ADVENTURE CYCLE TOURING: POST COVID-19

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. 

 

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.