Holiday on my electric bike

 

The events of the last two years have shaken up our way of life and many of us have been rethinking our list of desires. The bicycle has found a place of choice in these changes and the electric bike is increasingly becoming the lion's share of the choice, whether it be for commuting, weekend rides or holidays.

In tourism we are witnessing a discovery or rediscovery of our national and European heritage. Initiatives and proposals for electric bicycle tours are flourishing and road developments are following suit, at their own pace.

What if we went on holiday, if we did some cycle touring on an electrically assisted bike? Preparing, equipping and discovering different routes is what is proposed in the article below.

Defining your inner cyclist

Many people cycle, but how many are prepared to cycle for long distances? Let's face it, you can't just become a bike tourer, but we can all do it with training, the right equipment, the right type of bike and the right accessories.

Will you be that adventurer who likes to walk along the coast or through the forests? Will you be an epicurean who prefers to go hiking, discovering Belgium's gastronomy, following the UNESCO route or crossing our most beautiful historical cities? The family who likes to combine sporting challenges for all ages with discovering the national or European heritage?

Define your desires

You may want to cycle occasionally during your stay. In this case, you can either bring your own electric or classic bike, or rent one on site. More and more holiday resorts offer this option, if not a bike hire company will offer it, and at the tourist office you can get a map of the cycling routes available.

Cycling during the holidays

In the family

You opt for family walks around your holiday destination. You should preferably choose routes on their own site: a greenway accessible to all with a minimum of preparation, flat, signposted, with points of tourist interest such as chapels or viewpoints, and refreshment stops.

Particular attention should be paid to the distance you wish to travel. You will need to take into account how far you can ride to and from your destination, the time you have available and the composition of your family. Physical fitness also plays a role, because even though electrically assisted bicycles offer unparalleled comfort and allow you to ride further than with conventional bicycles, you have to pedal to move forward. There are women's bikes, men's bikes and children's bikes to suit the whole family.

Between sportsmen

Ready for a mountain bike trek? A good physical condition is necessary, don't forget that a regular sport training helps to have a good breath and a sufficient musculature. Don't forget to pedal at your own pace, enjoy the scenery even on the climbs and be careful on the descents. These gestures and postures can be learned with training or by going out with a professional.

Spending the holidays cycling

Fitness and equipment are essential. You will be cycling most of the day, every day or so, for 8, 10 or more days. Remember to study the cycling routes, the flats and the gradients: such a holiday needs to be prepared in advance with equipment that you know well.

Knowing how to equip yourself

Who would think of climbing the Himalayas in sneakers?

To keep cycling a pleasure, you need to pay special attention to your clothing, your bike and its accessories.

The outfit

A helmet is strongly recommendedA helmet is strongly recommended, even if you are using flat, well-developed cycle paths.

For clothing, in summer you should wear light, suitable and comfortable clothes. A protective cream is essential, as you won't feel the sun's bite immediately and it is strongly advised to cycle on shaded routes.

Rain gear is always useful even on short rides, but it becomes essential to have full rain gear if you are doing a multi-day tour. In this case, you will need waterproof clothing: rain cape, waterproof trousers, gaiters, handlebar sleeves.

If you are riding in the mountains, the weather can be cool or cold, and the temperature range can be large in a short time. Having different layers of clothing allows you to adapt your outfit to the temperature and gloves and handlebar sleeves protect your hands.

The bike

It is important to have a bike that is serviced, adjusted, sized and adapted to the use you are going to make of it. The electric bike offers a lot of flexibility and agility in its handling, it facilitates pedalling thanks to the electric assistance and allows you to manoeuvre easily.

If it doesn't fit you, you may feel uncomfortable. That's whyUpway offers a size filter. You'll find what you're looking for quickly and easily.

Choosing the right type of bike

How do you cycle? Are you more of a :

Experienced mountain bikers on the trail MTB, an electrically assisted mountain bike (EABT) is the solution.

Trekking cyclists, a VTCAE (electrically-assisted mountain bike) is the right option.

If you're a touring cyclist on a multi-day trip, an electric mountain bike is the way to go. It's just as at home in urban or road environments as it is on less rugged paths and trails.

Bicycle accessories

Family outing

Depending on the age of the children you can opt for a child seatDepending on the age of the child, you can choose a child seat, a cargo bike (bike with trailer), or a follow-me tandem bar, which will link your child's bike to yours. In terms of accessories, you can opt for a basket, bike bags and a luggage rack, to carry water bottles, rain gear and picnics.

Trekking and long-distance tours

Among the essential accessories, you should consider mudguards, a luggage rack and panniers to carry your supplies, first aid kit, clothes, etc. A good lighting system is mandatory to see and be seen.

Some ideas for escapes in Belgium and Europe

In Belgium

More and more cities and towns are creating or developing routes for cyclists. In Flanders there are more than 53,000 km of routes. 

The Meuse à vélo, the first fully signposted and signposted long-distance cycle route in Wallonia, offers you the chance to cycle 147 km along one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe. Discover all the Walloon routes via the RAVeL and the knots

In Brussels, the Green Walk (60 km) is divided into 7 sections representing different facets of the Brussels region's landscape. These different sections, ranging from 5 to 12 km in length, cover a multitude of landscapes (urban, rural, industrial, etc.), while allowing you to discover the many green spaces in Brussels. Discover all the bicycle facilities at Brussels mobility.

The Bruges Green Belt cycle route takes you through the varied environment surrounding the World Heritage city of Bruges. The 53 km route offers a varied mix of forests, castle parks, open countryside with fields and meadows, perpendicular canals and picturesque villages. Also discover the many historical attractions such as the Bavarian Fort, Male Abbey and Tillegem Castle. Picnic areas, playgrounds and nature reserves make the Bruges green belt an absolute must! Discover even more walks on the "Flanders' "fietsknooppunten.

In Europe

You know Ibiza for its memorable parties, but not so much for its landscapes, nature and fresh air. BIKEibiza agency offers you to come and ride an electric bike in Ibiza. Electric road bikes and VTTAE are on the programme. From 3 to 4 hour tours to a 4 day stay, you will never see the island in the same way again.

If you want more, then head for the Eride megavoyages agency which takes you to Italy and is preparing other destinations such as Austria, Spain, Slovenia and Switzerland.

There is only one question left to ask? When do we leave?