Have you ever thought to go on holiday with your bike? If you like to soak up the sun on a beach or
go on a cruise, it’s probably not for you.
But post COVID-19, whenever that comes, it may be one of the best ways to help put lockdown behind you. If you want to visit open countryside, the coast or climb some
mountains, why not consider packing all your stuff into two small bags and go
off on a bike? As you breath in the fresh air, you can get a suntan
too.
If you think about the car, you will miss so much. It’s also very expensive and think about all
those exhaust emissions launching into the atmosphere. A bike is easy. You leave all the non-essentials at home and
you travel light so packing is simple.
Bike touring must be one of the best ways to engage with
nature and people.
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| The Wye Valley in Powys 2017 |
I usually
go on my own as I can set my own speed and stop to visit places or make detours,
but I do enjoy the company of friends so long as we have easy friendly days. One of my friends never sets a distance so he is
never late and I like that.
What makes a tour? A
tour can be anything you want and we are spoilt for choice living in the South
West. It can be a two or three day tour
such as on the Dartmoor Way, an adventure in itself. It can also be a main holiday or, if time
permits, a long distance expedition off the beaten track at some suitable stage
in your life. It is the ultimate fresh
air experience and you will find many people interested in you and what you
do. It’s for families too and pre COVID-19 my older
daughter with partner and child now age 4 set the example with holidays bike packing in
France and Isle of Wight
Preparations for any tour include getting fit, having the
right bike and the right choice of clothes.
Don’t rely on the gym for getting fit and make sure you have a sturdy
bike with puncture proof tyres. It helps
to have a positive mental attitude and not overdo any days by becoming too
tired.
So turn your bike into a travelling machine capable of
taking you on a trip of a lifetime.
