If the terrain is particularly flat or mountainous, the average will increase or decrease accordingly.

With a load of gear totaling 20-45 pounds, the average pace to plan for should be lowered to 55 miles per day. With a bit of bicycle-specific training, an average physically fit adult carrying less than 20 pounds of additional gear on their bike can expect to travel at an average pace of 65 miles per day on paved roads and still have time to stop and smell plenty of roses. This varies depending on your overall fitness, your personal goals, the style of touring you choose, and the terrain. One of the pleasures of bike travel is that you’ll be riding into progressively better and better shape as you go. You’re physically ready if you can do back-to-back day rides that are as long or longer than you are planning for your tour, and feel like you could ride again on the third day. Then, work your strength up to riding the same daily distances you plant to cover while carrying the same gear you plan to travel with. The best thing to do is to be realistic about what you can do and create achievable goals. However, you’ll want to spend some time training on a bike before your trip. The good news is that you don't need to be a super-athlete to enjoy cycling. Bicycle travel is attractive for many reasons: it’s an exciting challenge that allows us to explore new landscapes and cultures, build physical fitness, and experience the joy of breathing fresh air and meeting new people every day. People of all ages, backgrounds, and regions of the world choose the bicycle as their favorite means of travel.Īdults in their seventies and children in their teens (and younger!) have ridden all the way across America. It can be done individually, with friends, or with a commercial tour operator. Who travels by bike?īicycle travel appeals to a broad spectrum of people and there are many ways to do it. Experienced riders know the simplicity of bike travel is one of its great joys, but to the curious newcomer, this new world of possibility can appear bewildering.

Bicycle average speed