Am I Fit Enough to Do a Bike Tour? (How Difficult Are Bike Tours Really?)

Am I Fit Enough to Do a Bike Tour? (How Difficult Are Bike Tours Really?)

This question is rarely asked directly.

It usually goes something like this:

How many miles per day…are there hills…what kind of shape are the people who do these tours in?

But eventually it gets to the real question:

“Do you think I am fit enough to do a bike tour?”

And that’s a fair question to ask. Not everyone is doing a multi-day bike tour.

This is a great question and probably the most important one.

The Short Answer: Are You Fit Enough for a Bike Tour?

Yes, more than likely.

Not because bike touring is easy or anything, but because it’s not really what most people think it is. Let me help you better understand what I mean.

What People Picture About Bike Tours (And Why It May Freak Them Out)

A lot of people have this image in their mind:

Long days on the trail where you are grinding the entire time.

Trying to keep up with a fast group and not be left behind.

Not many stops for breaks or enjoying the trail you’re on.

Waking up sore and doing it all over again.

Basically, some people think of a bike tour as a test of strength and will rather than a fun vacation.

But that is not actually how it all plays out.

What a Bike Tour Is Actually Like

A bike tour, especially a self-guided bike tour, is a lot more relaxed than people expect.

You start when you want. Get up early to beat the heat or rain, or sleep in and feel fresh for the day's ride.

See something cool on the trail, stop, take a photo, or just soak in the peace around you.

Have a long lunch break, drink a coffee, whatever.

You can take your time getting to the next town. This isn’t a race. This is your time on your bike, how you want it.

Some people ride quicker while others like to stretch it out.

Both styles are right.

There is no “correct pace” out on the trail.

Choose the one that puts a smile on your face and do that.

It may be different day by day, but whatever you’re feeling, go with that.

Bike Tour Fitness: It’s Less About Fitness Than You Think

Now, this may be the part that surprises you.

It’s not really about how “fit” you are in the traditional sense.

It’s more about:

Are you comfortable (seat bones) on a bike for several hours at a time over multiple days?

This is the number one thing I tell people to train for over anything else. Because if you are in shape but the bum isn’t, it will be a long, sore ride.

You don’t need to be:

A serious cyclist, someone who rides every week for 100s of miles.

In peak cardio shape.

But it does help if:

You’re steady and consistent on the bike. 

You ride more than just around the neighborhood.

You can ride for a while without being sore.

You can ride a bit every day without the seat bones hurting (this is key).

Who Actually Does Bike Tours

Most people assume it’s a young person’s game or for elite riders.

That is way off.

Most of our riders are in their 60s.

I have seen kids as young as 11 and adults as old as 90 ride our tours.

They are not all hardcore cyclists, and they are not training year-round.

They are just people who:

Stay somewhat active.

Love being outside when they can.

Want to do something a little different for a vacation or make a memory with family and friends

We have had people show up not sure they are ready, but after a day or two, they are locked in and enjoying every mile on the trail.

How Difficult Are Bike Tours, Really?

OK, time to get into some of the real details of a tour.

A typical day, depending on the tour you choose, can be between 25 and 50 miles.

It’s generally very manageable terrain. These are rail trails, so hills are very limited. Trains do not do steep terrain.

Now, if you tried to do that in one go without any breaks, then yeah, that would feel like a lot.

But most of our guests do not choose to ride like that.

They ride, stop for a coffee, ride, have lunch, ride some more, take a photo, you get the idea.

By the end of the day, you have covered the distance and arrived at your accommodation. You did it, but it did not feel like a grind. You probably even really enjoyed it and surprised yourself.

Where People Run Into Trouble on a Bike Tour

It is usually not fitness.

It’s more like:

Going out too fast on day one.

Not stopping enough.

Treating the ride as something to get done instead of something to enjoy and soak in.

Or it can be simple comfort things like:

Issues with the seat (if you have one you like and you are renting, bring it).

Not used to logging several hours on the bike day after day (seat bones, maybe knees), hurting.

Little aches that build up. Inside trick (use CBD oil on sore joints). Tiger Balm is also great.

Those are the things that will get you, not whether you are “fit” enough.

How to Prepare for a Bike Tour (Simple Tips)

If you are thinking about doing a bike tour, here is what can actually make a difference:

Ride a few times a week.

It’s important to log time on the bike, not necessarily distance. Get that butt used to the hours on the seat.

This alone will get you set up for success.

Make sure your bike feels good.

This is huge and can often be overlooked.

Comfortable seat.

Handlebars in the right position.

Seat height and angle are just right.

Padded shorts.

No need to overthink it, but just don’t ignore these things either.

Don’t rush your bike tour.

Oftentimes, the people who seem to enjoy these tours the most are not the fastest riders.

They’re the ones who:

Stop often.

Take their time.

Let the day simply be the day. Enjoy the ride, be present, sink into the ride

There is no prize for finishing early. But you can do that too.

Consider using an e-bike

E-bikes can be a game-changer.

If you are unsure, an e-bike can:

Take the pressure and worry off of those longer mileage days.

Help on the inclines.

Put to rest anyone worried about upsetting an old injury by pushing too hard

You can always turn it off and pedal as much as you desire.

I have had multiple people tell me how much fun they had on the e-bike and that it made the difference from not doing a tour to deciding they would give it a try.

Don’t let the naysayers keep you from enjoying your ride. E-bikes are fun!

So, Are You Fit Enough to Do a Bike Tour?

Here is an easy and quick checklist:

You can ride a bike comfortably.

You’re active in your day-to-day life.

You’re good with going at your own pace

That’s really it. And if you are not comfortable in one of those areas, just start.

Go out on your bike and start to put the time in. Your future self will thank you. Put that tour goal on the calendar and go get it.

One Last Thing About Bike Tour Readiness

A lot of people want to wait until they feel “ready.”

More in shape.

More confident.

More sure.

But like most things in life, we may never feel 100% ready. We just have to do it.

Oftentimes, people figure it out as they go and, by the end, wish they hadn’t waited so long.

If You're Still Not Sure About a Bike Tour

That’s totally normal.

This is one of those things that can feel bigger than it really is and is played up in your mind.

Once you are actually in it, the joy of the ride and the beauty of the scenery take over. You relax and say yes to the fun of the ride.

If you have questions, need help picking out the right tour, or just want to talk it through a bit, give us a call at 314-656-6229.

That’s what we’re here for.

But if you are feeling like you are ready for a bike tour, the next thing you may be thinking is, Should I Do a Guided or Self-Guided Bike Tour?

Bottom Line

You Are Probably Fit Enough for a Bike Tour

You don’t need to be an athlete.

You just need to be willing to get on a bike and see how the day unfolds.

Say yes to that little voice that got you thinking about a bike tour in the first place.

It’s right.

Here are the TOURS we offer. 

See you on the trails!