Are you approaching the world of cycle tourism for the first time and don't know where to start? Don't panic, I can tell you that you are not the only one!

Perhaps the idea of a bike trip makes you think that you will need many accessories, a high-performance bike and maybe even be well trained.

Actually, getting started is much easier than you think! You're not getting ready for the Tour de France, but this is only your first bike trip.

Prepare your bike well, bring only the essentials and plan a route not too demanding. What else? Let go of all your worries and have fun!

How to start on cycle tourism? The 3 steps to get you organized in the best possible way

Every bike trip requires some planning and if it's your first experience with cycle tourism, you probably need to buy the necessary equipment. The good news is that everything you buy now can also be used for your next outings, so it's a long-term investment.

To make your life easier, I have divided the whole planning in only 3 steps. If you follow them one by one, you'll be ready to go on your first cycling adventure.

To get started, you'll obviously need a bike and that's the first step you'll have to focus on. Step 2 concerns the essential accessories you will need to take with you, while the last step is dedicated to choosing the route to follow. Are you ready? Let's start now!

Step 1: the cycle tourism bike

What are the characteristics of the ideal bike for cycle tourism? It is a versatile bike, so you can easily tackle both dirt and asphalt. The second aspect not to be overlooked is the strength, in fact you will have to bring with you large bags to store all the necessary equipment. The last suggestion is to choose a comfortable model, because you will have to pedal for hours and certainly do not want to end up with a nice backpain at the end of the day!

To sum up, the ideal bicycle for travelling is versatile, sturdy and comfortable. If you are looking for a cheap bike for cycle tourism, but with all the papers in order to face your first trip, the Lombardo Matera 500 could be a good choice.

Although there are differences between trekking bikes and mountain bikes, even a mountain bike can turn into a great companion for your cycle tourism adventure. I would advise against using a racing bike, which is too light and not suitable for loading luggage.

Step 2: the accessories you can't miss

To store the equipment you need for your cycling trip, you'll need a large, waterproof and reliable bike bag. Arkel and Vaude are two great cycle tourism bags that I would recommend you to consider.

Of course, you can't predict what the weather will be and you have to prepare yourself for the possibility of a thunderstorm, so bring rain cover accessories with you. To be ready for the unexpected, I also recommend a tool kit and one or more spare inner tubes.

In addition to the essential equipment, you can also add a few more accessories, such as a cycle computer or a dynamo USB charger, so you have the battery of your smartphone always charged. Why not take your camera with you? There's no better way to capture the most exciting moments of your bike adventure.

Step 3: How to choose a route to start on cycle tourism

We started this short guide with the question: cycle tourism, how to start? So we must not forget that this is your first bike trip, so it is better not to overdo it and choose a route that has a level of difficulty that is not excessive.

So it's better to discard mountain routes with a steep slope. The view from here will certainly be spectacular, but a physical effort of this kind could take away too much energy and make the next days of the trip more difficult.

So choose a route that is not too demanding, perhaps immersed in nature. Whether you choose to stay in Italy or to travel abroad, there are certainly some wonderful places to visit on your bike.

You will have to plan in advance all the stages and choose right away if you want to stay the night at a hotel or if you want to camp. In both cases, try not to get too far from the towns, which are essential to supply you with food and water.

Last tips before you leave

Now you know what you need for your first bike ride, but I'd like to give you some more advice. You certainly don't have to be an athlete to practice cycling, but the trip will be much more enjoyable if you spend a few weeks of training.

In the weeks before your departure, try to plan longer and longer bike rides. This training will help you to better understand how far you can go and will allow you to improve your strength, breath and endurance.

Even gym workouts that strengthen the central part of your body can be very useful. They will help you maintain a better posture and prevent the annoying back pain associated with prolonged use of the bike.

You should also consider your budget. Traveling by bike is very economical and the amount you will spend depends mainly on the solution adopted for the overnight stay. A bike trip can put a strain on your ability to adapt and even the most adventurous spirits should consider spending at least a few nights in a hotel. Some facilities are specially designed for cyclists like you!

Finally, I would like to leave you one last piece of advice: let yourself be surprised and face the journey with curiosity. Even if a large part of your journey will be organized with great precision, you remain open to the possibility of making detours and being guided by instinct. After all, cycling also means freedom, doesn't it?

Then indulge your spirit of adventure and get ready to face your first experience with cycling. I'm sure this trip will be the first of a long series.