I have this nagging urge to load up my panniers, hop on my vintage Italian steel bicycle, and pedal for months on end; an extended holiday weekend is more likely. I have read several books on bicycling touring the Louis and Clark trail, parts of Tibet, and the Silk Road. The practical side of me, however, has me anchored to this 10 mile radius I call home; fully furnished with boring job, four kids, and unending list of house chores. But I swear to God I’m going to do it this 4th of July.
For those you who are more adventurous than I (actually making it off the armchair), what are some of the dos and don’t, the ins and outs, of bicycle touring?
Where did you go?
For how long?
What did you take?
What didn’t you take that you wish you had?
Also, please share your favorite stories (with pics if you have them).
I’m with you there! I’ve never been out for more than two days on a fully supported ride, so I can’t comment on what you need to survive the trip. My twenty year old Basso Tretubi is also hanging in my workshop getting ready to be turned into a single speed, definitely not ready for panniers!
My previous partner gave me this great book (with pics; no hi-tech supplies, not even padded shorts) about a married couple who toured the world on bikes:
“Miles from Nowhere” by Barbara Savage
I also have friends who have done some tours - one went across Wyoming as part of a fundraiser for AIDS reasearch, and another who pedaled (I think) Phoenix to San Jose (?). Neither had kids or boring job (both self-employed). These weren’t “cyclists” per se - just people who wanted to do this, no gear heads.
I did a week in Montreal on my old terrible bike in 1991. Interesting. Felt very European. Not the same as what you are asking, but it’s interesting to notice what the difference is to spend solid days thinking ONLY “bike as transportation” - no helmets, no clipless pedals, in traffic, listening to a language I didn’t understand too much. Very romantic, actually. No pics except for my ID badge from street-performing at the Festival de Jazz …
Did more than 3,000 miles in 1988 over six months starting in the UK, then Belgium, France, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Netherlands, finishing in Amsterdam in September.
Before that, three months in New Zealand (1984).
Since then, I’ve done pretty regular trips from San Francisco to San Luis Obispo (over four nights, five days) one way with friends or overnights down the coast from Mendocino to the Bay Area.
Here’s some quick tips in no particular order (by the way, seeing the world on a bicycle is THE sublime travel experience in my mind; a perfect blending of self sufficiency, speed, mobility, and sensory awareness. Bikes could save this world.)
Put all your stuff in sturdy plastic bags, then pack it in your panniers, then get pannier covers. Rain gets in everywhere if you ride at all in the Northern Latitudes.
I never had STI shifters on my touring bike but if I were to go long again, I’d definitely get them just for the safety factor.
Takes significantly more distance to stop a loaded touring bike (especially in the rain) than your road racing bike. Learn it early or perhaps pay dearly later.
You will learn to despise the wind and love the climbs.
A well loaded touring bike can descend like a demon because if packed right, keeping the weight low, your 28C tires will stick like glue in the corners.
Anyhow, you bring back fond memories. When my kids are older, we’ll hit the road on touring bikes and see some of this planet together.
(P.S. All my pics are in boxes somewhere; pre digital revolution don’tcha know. I’ll have to dig 'em out and get them scanned someday.)
I have done a few week long trips, my favorite was a ~500 miles solo trip in upper peninsula Michigan.
My favorite tip is for bike camping you might want to try a hammock tent rather than a traditional tent. Pro’s: very light, easy to find a campsite (don’t need a flat spot), dry, well ventilated.
I haven’t done anything long in a while, I am doing a weekender this week end. I have panniers and also a B.O.B. type trailer. I definetly prefer my trailer, bike handles much better. I have also done some “credit card touring”. No panniers no gear staying in B&Bs and motels. Costs a little more but nice for a quick get away. I usually back a light shirt and shorts in a jersey pocket and use clip pedals for this so I can where regular shoes.
When loading panniers, I always load heavy stuff low. this helps your balance.
Don’t take too much stuff, rough it a little bit, I used to teach some backpacking courses and the same packing philosophy applies. “Less is less”. You don’t need 4 jerseys for a 3 day trip. I did a week long trip and only took two set of cycling gear. Rinsed it out every night in the shower and mostly wore my favorites all week. Second set was in case of emergency, like the day it rained all morning and cleared in the afternoon, it was nice to get into dry togs after the storm passed.
It’s not a race, slow down a bit while touring. First tour I was on I focused on making miles and speed, definetly more fun to slow down a bit and enjoy the ride.