Bike Rental Tips: 4 Things To Do When Traveling
Posted on: 24 May 2017
If you love to travel, then there is no better way to see the world than on a bike. You will get to get some additional exercise, too, which is always a good thing. But the important thing is that you are open to nature -- you get to see it better than you would through the windows of your vehicle and you get to breathe in the scents of the flowers, grass, etc. For the best possible experience, though, here are a few bike rental tips:
1. Make Sure to Give the Bike Rental Shop a Call Ahead of Time.
Bike rental shops only have a certain number of bicycles on hand. Not only that, but only a small portion of those bikes are going to actually be your size. So, it is important that you give them a call ahead and make sure that they have a bike available for you to rent. If they do, it is a good idea to reserve the bike over the phone so that you are guaranteed a bike once you arrive. Depending on the rental shop, they may be willing to hold the bike for your with just your name and number. However, they may request a deposit, which may be non-refundable.
2. Don't Forget to Ask What's Included with the Rental.
Some bike rental shops will offer gear with their bike rentals, which frees you up from having to buy it on your own (if you were planning on it). So, it pays to ask what's included with the rental. For example, some shops may offer helmets as part of the rental fee.
3. Consider Asking for a Map.
Since you are traveling, you are likely unfamiliar with the area. If you have not already gotten your hands on a map of the city, it may be a good idea to ask the bike rental shop for one. More than likely, they will probably be able to point in the direction of a good cycling route. In fact, they may grab a pen or a highlighter and draw it out for you on the map. This helps to ensure that you don't get caught up in the scenery and forget where you are going!
4. Pack a Small Backpack of Goodies.
If you plan on riding for several hours, you want to make sure that you are able to stay properly hydrated and fueled. Some bicycles may come with a cage to hold a single bottle, but other bicycles may not have a bottle cage at all. So, it is best to pack a small, lightweight backpack with a few bottles of water and some energy bars to ensure that you keep up your energy while enjoying the scenery.
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