Planning Your First Cycling Trip?

5 Beginner Mistakes to Avoid for a Smooth, Memorable Ride

Embarking on your first multi-day cycling adventure is thrilling. The landscapes, the rhythm of the road, the sense of freedom... It’s an experience you’ll never forget — unless it turns into a logistical nightmare. And unfortunately, for many beginners, that’s exactly what happens.

At Baroudeur Cycling, we’ve guided hundreds of riders through their first adventure. Here are the 5 most common mistakes — and how to avoid them like a pro.

📍 Want a fully organised trip with expert support? Check out our road and gravel cycling holidays in France and Portugal

1. Starting with a poorly prepared bike

A squeaky derailleur or a badly timed puncture can easily ruin your day. Many first-timers underestimate the importance of a well-maintained bike.

Before you leave, make sure to:
✔️ Get a full check-up from a trusted mechanic
✔️ Inflate tyres to optimal pressure
✔️ Clean and lubricate your drivetrain
✔️ Pack a basic repair kit (spare tube, pump, multi-tool)

🔧 New to bike mechanics? Read our bike maintenance checklist

2. Overpacking (or underpacking)

Cycling is a game of weight. Bring too much and you’ll suffer. Bring too little and you’ll miss essentials that can ruin the day.

Smart packing =:
✔️ Weather-appropriate clothing (layers are key)
✔️ Energy snacks + 1.5L of water
✔️ GPS or pre-loaded route on your phone
✔️ Headlamp, repair tools, sunscreen

🧳 Need help with packing? Here’s our ultimate cycling trip gear checklist

3. Not booking accommodation in advance

Think you’ll find a hotel or campsite along the way? Think again. In high season or remote areas, options are limited — and often not cyclist-friendly.

What we recommend:
✔️ Book all your nights in advance if you're riding point-to-point
✔️ Look for “bike-friendly” stays: secure storage, early breakfast, laundry options
✔️ Prefer local guesthouses for a more authentic experience

🏠 On Baroudeur trips, all accommodation is carefully vetted for cyclists and optimised for recovery.

4. Mismanaging food & hydration

Nothing will crash your ride faster than an empty stomach or dehydration. Many beginners forget to fuel regularly — and end up bonking hard.

Keep your energy steady by:
✔️ Eating every 60–90 minutes (bananas, bars, dried fruit, nuts)
✔️ Drinking every 15–20 minutes — even if you’re not thirsty
✔️ Consuming 500–750 ml of water per hour in warm conditions

🍌 Want nutrition tips for long rides? Read our fuelling guide

5. Riding without planning your route

Improvising feels adventurous — until you hit a 20% climb, run out of water, or end up on a dangerous road. A planned route is a safe route.

A well-prepared route includes:
✔️ Realistic daily distances and elevation
✔️ Known water and food stops
✔️ Safe roads or traffic-free trails
✔️ Downloaded GPX files or offline maps as backup

🗺️ With Baroudeur Cycling, all routes are tested, optimised, and provided with GPX + detailed briefings.

Recap: The 5 Essentials for Your First Trip

✅ Get your bike serviced and tested
✅ Pack light but smart
✅ Book your accommodation early
✅ Fuel regularly and hydrate well
✅ Plan your route with distance, terrain and rest stops in mind

Want to ride like a pro from day one?

Join Baroudeur Cycling for a seamless experience designed around your level, your goals, and your riding style — in the Algarve, the French Alps, the Basque Coast and beyond.

👉 View our self-guided and guided cycling holidays
👉 Contact us for personal advice before your first trip

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