Last week we spoke to Jurrian van der Pijl, founder of the BikeFitBox. The name suggests otherwise, but this is not a 'do it yourself' bikefit module. With the BikeFitBox, you can learn to ride better every day, even when you are not on your bike. We immediately thought: that's pretty handy in preparation for your next cycling adventure. Especially if you will be cycling in the mountains, it is no luxury. We asked Jurrian for advice. Here are 5x tips for your next cycling holiday to get you off to a better start on your next adventure.
Adjust your bike properly
This sounds very logical, but especially if you will be cycling for several days, a good adjustment is important. Whereas normally you can get away with a little pain or discomfort, on holiday it is really annoying. Usually, you cycle for several days in a row and then a wrong stem length, wrong saddle height or other wrong adjustment is very annoying. So make sure you're comfortable on your bike in the Netherlands and do a bikefit.
If you use a rental bike, also make sure you get the right bike. Also, always send your bikefit outcomes to the rental company and double-check it before you drive away from the rental. Then you can still adjust it. A rental company also likes it when you are satisfied. Everything for the reviews, but even more: everything for a great holiday for you!
Condition
We mentioned it in the previous section. You will usually cycle a bit longer and more on a cycling holiday than in the Netherlands. Therefore, it is very important to be in good shape and make sure you don't go completely into the red on day 1. But so make sure you are also well prepared. Haven't been able to cycle for 3 weeks? Then don't expect to be able to ride the Pyrenees can drive through. So make sure you are well prepared and especially if you go into the high mountains, a good condition is essential. So train!
Control and Handling
Being good on your bike is not only about getting the right position. Having good control of your bike is very nice , especially when you are on foreign soil. Often, the roads in a foreign destination are just a little less than ours. So if you accidentally drive through a 'pothole', good bike control is very nice. But also if you go cycling in the mountains, then good handling is also important. Descent technique, but also climbing technique is very important. Being able to descend well is really very important. Then take a descent clinic in South Limburg, or on the Posbank.
Mindset
It's quite important to consider: what am I going to do on a cycling holiday? Am I just going to cycle in the sun and enjoy the scenery? Or am I going to train seriously and want to get better? And if I'm going to train seriously: what does that look like? This is also useful to coordinate with your cycling group. Because if you want to train full speed and the rest is more thinking about a route with 5 stops, you can get irritation. We also have a number of tips at level difference and these are then applicable.
Route
Nowadays, you won't get lost easily and enjoying the scenery without a fixed route is also very nice. If you are with family or if you definitely want to ride a certain climb, planning a route in advance is very handy. The best way to do this is of course with Komoot, also check our profile for great routes and collections. You can also map out a route for a bikepacking trip, so you can plan several stages in a row. If you don't know your way around well, a mapped route is a great guide though!
Invest
BikeFitBox will soon be launched for everyone, but now you can become part of BikeFitBox. It is possible to invest in this wonderful community and opportunity to get better. If you want to know more, check out the site of BikeFitBox.
