Hop on Two Wheels - Alex and Gavin Spill Their Best Cycling Secrets

Meet Alex and Gavin, the cycling experts at Macs Adventure. For them, there’s something inherently joyful about riding a bike - the thrill of pedalling up a hill, the wind rushing past on the descent, and the occasional “woohoo!” they can’t help but shout. Cycling brings out that pure, child-like energy in everyone.

But on a Macs cycling trip, it’s more than just seeing a country - it’s about soaking up the landscape, savouring every descent, leaning into every curve, and flowing across rolling hills. And they've experienced it all. If you're ready to hop in the saddle, read on - as I sat down with Alex and Gavin to answer the most common questions they hear as cycling experts.

Meet Your Self-Guided Cycling Specialists

Alex has been riding bikes his whole life, but the past eight years have been all about road and mountain biking. His favourite ride ever? Climbing up Mount Evans, Colorado, or hitting the trails right in his backyard in Boulder, Colorado. This year, he's especially excited to cycle the Camino Portugués with Macs. For Alex, nothing beats the rhythm of the road and the buzz of discovery from the saddle.

Gavin says, “I bet since I could walk, I was on a bike.” With a cycling-obsessed dad, he’s been riding for as long as he can remember. His all-time favourite ride? Mallorca - sun, switchbacks, and sea views. This year, he’s got a few bikepacking adventures on the books, but he’s most excited to be heading back to Crested Butte for some classic Colorado mountain biking.

Why Cycling?

There are so many reasons to cycle with Macs, but we’ll take you through the highlights ourselves.

Cover More Ground 

From our experience, the best way to soak up a destination is to explore every corner on two wheels. Cycling lets you dive into the culture, breeze through tiny villages, and roll across diverse landscapes. While our walking trips average around 10 miles a day, you’ll triple that on a bike, without rushing a thing.

Low-Impact “Vehicle” Travel

If you're keen to move quicker and see more, skip the tour bus - trust us, there’s nothing better than hopping on a bike. Not only do you avoid the carbon emissions, but you also dodge traffic, breathe in fresh air, and feel connected to the road beneath you.

More Time to Enjoy Town

Most of our self-guided cycling days take 4–5 hours tops, which leaves your afternoon wide open. Grab a latte at a streetside café, settle into a pub with live music and a dram, relax at a spa, or shop for local artisan goods. That’s the kind of balance we look for on any Macs trip.

Easier on the Body

If hiking takes a toll on your knees or joints, cycling is the perfect solution. Especially with an e-bike, it’s smooth, supportive, and kind to your body. We’ve felt the difference ourselves.

When is the best time to go on a cycling trip?

Picking the right trip and the right time go hand in hand. Whether you’re chasing wildflowers, crisp autumn air, or seaside swims, timing can really elevate your ride.

Summer (July and August)

Nothing beats summer cycling through alpine landscapes—fresh mountain air, wildflowers in bloom, lakeside lunches, and those classic chalet towns. If that sounds like your kind of scene, consider the Sea to Sea Cycle Route in England, Lake Constance Cycle Path through Austria, Germany and Switzerland, or Cycling Slovenia.

Autumn (September and October)

Autumn is pure magic in Southern Europe. It’s quieter, warm (but not scorching), with that perfect sea breeze - and yes, the ocean’s still swim-worthy. For that vibe, check out Cycle Sicily’s South in Italy, Camino Portuguese by Bike, or Biking the Rota Vicentina in Portugal.

If you’re into wine, autumn rides through vineyards are unbeatable. Harvest season (Vendange) hits early autumn, and the energy in the vineyards is something else. If that’s more your flavour, consider the Moselle Cycle Path through Germany, Biking in Provence in France, Cycling Tuscany in Italy, or Biking the Vineyards of La Rioja through Spain.

Winter (November and December)

Need some sun during the chilly winter days? Southern Portugal is the best escape to catch some rays and cover some trails. The temperatures are perfectly mild, the sun is warm, and Portugal is the epitome of amazing food and wine. If you need an escape this winter, try Authentic Algarve, Cycling Portugal’s Atlantic Coast, or the Douro Valley by Bike.

Spring (May and June)

Spring in the UK is buzzing with life - literally. After winter, the green shoots, wildlife, and extra daylight make it a dreamy time to ride. For that cinematic cycling experience, look into London to Oxford by Bike, Classic Cornwall Cycling, or Cycle Scotland’s Lochs and Glens.

What Gear Do I Really Need vs. What’s Just Nice to Have?

We get it - there’s a ton of noise out there about gear. So read this blog to see our honest take on what’s essential and what’s a bonus on a cycling trip.

