Have you got the rear for it?

Seriously, as a keen cyclist I know what it feels like to get back in the saddle after a break away from it. You don't want to spend your entire holiday wincing at the pain in your rear end.

You should also be realistic about your fitness. The image of cycling lazily down country lanes, stopping to admire the view every few minutes, and freewheeling down slopes without a care in the world doesn't exactly match with reality.

What if it rains? How will you feel when you pedal round a corner... only to see a nice long uphill stretch ahead of you? What will you do if (or when) you get a puncture? And don't forget you'll probably be hauling a bike that's loaded with your gear as well.

Okay, if you're now sitting there reading this and breaking out into a cold sweat at the mere thought of it, a cycling tour probably isn't for you. But if you're rubbing your hands together and looking forward to the exercise, the challenge, the weather, the views... then what are you reading this for? Go and book a tour now!

Learn more about this author, Allison Whitehead.
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