Bicycle Touring 101

A short introduction to traveling by bicycle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is bicycle touring?

Bicycle touring is one of the most environmentally-friendly ways of exploring a place and an increasingly popular means of travel for those looking to get off the beaten path. Loosely defined, the term "bike tour" means an autonomous, self-contained journey by bicycle. These journeys can be of any distance and time and can be accomplished on a thin budget.

There are a variety of styles of bicycle tours. On a lightweight or bikepacking tour, the cyclist carries the bare minimum—opting for compact, backpacking style camping gear (ideal for tourers traveling via mountain bike trails). Lightweight tourers may forego traditional camping methods altogether by eating at restaurants/cafés and sleeping in hostels/hotels to cut back on the load. During a supported tour, the cyclist is accompanied by a motor vehicle which carries their luggage (for a fee). On a fully-loaded tour, cyclists carry a tent, camping stove and everything else they need to support themselves.

We recommend that the Bicycle Patagonia Tour be completed as a fully-loaded tour. This provides explorers with ultimate flexibility, especially on the stretches of route in-between towns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bungee cords are extremely useful on a bike tour – use them to help secure your panniers or strap loose items (i.e. trash) to the outside of your pack.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do I need to travel by bicycle?

There are a few essential items that you'll need to acquire in order to begin your bicycle tour:

Bicycle

The Bicycle Patagonia Tour can be accomplished on any bicycle; however, we recommend acquiring the best-quality bike that you can afford. A high-quality bicycle will save you money (and time) in repair costs over the long-run. Steel frames and rim brakes (rather than disc brakes) are easier to repair, especially in developing countries.

Tires

Two tires will be sufficient (meaning you shouldn't need to carry an extra set) if they have the appropriate tread. Given the condition of the ripio in Patagonia, we recommend inverted or knobby tread tires; however, semi-slick will also work. A few extra tubes, a patch kit, a lightweight pump, are also recommended.

Racks

If possible, invest in steel racks. Aluminum racks will wear down, especially on bumpy roads and if racks are heavily loaded. Unless you're traveling extremely light, you'll want to have both a rear rack and a front rack.

Panniers

Traditionally, travelers-by-bicycle use four panniers: two large panniers attached to the rear rack and two (smaller) panniers attached to the front rack. For less wear-and-tear on your panniers (and racks) ensure the panniers are tightly attached to your rig (bungee cords are good for this).

Tent

A tent provides you with ample flexibility when it comes to accommodation. Along some stretches of the tour, organized accommodation options are limited. Given the amount of rainfall (especially on the Carretera Austral), we recommend a tent over a hammock.

Sleeping Bag + Mat

Even in the summer, Patagonia can get frigid, especially down south and at higher elevations. A comfortable sleeping bag can go a long way toward a good night's sleep. Inflatable air-mats are light and provide a layer of space between you and the cold ground.

Camping stove (+ fuel)

While not strictly necessary, a simple camping stove (+fuel) is highly suggested – it will provide you with gourmet meals and nutritious meals  Not to mention, you'll be able to boil water.

Luxury Items

These are those little things you just can't live without. Maybe it's a musical instrument; maybe it's a drawing paper + colored pencils.  Whatever it is, it must be worth it's weight.  Read out blog post on 6 Luxury Items to Consider for Your Next Bike Tour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you'll be riding on unpaved roads (in Patagonia, known as ripio), it's best to get a hybrid tire with knobby or inverted tread.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tips for Your First Bike Tour

Do This Now

  • Commit. Commit to a departure date. Now, doesn’t that feel good?
  • Plan your route. Do some research to figure out basic logistics. It's not necessary to dive too deep into the details yet (all tours should be subject to change).
  • Budget + save. Create a rough budget and start saving.
  • Learn. Watch YouTube videos. Practice your Spanish. Go to your local bike shop and discuss your adventure. Watch more YouTube videos.
  • Bicycle. Get your hands on a bicycle. Become familiar with it.

Remember This Later

  • Stay physically/mentally healthy. Eat before you get hungry. Hydrate before you get thirsty. Rinse off before you get smelly. Stretch every day. Do what you need to do to create balance.
  • Start early. Dawn brings beautiful light, less vehicle traffic, and active wildlife.
  • Take it easy. Give yourself time to take a detour or stay an extra night (or three).
  • Ask questions. Listen to locals and fellow travelers. Engage the communities you pass through. Accept favors graciously.
  • Experiment with meals. Use local ingredients. Buy produce from local greenhouses. Attempt to prepare a local dish.
  • Wild camp. A penny saved is a penny earned. #leavenotrace
  • Get off the bike. Take plenty of breaks and full days off from riding (but be sure you have sufficient food/water supplies for this).
  • Document. Catalogue your experience through photos, film and/or journals. Your future self will thank you for it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stop often. Take breaks. Drink water. Stretch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why You Should Bike Patagonia

Patagonia is one of Earth's premier places to explore by bicycle. Located in the far south of South America, it is, as Bruce Chatwin famously described, "the farthest place to which man walked from his place of origin." Here are a few more reasons why you should bicycle Patagonia:

Rugged natural beauty

The scenery in Patagonia is diverse, rugged and breathtaking. The Bicycle Patagonia Tour passes glaciers, lakes, volcanos and rivers, as it crosses deserts, mountain passes and rainforests and winds its way toward the el fin del mundo (the end of the earth).

Low-population density

Although tourism is growing in Patagonia, unless you're in the Patagonian hotspots of El Chalten, El Calafate or Torres del Paine, it's easy to get lost in the vast expanse of nature. Very few humans populate this part of the world; this emptiness means less vehicles, less hate and less bullsh*t.

Unsealed ripio roads

The bumpy ripio which makes up many of Patagonia's roads can be rough, often hiding deep potholes and embedded rocks. When it's dry out, passing vehicles will kick up dust; when it's (too) wet, the road may turn to mud. This adds to the adventure: remember, every worthwhile voyage once encountered stormy seas.

Unruly weather

The weather in Patagonia is extremely unpredictable. It's possible to experience all four seasons in one day (yep, snow is possible even in the summer). Expect gale-force winds prevailing from the northwest.