The holiday season is an ideal time to pack up your bags and enjoy some time outdoors, away from the work. This time of the year is perfect for exploring nature and adventures abroad! So, if you have an adventuristic spirit and desire to wander around, biking abroad is a fantastic way to spend your holidays.
Whether you’re a first-time biker or you already have some experience, you could still use some hints and tips for mountain biking abroad. Don’t know where to begin? This is your ultimate holiday guide for mountain biking in another country.
1. Pick the right place
One of the first steps you need to do before you pack your bags and go is to find the right and suitable place. Do your research before you book your transport and accommodation. Do you have a perfect place in mind? Try searching for some keywords to get you started.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Even if you haven’t heard of that place before, it can be a true adventure to explore something so unfamiliar. What do you expect from your holiday?
Is it beer and muddy trails? Forrest trails or by the sea-trail? This all will influence your choice of location. Naturally, you can combine all of them, and pick a perfect location for your biking holiday. Breathe in some fresh air, get the necessary exercise by riding your bike and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the chosen location.
2. Pack smartly
When you’re planning on riding your bike abroad, you need to remember that hand luggage is your best friend. Depending on how many days will you be staying there, you need to pack accordingly. However, one of the first things you should consider doing is making a list of all the essentials you’ll need on your trip.
Socks, underwear, shorts and shirts are a must-have. Also, don’t forget personal hygiene items. Think twice before you put anything in your bag. Do you really need it? Will it take more space than it should?
Besides that, you should think about the type of bags you’ll carry. A backpack is a great option, but you won’t be able to bring all of the things you need. Pay special attention to the equipment you’re bringing. It needs to be carefully packed to avoid damages. So, think about that before boarding on the plane or hopping on a train.
3. Get a travel insurance
Even though this may seem like a really “mum” thing to say, but getting travel insurance might be one of the most important things you’ll bring with you. You and your life matter more than a couple of bucks spent on the insurance. Besides that, you also want to protect your bike and equipment from damages.
No matter how experienced or careful you are, you need good travel insurance. No point in arguing here, because accidents happen, even if you try your best to avoid them. Imagine getting hurt but not being able to get professional help because you didn’t want to spend money on travel insurance.
When choosing suitable travel insurance, make sure that it covers mountain biking, because many of them don’t. In addition to that, don’t forget to ask if the insurance covers hospitals and medical bills of the country you’re going to. Better safe than sorry.
4. Learn about local trails
Before you arrive at your destination, you need to do your research. How many local trails are there? Are they easily accessible or you’ll need help from a local tour guide that can show you around? What if you get lost? These are all vital questions you need to have answered before your trip.
Once you’ve found the most popular local trails, consider contacting a local biking guide that can show you hidden gems of that place. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and instructions no matter where you are.
In addition to that, whether you bike alone, with a group or a club, always carry the right type of map with you. Learn how to read a map in case you get lost in the woods or between two places you can’t name.
5. Have appropriate equipment
One of the most important things you need to take care of when biking abroad is your equipment. Surely, you can rent a bike where ever you go, but will it be enough to endure hard mountain trails? I don’t think so. It’s always a better option to invest in a new bike that will carry you through different mountain trails.
If you don’t own such a ride that will carry you through thick and thin, you need to purchase a high-quality mountain bike that will be able to provide you with a full mountain biking experience. You won’t have to worry about the breaks and other parts of this bicycle as it’s particularly made for wild rides and rocky terrains.
Besides a bike, you’ll also need a backpack, helmet, lights, and many more essentials that are needed for exploring unfamiliar terrains.
5. Prepare for the weather
The holiday season looks different in each country. Somewhere it snows, somewhere the climate is mild, some places are rainy, while others are in the middle of a heatwave. So, that can also affect the choice of your location.
Whether you choose a warm or cold location, you need to prepare for the weather that waits for you. Mountains are usually colder than the rest of the country, so be prepared for that as well. Therefore, you should pack and prepare your clothes according to that.
One crucial thing you need to take care of is hydration. Staying hydrated while mountain biking can be really challenging. However, if you want to endure the whole ride, it’s a vital step you need to take. Make sure you always have at least two water bottles with you, and planned stops where you can refill them or buy more.
Conclusion
Mountain biking is fun, but mountain biking in another country is exhilarating. You’ll get to explore the hidden paths and ride the rocky trails locals barely know about. That’s why you need to carefully prepare for this trip.
Using this guide, you will be able to explore the hidden gems of your destination without worrying too much about getting lost. So, follow these tips and enjoy one of the most exciting holidays you’ll ever spend.