This is the cover page from my Round Lake Huron tour. The eight pictures in this collection give just the tiniest insight into some of the wonderful experiences that come with a bike tour.
Click to enlarge.
This is the cover page from my Round Lake Huron tour. The eight pictures in this collection give just the tiniest insight into some of the wonderful experiences that come with a bike tour.
Click to enlarge.
Somehow you've heard that people actually travel long distances by bicycle carrying 20, 50 or 100+ pounds of gear.
Some of these crazy people actually cross countries, continents and occasionally they go right around the world. All on a bicycle!
Why do they do it? Are they nuts? Does insanity run in their veins?
Despite your best intentions you've found yourself reading this page hoping to understand why people would willingly inflict that level of apparent pain, loneliness and hard work upon themselves. To make it worse from your viewpoint they normally do this during holidays. Some people even take a Leave of Absence or quit their jobs to fulfill this need.
This article is all about touring. The 101 is commonly thought of as meaning an introductory course. In a way the 101 does indeed stand for that in this article but it also stands for the 101+ personal opinions you are going to read from me and others while you work your way through this article.
So lets get on to answering those burning questions.
Why do they do it?
Everybody has a collection of reasons for going on a tour.
For some it's the opportunity to explore the countryside at a reasonable speed that allows you to savour every hill, river and wildlife sighting along the way.
This is a picture of me two days before the end of my Round Lake Huron tour.
Click to enlarge.
For others it's an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time and get away from the press of everyday life so that when you return you are fully recharged and ready to go once again. Sometimes a tour consists of an opportunity to ride with a group of good friends enjoying adventure together.
Yet another reason that comes to mind is the opportunity to meet people on your travels and get to know them on a more personal level then you would had you driven your car.
Some people just like to ride their bike.
For me touring is all of the above.
I have toured with friends and had a great time sharing an adventure.
Other times I have traveled solo around some of the greatest lakes in the world meeting numerous people and having incredible experiences all along the way.
Are they nuts? Does insanity run in their veins?
I would like the think that what other people call insane we call "living life to it's fullest". If doing unconventional things that bring you completely alive means carrying a label of insanity then that's fine with me.
Personally I think that the insane ones are those who never push their limits, never do something outside of their safe limits and in the process see life pass them by!
Of course so far this has all been my opinion so continue on to the next page to find out what other bicycle tourists had to say!
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