By Lorie Lewis Ham
It’s summer vacation time and there are so many fun things you can do! Things that fit any budget. From heading to the beach, to escaping into a good book on your couch in your air conditioned house, to attending fun free programs at your local library, or traveling across the country or the world. One thing that is becoming more and more popular is cycling! If you enjoy cycling, there are often free trails and places you can ride near home. Or, you can go on cycling trips and adventures away from home, often without breaking the bank—depending on what you are looking for and your level of experience.
California has a website called Cal Bike (California Bicycle Coalition), which lists many different bike trails in the state, both curated, and with bike maps for trips you can take on your own. The website includes links to free maps of bicycle routes on local and regional roadways, state highways, and dedicated bike paths throughout California. For more specific route suggestions in your area, you can contact your local bike advocacy organization. They also have cycling resources and advocacy information. Many other states also have their own bicycle coalitions.
Bike tours and vacations are more popular now than ever, according to a 2024 article in The Globe and Mail. One reason is the new popularity of e-bikes, which opens up cycling to many who never considered it before. In the article, Mike Scarola, CEO at Canadian tour company Butterfield and Robinson, says e-bikes have been a game changer for travelers, going from less than 25 percent of their bike reservations five years ago to 60 percent in 2024.
If you are looking to book a cycling vacation, VBT is one of many websites that offer a number of different options that you can book right on the site. There are guided and self-guided options all over the world! You can also find bike and boat tours, and guided walking tours, if those are more you style. If you want to go on a guided cycling tour, there are packages you can book where they take care of everything. You choose your destination, what type of bike you want to ride, and your activity level, and VBT puts it together. You also get to meet your tour leaders online, and they offer support along the way to meet your needs. Backroads is a similar company you can check out as well, and I’m sure a Google search would find many more.
No matter what type of cycling you are doing it is always important to be safe. NHTSA has a list of some basic bicycle safety. Americans are increasingly biking to commute, for exercise, or just for fun. Tips include making sure you have a proper fitting helmet, and drive defensively and be focused and on alert. It is also important to be prepared. Make certain that your bike and tires are in good condition, ride a bike that fits you, wear the proper safety gear, follow safety and driving rules, and choose routes with less traffic.
During the summer, you also need to be aware of the temperature. The League of American Cyclists has several tips on riding in the heat, which include to stay hydrated, travel light, try to ride during the cooler parts of the day, be prepared for emergencies (which is important for any cycling trip), and take breaks in the shade. An easy way to make sure your bike is in good working order before hitting the road, dirt path, or wherever you travel, is to do an ABC Quick Check.
A cycling vacation/trip has many advantages. It can be beneficial to your health, help you slow down and truly enjoy the places you go, and it’s better for the environment. Whether you just want to find fun paths near home, or want to go on an all-out cycling vacation, there are many options and opportunities! Have fun this summer, stay safe, and don’t forget the sun screen.
Mennonite Insurance Services would love to hear about your cycling adventures and tips, be sure to share on the Facebook page!
