in Ukraine is also developing, but bike paths began to appear relatively recently. Now these cities are: Kyiv, Vinnitsa, Lvov, Odessa and Mariupol. However, until now they are presented only on some streets.
As for cycling tourism in Europe, in this regard, its countries are more developed, as there are cities that are literally lined up for bicycles. Pleased with the cycling infrastructure of Germany, France, Switzerland, Norway, the Netherlands and Spain. But among the more distant countries, China and the United States can be distinguished.
According to the form of conducting, cycling routes are divided into organized (planned and amateur (club-sectional) and unorganized - amateur ("wild").
Planned cycling tourism provides for the organization and conduct of trips by tourist organizations and enterprises of various forms of ownership (mainly on tourist vouchers). They are carried out along developed, studied, described, and sometimes marked routes under the guidance of instructors who have sufficient experience and are familiar with the area. The entire route, as a rule, passes through tourist camps or other tourist accommodation facilities, where the participants of the trip are provided with accommodation, meals, cultural and medical services, and in some sections by road.
Most novice hikers make their first cycling travel it is on such routes that run through the picturesque corners of nature, include ancient monuments, interesting architectural structures, literary memorial or historical places. For the most part, such routes are not difficult and do not require special tourist training.
Self-guided tourist cycling routes organize and run tourism councils, sports associations and sport sections enterprises, institutions and educational institutions, health-improving and sports camps, etc.
Amateur tourists themselves select the composition of the group, choose the travel area, develop a route, provide for themselves necessary equipment, food, and on the route they organize accommodation and excursions. The routes of amateur bike trips are approved by the route qualification commissions, and their passage is controlled by the relevant institutions (control and rescue services and detachments).
The peculiarity of unorganized cycling routes is that tourists themselves choose the area of travel, often without a clearly developed plan and program of the trip. Most of these groups are made up of friends, families, acquaintances. Their main task is active recreation during summer holidays or vacations.
Another feature of modern cycling tourism is that today in the world there is a transition from mass tourism to individual, family, small groups.
The developed cycling routes have different categories of difficulty (from I to V), which differ in the length of the route, the terrain, and the form of conducting.
During the development of a tourist cycling route, the following requirements should be observed:
- - tourist routes should not run through territories that are potentially dangerous for tourists, i.e. where rock shifts, landslides, avalanches are possible, through swamps, river rapids, etc. and endanger other road users. For example, cycling routes should not pass where walking or horse trails run, along sidewalks or freeways;
- - new tourist routes should be laid where there are already laid roads, there are reservoirs;
- - avoid laying routes on highways with heavy traffic. Tourist routes should pass through territories with favorable ecological and sanitary-epidemiological conditions;
- - it is necessary to provide for the possibility of overnight stays of tourists in designated places and/or accommodation facilities for tourists;
- - it is necessary to take into account the possibility of preventive, repair, construction work by the owners of roads or objects of accommodation and food facilities.
Each traveler of this type of tourism should be well versed in the technique of cycling, including with a load, and not only on highways, but also off-road. Therefore, participants must have the appropriate physical training, selection of tourist equipment in accordance with the period of the year.
The most important condition for ensuring the safety of a bike trip is strict observance of the rules of the road. To reduce the chance of an accident as much as possible, slow down when driving downhill, especially on poorly paved roads, and when driving on a wet highway or dirt road with puddles, as water can cover deep potholes and holes. You can not move on the roads at dusk and at night.
The safety of cycling also largely depends on the technical condition of the bike and the ability to manage it, especially on a bad road and when overcoming obstacles, since natural obstacles in cycling tourism include: mountain roads and passes, difficult forest paths, off-road areas, fords, ravines . Therefore, a technical inspection of bicycles must be carried out daily and any problems noticed should be immediately eliminated.
Cycling, as well as auto racing, skiing, boating and other active sports, has its own hazards that require the use of appropriate safety equipment. Most Common Hazards cycling- Head injury from a fall.
An important safety feature is a bicycle helmet, which protects the cyclist from serious injury. softening blow.
Padded shorts and gloves increase not only comfort, but also safety of cycling. Cycling shorts are often lined with suede or faux suede, gel liners, or other materials that dampen the effect of road vibration on the sit bones of the pelvis. Padded fingerless gloves protect the cyclist's hands from damage from road vibration and falls.
Conclusions to the first section
Bicycle tourism is an environmentally friendly form of recreation . Not picky about age human criteria, since the loads in it are easily dosed. With this mode of transport, you can travel on almost any road, along the path and just on flat ground, with it you can climb over a deep ravine, overcome sands, rocky mountain paths and screes, ford a river . Whole cargo is attached to the bike and led the tourist don't have to carry all equipment. Cycling tourism can be considered one of not only active species recreation, but also one of the most interesting and sports tourist vacation. A bicycle makes it possible to travel long distances faster, with less effort than on foot. This is the most common and most mass mode of transport. And it does not require any additional source of energy. This is the most environmentally friendly and silent mode of transport.
Researchers have proven that the use of a bicycle provides a wonderful opportunity to combine movement with loads on all muscle groups. This type of tourism will help many people to keep fit and in good shape.
