From planning to packing, the essential steps for a long journey without surprises.

A big trip starts long before you first turn the key. It’s gradually, over weeks, between maps open on the kitchen table and lists scribbled at the end of the day, that the route takes shape.

The first step is to define the character of the trip. Preparing seven days between Douro viewpoints is not the same as crossing Serra da Estrela in the depth of winter. The right bike, the right lodging and above all the right pace change everything. Choose the tone first — contemplative, technical or adventurous — and the logistics will follow.

On the technical side, do a full service 15 days before: tyres, brakes, chain, fluids, lights and battery. A worn tyre ruins any route. Always carry a repair kit, a mini compressor and a spare inner tube for tyres that use one.

Luggage follows a simple rule: split what you need every day (toiletries, base layers, chargers) from what you only use on long stops into separate dry bags. A well-organised top-case saves 30 minutes a day.

And finally, the most important of all: sleep well the night before. No preparation can replace a rested head at 8am on day 1.