Introduction
To make the most of your outing, a few precautions may prove useful. Your choice of itinerary should be based on what you want, but also adapted to your physical condition. You'll need to establish your route according to your abilities, without worrying about performance. You'll also need to take into account your personal constraints (time available, etc.), any train timetables for getting to and from the route, as well as certain parameters such as the length of the day's sunshine and the weather (there's no point in forcing yourself to go out in the sun or in a thunderstorm!). All this can be anticipated, by listening to your desires and studying the profile of the route, consulting the weather forecast and planning the right equipment for you and your bike. It's also advisable to travel light, for greater comfort, and leave the extras at home.
Desire and physical condition
Choosing the route is the first step in your tour! It's a matter of agreeing, with those who will be taking part, on an itinerary that suits your tastes (a cultural visit, a ride along a river with the possibility of a swim, etc.) but also your abilities. A bike ride is not a competition and requires no specific training. It's all about maintaining a healthy lifestyle (physical activity, diet, sleep, etc.), pedaling at your own pace and adapting the route (length, gradient) to your own abilities, without worrying about performance. If in doubt, ask your doctor for advice.
Study the route and check the weather
Before you set off, consider the main difficulties of the route, such as the difference in altitude, the profile of the route and the total distance, using your roadbook and map. It's also a good idea to define options for shortening the route if necessary (e.g. train station or bus stop). The route is also made up of a whole range of geographical and historical features. Sites of natural, cultural or scenic interest can be the subject of a tourist stopover, and it's a good idea to check the visiting times beforehand and take them into account when calculating your journey time. These points of interest can also give you a few pointers if you're not sure where you're going. Seasonality (length of daylight, heat, etc.) and the weather are also important parameters that will enable you to fine-tune your route (avoiding, for example, cycling at the hottest times of the day in summer).
Travelling light: the essentials, not the extras
Travelling light helps to limit effort and keep the bike feeling fluid. So make sure you don't overload your bike, and pack only the essentials. We prefer to use luggage racks on which we can fit a backpack and/or panniers. Carrying a bag is not recommended for reasons of comfort (it can be a source of backache and contributes to perspiration). In the panniers, you'll need to take something to eat (a picnic or snack, depending on the length of the walk). And don't forget to take one or more water bottles (depending on the route, the season and whether or not there are drinking water points along the way). The panniers will contain all the other items you need for your ride, including a map or guidebook, cell phone, money, first-aid kit and repair tool kit (usually supplied by the bike rental company). You'll also want to pack equipment appropriate to the weather and the season, and prepare and adjust your bike accordingly.
Mandatory cycling equipment in France
For the bike: two working brakes and a horn. For lighting, at night (or during the day in case of insufficient visibility): a front headlight (white or yellow), a rear headlight (red), a front reflector (white or yellow), a rear reflector (red), reflectors visible from the side (e.g. between spokes) and pedal reflectors.
Cyclist's clothing: a high-visibility vest (compulsory outside built-up areas at night or when visibility is poor) and a helmet (compulsory for children under 12 and strongly recommended for all others).
The checklist before leaving
You've decided to go for it. You've set the day, the itinerary, and you're in good shape. As with anything, a little unexpectedness is part and parcel of the trip. But here's a little checklist to help you get off to a good start:
Weather. Check the weather forecast (on the road, you can also use applications such as Rain today).
Road conditions. Check the itinerary and its condition: roadworks, mud, hunting seasons (contact tourist offices, prefecture services or local authorities if necessary).
Intermodality. Check intermodality if you're taking the bus or train: disruptions, work on the lines, timetables, if necessary reserve seats with the bikes and check whether the bikes will be accepted disassembled or not. If bikes have to be dismantled, bring a transport bag or tarpaulin and tools for dismantling wheels and cranksets).
Warn. Keep someone informed of your itinerary (especially if you're going alone).
Maps. Make sure you have a map of the route, whether paper or digital, and don't forget to download the base map onto your GPS.
Charged batteries. If you're taking your phone, camera or bike, you may want to bring a solar charger for your phone, or spare batteries.
Check your bike. Have your bike serviced and adjusted to your size, and check tire inflation, lighting, brakes, transmission and anti-theft device.
Equipment check. Panniers, pump, repair kit and tools, phone (with apps) or GPS, compass, first-aid kit and survival blanket.
Personal equipment. High-visibility vest, helmet, mittens, trouser clips, and equipment to suit the weather: in case of rain, rain cape, waterproof pants, gaiters; against the wind and/or cold, windproof jacket, fleece, gloves, muffs; and to protect against the sun and UV rays, sun cream, t-shirt or long garment, sunglasses, mittens, hat. Other equipment depending on your needs and the tour: towel and bathing suit, blanket or plaid to lie on, sketchbook, etc.
Schedules and reservations. Check the timetables of the tourist sites you wish to visit, and the arrival times for accommodation; remember to bring your booking documents with you (paper or electronic tickets).
Drinks (water bottle) and food (snacks or picnic).
Documents and money. Identity card, Vitale card, health insurance card, bank card, cash.