How much training do I need to do before a cycling trip?

It’s all about preparation that suits your body and your itinerary. But here’s our expert checklist for getting trip-ready:

• Train Simply: Time in the saddle is everything. Get used to the seat - yes, even if it feels a bit weird at first. 
• Train Long: Build up to hours across back-to-back days. You want endurance, not just speed.
• Pedal Far: Make sure you manage stretches of 5-10 miles at a time. You'll stop for breaks, but this base helps a lot. 

How do I know if I’m ready for my first long-distance ride?

Thirty miles might sound daunting, but if you can say “yes” to the questions below, you’re more than ready:

• Can I ride comfortably on roads with traffic? We aim for trail-heavy routes, but sometimes there’s a short stretch of road. Awareness and confidence are key.
  
• Have I done a long ride before and felt good? If you’ve sat in the saddle for 4 hours and enjoyed it, you’re in.
• Do I know the cyclist's rules of the road? Hand signals, correct lane usage - basic road knowledge helps keep you safe.

Is it OK to walk your bike up a hill? (Spoiler: YES, and here’s why)

This one’s personal. Needing a break or walking your bike isn’t just okay - it’s expected. We call this “hike-a-bike”, and it’s part of many great rides. Knowing when to take that breather means you’re in tune with your journey. And the descent? Always worth it.

What should I eat before, during, and after a ride?

Fuel is everything. Here’s our go-to guide:

• Before: Carbs + protein = energy and endurance. Think oatmeal, muesli, bread with cheese or meat, or cereal with fruit (and yes, your espresso).
• During: Sandwiches or protein bars keep energy steady - sweets or candies give you a sugar boost.
• After: Go big with a hearty, protein-rich meal to help your muscles recover.
• Drinks: Electrolyte powders are a lifesaver. Keep some in your kit and stay hydrated.

Our snack of choice? A Snickers bar, salty crackers, and a block of cheese. It’s the snack trifecta - and we swear by it.

How do I handle mechanical issues mid-ride (without panicking)?

Mechanical problems happen. But they don’t have to derail your day. Here’s how to be prepared:

• Multitool: All our bikes come with one. Learn how to use it - it’s worth the five-minute demo at your local shop.
• Know how to change a flat: Trust us - being able to swap out a tube quickly is a trip-saver.
• Seat and chain adjustments: If you can tweak those yourself, you’re golden.
• Call for backup: You’ll have contact info for our local bike suppliers, plus our 24/7 support line. We’ve got you covered.

What’s the REAL difference between our bike types…and what should I get?

Bike jargon can be confusing, so here’s the basics from us:

• Hybrid Bike: The Classic. Easy to use, super versatile, and great for beginners or experts.
• E Bike: The Assistant. For a little extra help on long days or big hills - it’s pedal power with a boost (not a motorbike!).
  
• Gravel, road, or mountain bikes: The Specialists. If the terrain calls for it, we’ll offer these. Chat with us to see if it’s the right fit.
  

What other quick tips will help me choose a bike trip?

We’ve helped loads of cyclists pick their perfect trip, and here are a few quick pointers:

• Best trips for beginners: Look for flat routes with clear paths and solid signage. Consider an e-bike to boost your confidence. Top picks? Lake Constance, Moselle Cycle Path, Loire River, Elbe Cycle Path, and Canal du Midi.
• Best trips for experts: If you love a challenge, go for longer rides with climbs and technical routes - Great Glen Cycleway, Cycling the Camino Frances, Cycling Tuscany, or Cycle Andalucia.
• Best trips for solos: Straightforward routes that pass all our solo safety checks - like Cycling in Puglia, Cycling the Heart of the Cotswolds, or London to Oxford by Bike. 
  

Still need ideas? Here are some final ideas that will help you choose a trip: 

• If you've done and loved doing a pilgrimage, try Biking the Camino Portuguese
• If you love a river and boat trip, try the Lake Constance Cycle Path or Douro Valley by Bike (both have a really great ferry section!)
• If you like food and wine experiences, try Wine Trails of Umbria (Olive oil tasting, a cooking class, and wine tasting included!)
• If you are drawn to history and the Game of Thrones, try Cycling the Paradors of Extremadura

No matter where you’re heading or what kind of experience you’re after, cycling with Macs is all about freedom, connection, and discovery at your own pace. Whether you’re cruising through vineyards, taking on coastal climbs, or stopping for a pastry in a sleepy village, there’s no better way to soak it all in. And remember - if you ever have questions or want to chat through your options, we’re always happy to help. Just give us a shout.