Plan Bike Tours – The Ultimate Guide for Perfect Cycling Adventures
Discover how to plan unforgettable bike tours – with the right route, equipment, and preparation. Step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and free tools for beginners to advanced cyclists.
Why Planning Bike Tours is So Important
According to a 2024 study by the German Cyclists' Association (ADFC), 28% of all unplanned bike tours are abandoned prematurely – due to overexertion, getting lost, or technical problems. In contrast, 92% of well-planned tours lead to the desired result.
Cyclist satisfaction increases by an average of 67% when the following factors are clarified in advance:
- Route length and duration (realistically calculated)
- Elevation profile (know the climbs)
- Path condition (asphalt, gravel, trail?)
- Rest stops (cafés, restaurants, fountains)
- Emergency options (train stations, bike shops, accommodations)
Calculate Route Distance
Important: These values apply to tours without luggage. With panniers, reduce the distance by 20-30%.
Warning: Avoid Overexertion!
Many beginners overestimate themselves. Common mistakes: wanting to ride 80 km without training, ignoring elevation gain, not planning breaks, too heavy luggage. Pro tip: Start with 60% of your estimated capacity. Better a relaxed tour that makes you want more than torture that makes you never want to ride again.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tour Planning
- Set destination – Where do you want to go? (approx. 2 minutes)
- Calculate distance and duration – How much time do you have? (approx. 3 minutes)
- Plan route digitally – Use Komoot, Google Maps, Bikemap (approx. 10 minutes)
- Check elevation profile – Check climbs (approx. 2 minutes)
- Research rest stops – Mark cafés, restaurants (approx. 5 minutes)
- Check equipment – Tools, spare parts, food (approx. 10 minutes)
- Check weather – Risk of rain? Wind? Temperature? (approx. 2 minutes)
- Create emergency plan – Train stations, bike shops, emergency numbers (approx. 3 minutes)
- Load route to device – GPS, smartphone, bike computer (approx. 3 minutes)
- Final check the day before – Review everything once more (approx. 5 minutes)
Total time required: approx. 30-45 minutes
Time saved on tour: 1-3 hours of navigation time + significantly less stress
The Right Equipment for Bike Tours
Pro Tip: The "Rule of Thirds" for Tour Length
Mentally divide your tour into three sections:
1. First third: Warming up, finding rhythm
2. Second third: Flow phase, highest efficiency
3. Last third: Fatigue sets in, ride slower
Important: If you notice in the last third that you're completely exhausted, the tour was too long. Reduce by 20% next time.
Checklist: Before the Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my first bike tour be?
For absolute beginners, we recommend 20-30 km on flat terrain. This takes about 1.5-2 hours of pure riding time and is very manageable. Important: Plan breaks!
Which app is best for planning bike tours?
Komoot is the favorite of many cyclists – intuitive, good community, works offline. Alternatives: Strava (for athletes), Bikemap (for tours), Google Maps (for quick planning).
How much elevation gain is okay for beginners?
Maximum 200-300 meters of elevation for first tours. Then gradually increase. Plan an extra 10-15 minutes per 100 meters of elevation.
Do I need to bring a power bank?
For tours over 40 km with GPS navigation: Yes! Navigation drains battery quickly. A 10,000 mAh power bank costs about €20 and can save you in an emergency.
What is the most common beginner mistake?
Starting too ambitiously! Many ride 80 km without training and hate cycling afterwards. Start small, increase gradually – then it's really fun!
Ready for Your First Perfectly Planned Bike Tour?
You now have all the knowledge to plan unforgettable bike tours. Start planning your first tour today – 30 km, flat, loop tour. In a week you'll be ready for your adventure!