How to Prepare for a Cycling Holiday With Portugal Green Walks

Must-know tips on what to expect, getting fit, and preparing for cycling the stunning trails of Northern Portugal

Once you’ve decided to book a cycling holiday, the next step is preparation. The more you prepare before travelling, the more enjoyable your trip will be. But remember, this isn’t about training for the Tour de France. This is a slow adventure, designed to let you savour the sights and sounds of Northern Portugal.

We’re here to help you get the most out of your Portugal Green Walks cycling holiday. Keep reading for details on:

• Picking the right cycling trip and what to expect
• Getting fit for your cycling holiday
• Learning about Portugal

 

Picking the right cycling trip and what to expect

Choosing a cycling trip that suits your fitness level and experience means you’ll enjoy your holiday more, and have time to soak up the adventure.

 

1. Be realistic about the difficulty level

Make sure the trip is the right level of difficulty for your experience and fitness. If you’re not a regular or experienced cyclist, opt for an easier tour.

Chose a daily distance that you’re comfortable with. But keep in mind that you can cover more miles on an e-bike, especially if you’re not accustomed to riding one.

Our difficulty levels are based on daily distance, gradient, and the nature of terrain. For more details, check the ‘General Conditions’ section for each trip and download our digital itinerary for a day by day overview.

We recommend:
Contact our team to chat about what to expect. We’re here to help you find the perfect trip for you.

 

2. Make sure you get the right bike

When you book, we’ll ask for your height to ensure we reserve the right bike for your trip. Having the correct bike will feel more comfortable and reduce the risk of injury. On the first day of your holiday, we’ll deliver and set up your bike for you.

We offer e-bikes as a standard option on some trips. On others, they can be rented for an additional cost.

An e-bike makes tackling hills easier and allows you to cycle longer and further each day. However, keep in mind that you’ll still be pedalling all day, the e-bike simply helps with the effort.

We recommend:
If e-bikes are optional, think about whether renting one will help you have a more enjoyable holiday. Prepare at home by doing more cycling in the weeks leading up to your trip.

 

3. Know what to expect on a self-guided cycling trip

A self-guided cycling trip means riding in your own group and enjoying more independence. It’s perfect for cycling at your own pace, soaking up the atmosphere, and stopping at great looking cafés along the way for a pastel de nata.

We’ll transfer your overnight luggage, but you’ll need to get to the hotel on your own. This means riding several days in a row without a support van. You’ll also need to feel comfortable using a GPS track on your smartphone or GPS device.

We recommend:
Practice following GPS tracks at home before you leave. Also cycle on two consecutive days, so you know what it feels like.

 

4. Expect to handle minor repairs yourself

Because our cycling holidays are self-guided, you’ll need to sort out minor bike repairs yourself.

That means knowing how to fix flat tyres, broken chains, and other simple bike repairs. We provide chain links, spare inner tubes, and a repair kit so small issues can be sorted out straight away.

For more serious problems, we have a 24/7 English-speaking emergency helpline. You may be asked to take a taxi or public transport to a bike mechanic in the nearest town.

We recommend:
Learn how to fix punctures and do other minor bike repairs before your trip

 

Getting fit for your cycling holiday

For all our cycling trips, you’ll receive details on distance and elevation in advance. This will help you prepare and build your fitness before travelling.

 

1. Start training before your trip

Never use a cycling holiday to get fit. You’ll risk not enjoying the experience or, worse, getting injured.

Your holiday is for cycling at a leisurely pace so you can soak up the experience. The more you can prepare beforehand, the more you can relax while away.

We recommend:
Build your distance up gradually over a few months. Aim to cycle three times a week and become comfortable with spending longer periods of time in the saddle.

 

2. Get used to cycling up hills

People use different techniques to ride up hills, so it’s helpful to find the one that works best for you.

One technique is to cycle into the hill at the bottom at the same pace you’ll be riding when you get to the top of it. Another is to break the hill into sections. By giving your brain mini goals such as the next lamppost, rock, or tree, you’ll soon be at the top.

We recommend:
Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. Also, remember to breathe deeply and evenly while cycling uphill – it can be like a form of meditation.

 

3. Hit the gym

Cycling is a cardio sport but adding gym workouts can be useful. Building strength in your legs, core, and glutes will help with performance and endurance on the bike.

The stronger you are, the more power you’ll transfer to the pedals, allowing you to travel further with each stroke. Stronger muscles also help prevent injuries.

For mountain biking trips, training your upper body will help with bike handling when riding technical sections.

We recommend:
Include strength training in the months before your holiday. To avoid injury, have an experienced trainer show you how to use the equipment and which exercises to perform.

 

4. Know how to recover

To cycle day after day, it’s important to understand how to recover and refuel effectively.

Stretching helps keep your muscles supple and prevents injury. Warm up your muscles at the start of each day or begin riding at an easy pace. At the end of the day, some find that elevating their legs or wearing compression socks can reduce fatigue.

If cycling in hot conditions, rehydrating with electrolytes and eating a salty snack can help replace lost minerals. Carbohydrates will restore energy, while protein can help with muscle soreness.

We recommend:
Begin stretching and learn how to refuel and recover effectively for consecutive days in the saddle.

 

Learning about Portugal

Different countries have different norms, so what’s usual at home may not apply when you travel. Here are some essential tips to know when preparing for your cycling holiday in Portugal.

 

1. Understand the road rules

Even if you’re mostly riding off-road, you may encounter some road sections. Drivers in Portugal are generally very courteous to cyclists, but it’s still important to know the local traffic rules.

Cyclists follow the same rules as motorists: ride on the right side of the road, obey speed limits, stop at traffic lights, signal turns with hands, stop at stop signs, and give way to pedestrians.

Cycling on pavements is generally accepted if it doesn’t endanger pedestrians. And remember, no cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

We recommend:
Get used to cycling in traffic at home before your holiday.

 

2. Know what to do in an emergency

112 is the single European emergency telephone number throughout the EU. It’s free of charge to call and available 24/7.

If you’re in an area with no phone signal, the international distress signal is six blasts on a whistle (or six flashes with a torch when dark), evenly spaced for one minute, followed by a minute’s pause. Then repeat. The response is three signals per minute, followed by a minute’s pause.

It’s also helpful for someone in your group to have first aid training. We provide a first aid kit so you can take care of minor issues.

We recommend:
Make a note of the emergency telephone number (112) and the international distress signal. Also check that someone in your group has first aid training.

 

3. Learn the local lingo

Learning a little about local customs and language can go a long way. Even knowing how to say hello, please, and thank you (Olá, Por favor, and Obrigado – or Obrigada if you’re a woman) will often earn you a warm smile.

Greeting locals with a cheerful “bom dia” as you pass through villages is likely to bring a friendly wave in return.

While tipping isn’t required, it’s often appreciated by restaurant staff, hotel workers, taxi drivers, and guides.

We recommend:
Be sure to read through the roadbook we provide before your bike trip. It’s packed with information about the area and includes essential Portuguese words and phrases.

 

Come and explore Northern Portugal by bike

Our cycling trip preparation tips will help you make the most of your Portugal Green Walks holiday.

Our team is always happy to answer your questions about preparing for your cycling holiday or to chat with you about our cycling holidays, just get in touch.

 

See all our self-guided cycling holidays in Portugal

 

 

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