How to Plan a One-Week International Bike Trip: A Complete Guide

A one-week bike trip abroad isn’t just a vacation—it’s a personal milestone. For those who live and breathe cycling, international routes offer the thrill of exploring new landscapes, testing your endurance, and immersing yourself in cultures that redefine what it means to ride.

Here’s how to make that next big trip not only seamless—but unforgettable.

1. Choose a Destination That Matches Your Riding Style

Let’s be honest—you already know what kind of cyclist you are. Whether you chase elevation, thrive in long-distance tempo rides, or seek out remote, unpaved roads, your trip should be built around your preferred terrain and cadence.

Colombia offers serious riders a dream blend: high-altitude climbs like Alto de Letras, diverse road conditions, and a passionate cycling culture that rivals any in Europe. This isn't about discovering what you like—it's about going deeper into the kind of riding you already love.

2. Understand the Climate, Not the Seasons

Unlike countries with four distinct seasons, Colombia’s weather is shaped by elevation, not calendar months. In a single ride, you might descend from chilly, mist-covered mountains into warm tropical valleys.

Planning around "pisos térmicos" (thermal zones) is key. Most cyclists prefer routes that avoid Colombia’s rainy afternoons—typically achieved by riding in the morning and choosing regions with drier microclimates during your travel window.

3. Book with a Local Operator You Can Trust

A well-curated trip with a local tour company unlocks the country in a way solo travel can’t. With Beyond the Ride, for example, you're not just getting mapped routes and hotel reservations. You're getting:

• Professional ride support and mechanical assistance

• Carefully selected accommodations and meals

• Bilingual guides who ride with you, not behind a desk

• Deep connections with local communities and cyclists

Let the team handle the premium logistics so you can focus on what matters: the ride.

4. Pack for Performance and Simplicity

Even for experienced riders, it’s tempting to overpack. Don’t. Focus on:

• Your personal bike setup (or confirm the specs of your rental)

• Technical apparel for altitude, heat, and rain

• Compact tools, recovery gear, and power chargers

• Travel documents, insurance, and backup IDs

We recommend bringing your own saddle and pedals if you're renting a bike—comfort matters when you're logging 500+ km in a week.

5. Train With Respect for the Terrain

You already put in the hours on the bike. What’s important now is adapting your training to the profile of the trip. Riding in the Andes isn’t just about elevation gain—it’s about long, sustained efforts at altitude.

Take Alto de Letras for example: it’s 80+ km of climbing, starting at tropical heat and ending in the clouds. It's not for beginners, but for riders like you, it’s a worthy test. Make sure to prepare with back-to-back long rides, simulate elevation gain, and—if possible—train at altitude.

This isn't about surviving the trip. It's about riding it well.

6. Let the Culture Elevate the Ride

One of Colombia’s greatest gifts isn’t just its roads—it’s the people who live alongside them. A simple coffee stop can turn into a conversation about cycling legends. A small village can welcome you with food, music, and warmth you never expected.

Colombian culture is built on hospitality, storytelling, and joy, and that translates into the cycling experience. You'll hear cheers from kids on the roadside, taste fruits you’ve never seen before, and ride through towns where you're not just passing through—you’re part of the story.

For your companions who aren't riding, this cultural immersion makes the trip just as rich and meaningful off the bike.

At Beyond the Ride, we craft every journey with depth, authenticity, and challenge in mind—so your experience isn’t just exceptional on the bike, but also in every interaction, meal, and view along the way.