A married couple's first bicycle touring experience

One of the goals of the Bicycle Touring 101 web site is to help cyclists who are new to bicycle touring. This web site contains a steadily increasing collection of articles and pictures about bicycle touring but I am always looking to increase the amount of information that other's have to help them prepare for their first bicycle touring adventure.

I recently learned about a web site where a couple discussed a number of their bicycle touring adventures including their very first bicycle tour. I have a weakness for reading other people's online journals so I headed on over.

This journal was quite enjoyable, excellently written and well worth the visit!

Here are just two of my favourite quotes:

"I started thinking, "what the heck have I gotten myself into!". This was way too difficult and uncomfortable for a person of my abilities and upbringing. After all my energy was drained by constantly pedalling uphill and still no eatery in sight, I decided it was time to call it a day and backtrack. And backtrack, we did. Thats when I realized the value of what I had.

Narayan, who is usually the "never quit. Just slug it out" type, agreed to go back to the campground as soon as he realized that I didn't have any energy left. He had always been more enthusiastic about bike touring than I. I was really floored by his concern/consideration for me when he didn't suggest even once that we continue.I knew that biking the entire stretch of Galiano meant a great deal to him. I realized that me being happy and comfortable meant more to him than seeing Galiano. He was prepared to curb his enthusiasm for my sake and return. "

and

"I kept repeating the little "engine" song that Narayan taught me the previous night - "I think I can..I think I can" - until I finally did it. It felt very good reaching the top."

Sprinkled throughout the rest of their journal about their three day tour are all kinds of tips about things they learned during the tour that they felt would also help others as well as themself during their next bicycle touring adventure.

Here are just a few of them. To see the entire list you'll just have to go and read their journal! (grin).

"1) Never quit - Grind up, walk up, fly up - Do anything but quit. You will feel much worse quitting than actually toughing it out.
2) Never plan your adventure around provincial camp spots. Having fun is priceless.
7) Wrapping a rain tarp on the tent and closing the tent completely will allow condensation inside the tent resulting in wet sleeping pads in the morning.
9) Carrying lots of food with you is never a bad thing.
11) Bike touring is a lot of fun! "

Someday I hope to create a nice graphical trophy that I can give to people whose journals I have decided to feature on this web site. Unfortunately I haven't created the graphic yet but when I do one will be going to this journal.

Click here to read Raji and Narayan's journal.

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