One of the most exciting new types of tourism is cycle tourism. This form of travel, solo or in a group, includes inexpensive trips where individuals travel to unknown lands at minimal cost. Undoubtedly, it is more memorable, enjoyable, and thrilling than other forms of tourism. This is because, without the need for noisy and fast vehicles, you can continue your journey in nature or among society calmly and steadily and enjoy the path and the beauty of the experience. In this post on the sepehran blog, we aim to share some insights on bicycle tourism.
What you’ll read about bicycle tourism:
- Cycling around the world
- Essential items for bicycle travel
- Important safety and enjoyment tips for cycling trips
- Bicycle tourism visas
- Documents required for a bicycle tourism visa
- Popular destinations for bicycle travel
- Introduction to famous cyclists
- Group cycling tours
Bicycle Tourism
Bicycle tourism means biking to discover different areas, cities, roads, and natural landscapes. This activity allows you to travel by bike and experience a variety of adventures easily. During these trips, you can enjoy the benefits of nature, cultures, foods, and new experiences. Bicycle tourism can be undertaken freely and enjoyably in natural and urban environments.
Advantages of bicycle tourism:
- Enhancing personal safety and health
- Connect with nature
- Reducing stress and boosting morale
- Independence from public transportation systems
- Reducing travel costs
- Avoiding traffic congestion
Important Safety and Enjoyment Tips for Cycling Trips
To have a safe cycling trip, you must follow several important guidelines. These guidelines aren’t difficult to implement and will enhance the quality of your journey and make it more enjoyable.
- Travel plan: The first step in this journey is to create a precise and organized plan. This plan should consider the cyclist’s route and the climate of the resting areas and ensure safe and carefully chosen paths.
- Physical fitness: Another critical point is that these trips rely heavily on the cyclist’s physical strength. Therefore, carrying unnecessary weight can challenge and disrupt physical endurance. It is better to avoid taking non-essential items.
- Equipped bike: Choosing the right bike (preferably a geared bike), installing indicator lights, and having a suspension system are important safety considerations for cycling trips.
- Appropriate clothing: For safety, it is essential to wear bright-colored clothes or reflective gear that can be seen in the dark, as well as a helmet.
Essential items for bicycle travel
Carrying enough food and a well-equipped tent are essential items for the trip that must be carefully considered. From installing guiding and night-vision lights to having a proper backpack, containers for carrying water and food, safety items like a helmet and shock absorbers, necessary bicycle repair tools, and a first aid kit, all of these need to be kept in mind.
Other essential items to consider include:
- A vest
- A kilometer counter
- A sleeping bag
- A waterproof, spacious, and compact tent
Additionally, it’s essential to bring suitable clothing for the trip and the season.
Planning a Bicycle Trip Abroad
After addressing the safety tips and essential items, it’s time to start the journey. Before setting off, obtain enough information about the destination, including maps and relevant details, if you’re planning a domestic trip.
For an international bicycle trip, in addition to the map, you should familiarize yourself with the traffic regulations of the destination country, pre-established cycling routes, and the visa requirements before the trip.
Key Points for International Bicycle Trips:
- Information about the visa requirements for the destination country
- Estimating the number of days for the bicycle trip
- Internet access and installing navigation apps
- Finding rest spots and accommodations
- Connect with people such as farmers and road workers along the route for better route understanding
- Reading travel experiences from people who have undertaken similar trips
- Knowledge of the cycling tourism laws
Bicycle Tourism Visa
Obtaining a visa for traveling to other countries is essential and relevant for cyclists and bicycle travelers.
When traveling by bicycle to different countries, visa information and immigration conditions for each country are crucial. Additionally, having a cycle tourist card or a cycling card from a reputable authority can help facilitate routes and services related to cycling in the countries you plan to visit.
Moreover, the individual’s physical strength and readiness, general knowledge and awareness of this type of travel, and the ability to use a bicycle on road routes are essential factors in obtaining a bicycle tourism visa. Many citizens of foreign countries do not need to apply for a bicycle tourism visa, as they can easily visit other countries with their passport and a bicycle tourist card, enjoying nature along the way.
Furthermore, additional documents may be required for obtaining a visa and entering various countries, such as travel insurance, hotel reservations or accommodation addresses, and other necessary paperwork. Therefore, careful planning and having complete information before your bicycle trip will help minimize potential problems and make the journey smoother.
Required Documents and Validity of Bicycle Tourism Visa
For Iranian citizens who wish to travel by bicycle to countries where an Iranian passport alone is insufficient, the Cycle Tourist Card can assist you in the visa application process and during your travels.
The required documents and the steps for obtaining a visa usually depend on the destination country and the type of visa you wish to apply for. It is of utmost importance that you visit the embassy or consulate of the destination country in Iran before starting your trip. This will ensure you are well-informed and fully prepared with the latest information on how to apply for the visa and the required documents.
Required Documents:
The steps and documents required to obtain a bicycle tourism visa can vary significantly depending on the destination country. It’s important to be aware of this variability and be prepared to adapt to the specific requirements of each country. However, the general steps for obtaining a visa are usually as follows:
Documents required to obtain a bicycle tourism visa:
- Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months.
- Visa Application Form: Obtain the relevant from the embassy or consulate of the destination country and complete it thoroughly.
- Passport-sized Photos: Usually, 2 or 3 passport-sized photos with the standard size are required.
- Travel Itinerary: Provide a detailed travel plan, including your route, the countries you will visit, and the duration of your stay in each country.
- Travel Insurance: Insurance that covers medical expenses and potential accidents during your trip.
- Proof of Financial Capability: A document proving that you have sufficient financial means to cover the costs of your journey.
- Employment or Leave Letter: If you are employed, a certificate of employment or a letter indicating leave may be required.
- Invitation Letter (if needed): If you plan to stay at someone’s house, a formal invitation letter and the inviter’s details are necessary.
Additionally, information from the Iranian Cycling Federation regarding the Cycle Tourist Card can be helpful. This card can be an identity proof for cyclists in countries that recognize and validate it.
Popular Destinations for Bicycle Travel
Cycling is a sport and recreational activity that can be enjoyable for everyone, from beginners to professionals. The best destinations for bicycle trips are coastal and mountainous routes, each of which can offer a fantastic cycling and nature exploration experience. Depending on your interests and experience, one destination may appeal more to you than others.
Some of the most popular cycling locations include:
- Oakridge, Oregon, USA
- Tyrol, Austria
- Javanmardan Park, Tehran
- Brevard, North Carolina, USA
- Chitgar Forest Park, Tehran
- Breckenridge, Colorado, USA
- Moab, Utah, USA
- Mustang, Nepal
Introduction of Bicycle Tourists:
- Mohammad Ansari from Iran
- Nasser Khosravi from Iran
- Hic Pringrober from Germany
- Sahar Toosi from Iran
- Roberto De Camillis from the Netherlands
- Leoni Kolberg from Germany
- Poopeh Nader Mahdavi from Iran
- Alex Sidney from the United Kingdom
Group Bicycle Tours
These recreational tours, which have become very popular today, are organized by friends or family members during their days off or as a travel destination. They are exciting and thrilling, allowing you to enjoy quality time on the road with friends and other family members.
Conclusion
Cycling is a low-cost way to experience both long and short trips while sharing adventures and rich experiences with locals. When traveling by bicycle, using the proper equipment and following safety precautions are essential to ensure a memorable and enjoyable time on this healthy and exciting activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
