How to plan an epic one day cycling trip from your front door

Adventure: /ədˈventʃə(r)/: An unusual and exciting or daring experience.

We often assume that ‘adventure’ has to mean extreme. We think of the great explorers from the past, or thoughts might jump to a huge undertaking, such as cycling the length of a country or continent – however, an adventure can just be something that takes us away from the ordinary of our day-to-day lives. Seven months away in foreign lands would definitely be an adventure, but how about if you only had one day, and wanted to start as soon as you closed your front door? 

If we think about our concept of a one-day adventure a little more, than we might conclude that we can’t be riding routes we’re familiar with, as that wouldn’t be very adventurous. I usually ride south-ish from my home, so a route heading off in a different direction would be a good start.

We might then think about distance, and our own capabilities. If we have 50 miles in us, then that’s your distance to aim for. Whether you have 30 miles or 100 miles in you, then plan for that, with maybe a little further to add some jeopardy if that appeals. Remember the adventure is for – and ridden by – you.

So, what happens if all the circular routes nearby are well known to you? How about adding a one-way train ride for an hour or two, then ride home. You’ve suddenly opened up a large area where you may not have ridden before.

Deciding on your route

Even staying local, you can still get lost so get a map! Digital maps work well of course, but I still love a paper map for the high level view that you can get. OS 1:25000 or 1:50000 maps are wonderful things, and they allow a great high level feel for the landscape that you might ride through. You can often get a good sense of places to stop en route, too.

It’s also worth asking around, either online or asking friends, if there are any recommendations for cafés or stopping points, especially bike friendly ones. Maybe be aware whether there are any bike shops en route too, just in case.

Once a route has been decided on, you may want to load it onto a bike computer or phone. A .gpx file is a pretty versatile way to move mapping routes between devices, but there are many other ways to do this task of course.

Getting away to your destination, if you need to…

At their best, trains and bikes are about as perfect a pairing that two modes of transport can be – but trains can be awkward with their rules.

Sometimes it can be no bikes during commuter times, or a restriction as to the number that are allowed. So check first that a route will allow you on board. Assuming you can catch the train that you want then it gets you away easily and quickly to your starting point. Do check the timetables, and be aware that ‘Engineering Works’ can often be done on weekends which may interfere with your plan. If there is a train and a ferry involved in your route, which I will have on my summer trip this year, then can the timings be aligned so that you’re not waiting around for ages, or the timings are too tight and you miss your connection.

Is your bike ready?

Once you’ve planned your route you might want to think about your bike. Is it in good order? Is it the correct ‘tool’ for the job? You may want to get it serviced to ensure more reliability. It might be that your route is hilly, where you normally ride flatter routes. Would a change of cassette and rear derailleur be worth considering, for example? Are your tyres still in good order? For a long day ride a normal selection of tools, pump, spares and tube should be sufficient, but maybe take two tubes instead of one? This all about being reliable and self sufficient.

Another useful addition on a long day ride is having lights. If you are behind time getting home in daylight, or have had a mechanical, then having lights is way less stressful. They don’t have to be high end and super bright, but there for safety. A small, lightweight light that you can see by adequately could be all that is needed. The Magicshine Allty 200 is an example of such a light.

Do you need to carry some extra kit?

Next thing to think about is luggage. Can you get away with a small bar bag, or frame bag? Or do you need a rack or pannier? I would consider wearing the layers appropriate for the season to cycle in, and carry a small, lightweight rain layer, as well as a thin thermal jacket, such as a Rab Microlight. That way you’re covered for rain and wind, as well as warmth.

If you are unlucky enough to have a major mechanical, or physical failure, then you’ll be thankful that you packed one! It’s remarkable how quickly you can cool down once you stop, even on a hot day. Next thing to consider is shoes. A really versatile way is to use SPD shoes, as they are efficient for riding, but you can still walk in them. Do use a pedal and shoe combination that you’re used to though.

Take a break

Fuel is important, even for a one-day adventure! Don’t underestimate eating regularly, and with ‘proper’ food. Gels and snacks are fine, but they can affect your digestion if you’re not used to them, or have too many.

Equally, stopping can be beneficial, so a café stop is rarely time wasted, be it for time off the bike, food or drinks. If you’re riding a long way then make sure that you have enough water too. You will be able to refill your bidon at a café, but if you’re in an unfamiliar area, and it’s a hotter day, you might want to take a second water bottle just in case.

Also, just stopping, taking stock and looking around you is part of the experience. You’re not in a race, so enjoy being out and away somewhere new. The smells in a wood, the noise of a stream burbling, the sights from a viewpoint all add to the trip too.

Have a get-out-of-jail card prepared

Do you want the security of a ‘get home’ card? Can a spouse, partner or friend pick you up with a car or, once again, the train can be useful. There’s no shame in saying ‘I’m done, I want to get home now’. Maybe think about contingencies before you set off and plan accordingly, or maybe don’t if you like some jeopardy… which leads me to my conclusion.

Most importantly, have fun!

Getting lost and having unexpected things happen is all part of it. And it is those difficult and hard parts that you’ll remember most many years from now, and laugh about with your friends. Do you remember that time we went to such-a-place and that thing happened – that is certainly my experience, and I’m still here to tell the tale.

Have a great adventure!