Bicycle vacations are a popular traveling option, but they're not just for the young. The young at heart are also hopping on their bikes and hitting the road together, in senior cycling tours. If you would like to join them, all you have to do is hit the 50-year mark.
Basics
Senior cycling tours offer the convenience of organized tours and the excitement of riding through scenic country, and seeing the sites up close, instead of being stuck on a tour bus. Touring companies offer many kinds of excursions, from day trips to three-week rides, with destinations that include domestic and foreign lands. You can pick a trip from a catalog or create your own private tour and hire a guide. You can even go on self-guided tours. You won't even have to worry about your luggage, which will be transported for you.
Getting in Shape
Just because you want to go on a senior cycling tour, it doesn't mean your muscles will cooperate. When "AARP The Magazine" talked to senior cycling expert Joel Friel, he suggested that seniors train for at least three months before an extended cycling tour. That means riding for a few hours at least three times a week, slowly building up your training time to five days a week and three to four hours per ride. Be sure to take five days off every third week of training.
Not Just for Athletes
If you're not ready to train for what feels like the Olympics, take heart. Senior cycling tours are available for beginning, intermediate and expert level cyclists. You may want to start out with a day trip to see if you like the pace and feel comfortable with a large group. Remember that riding on a senior tour means that you're with like-minded travelers. They're riding for the fun of it, at a pace that's right for their abilities.
What to Bring
Some touring companies require that you bring your own bikes and gear, while others provide all the equipment for you As for clothes, you will want to bring bike shorts and jerseys specially designed to prevent chafing and wick away moisture, as well as rain gear in case of wet weather riding. You can bring additional clothes for get-togethers with fellow bikers after the days' journey, but pack light. Don't worry about dressy clothes or variety. Be sure to bring your camera, too, to capture your adventures.
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