Great bike tours for over-60s
Once you reach retirement, you might find that you’ve finally got a bit more time on your hands and the freedom to indulge in a few of your interests and passions. One of the opportunities that might be worth considering is a seniors cycling tour.
Ever imagined the bliss of meandering through the rolling Tuscan countryside on a bike, bathing in the midday sun, warm wind in your hair, then pulling into a local village for a hearty relaxing alfresco lunch? Alternatively you might be thinking of a more ambitious bucket list adventure seeing first hand and riding some of the routes of the worlds most iconic cycling events such as the Tour De France through the epic Pyrenees or the Alps of southern France.
Whatever your fancy, it’s becoming more and more accessible with a variety of tour programs available for all levels of fitness and experience preferences.
Before deciding on your trip it’s important to assess your level of cycling fitness – just because you want to go on a senior cycling tour, it doesn't mean your muscles will co-operate first up. Assuming you’ve got a basic level of fitness to start you should look at training for at least three months before an extended cycling tour. Your training should closely reflect the style of riding you intend to be doing on your trip.
Then with regard to the type of cycling trip you’re after, there are plenty of options in terms of either self-guided tours or groups where someone does all the support work for you. There are numerous operators specialising in self-led walking and cycling holidays through Europe. Along with organising your hotels, you are provided with all the necessary equipment for your trip such as bikes, bike lights, and bike bags as well as detailed route notes, highlighted maps, and tips on customs and special wineries, events or activities in the region. It’s like discovering a region on your own with a little help from a friendly local. Or you may choose a guided tour complete with mechanic, tour guide and transport for all the creature comforts allowing you to focus completely on the fun stuff.
Bike and barge tours are a unique way to discover the delights of the European countryside. From the comfort of your barge, with a group of only 20 to 24 passengers, you’ll unpack just once and for a week feel as if you’re on a floating hotel. By combining cruising and cycling, you’ll see more of your destination than on your bicycle alone, and your barge provides a fascinating perspective unattainable any other way. You can moor and cycle along riverside paths, immersing yourself in local culture through discoveries with experienced, bilingual trip leaders, and return to your barge for relaxation and camaraderie, with the help of a full-service crew.
If you’re thinking of a cycling trip to the US consider Seniorcycling.com for adults 50-plus. They offer custom designed bicycling trips developed specifically for active seniors. They hold excursions in various parts of the country and the trips range from two to 10 days. Bike trips are done at a reasonable pace and they adjust the pace to the needs and abilities of the group. They arrange your lodging, transport your luggage, provide cue sheets, do minor bike repairs, provide van support, and either recommend restaurants or prepare delicious meals for you.