Folks assume that simply because I’ve ridden my bike throughout the US six instances and traveled via a dozen totally different international locations on a two-wheeled automobile, that this one way or the other interprets into me being a bicycling maniac. They assume that as a result of I’ve finished all these items that I’ve received to be “a type of nuts” they see zipping round their city on Saturday mornings wearing spandex and a neon pink jersey plastered with logos.
However you understand what?
THAT’S NOT ME!
The truth is, you wish to know one thing else? One thing only a few individuals know? Okay. Right here it’s:
After nearly ten years of lengthy distance biking, I nonetheless don’t contemplate myself to be a bike owner… and admittedly I don’t assume I ever will.
You’ll hear it time and again. When most individuals discover out that you’re biking for days on finish, sleeping in a tent, and counting on the kindness of strangers to get from one place to the following, the most typical response you’re sure to get goes one thing like this:
“Are you loopy?”
Most of us take it as a praise, nevertheless it brings up a topic price discussing.
Many individuals assume it’s important to be nuts with a purpose to go on a motorbike tour. And even people who don’t assume it’s loopy to journey by bike, many nonetheless consider that it’s important to be a biking fanatic with a purpose to conduct an extended distance bike tour. They assume you’ve received to have the most recent high-tech gear. They consider you’ve received to be 100% updated with the most recent specs and terminology. And so they assume that going quick and getting there in document time is what bicycling is all about.
However right here’s the reality: YOU DON’T NEED TO BE A CYCLING FANATIC IN ORDER TO TRAVEL BY BIKE.
What’s so nice about bicycle touring is that it’s the un-sport of the biking world. We aren’t on the market to win races. Most of us aren’t licensed bicycle mechanics. And most of us don’t do intensive coaching earlier than we set out on our rides.
Whereas all of us experience for various causes and revel in totally different features of the biking expertise, I’m right here to as soon as and for all to bust the parable that it’s important to be a “biking nut” with a purpose to go on a motorbike tour. It merely isn’t true!
If you’re a primary time bicycle traveler and also you’re stressing out about studying all of the terminology, figuring out each little element of your bike, and maintaining with quicker riders in your group… don’t fear about all that! Simply get in your bike… begin driving… and do no matter you possibly can to have enjoyable alongside the way in which!
Pictures by: Dana Lookadoo