Fifty Plus (50+) - Do the 50+ riders go on tour rides?

Recently I went on a 7 day self supported tour ride. Four of us made the ride with a couple people joining for a while. Each of us carried our own tent, sleeping bag, clothes, cooking equipment and all else it takes to live 7 days on the road. We did spend the last (6th) night in a hotel. We rode 350 miles through mostly hilly terrain which ncluded a few 3 to 4 mile climbs. Two days included rain. My load, which was about average for this tour, came in at about 50 pounds added to the bike.

It was a blast. I will go again.

I know there is section for tour riding in the Bike Forum, but I wanted to know if many of the 50+ crowd make self supported rides. Do you find it as much fun as I did? How long are your tours?

I last did a 5 day tour 2 years ago. Would love to do some more, but I only do motels, no tents.
I spent so much time in tents years ago, I'd rather never do that again.

My last unsupported tour was a three day loop out from the house. I don't enjoy it as much as I enjoy staying in hotels, letting someone else cook the food, and sleeping on clean sheets.

I enjoy credit card touring much more than camping and cooking. Winter touring can be kind of fun in the South.

Recently I went on a 7 day self supported tour ride. Four of us made the ride with a couple people joining for a while. Each of us carried our own tent, sleeping bag, clothes, cooking equipment and all else it takes to live 7 days on the road. We did spend the last (6th) night in a hotel. We rode 350 miles through mostly hilly terrain which ncluded a few 3 to 4 mile climbs. Two days included rain. My load, which was about average for this tour, came in at about 50 pounds added to the bike.

It was a blast. I will go again.

I know there is section for tour riding in the Bike Forum, but I wanted to know if many of the 50+ crowd make self supported rides. Do you find it as much fun as I did? How long are your tours?

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=524843

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=539309

I only do this in my head now... meaning, I wish. From my late 20s to early 40s this was my only mode of vacation travel - tent 'n all, with one other person. Would go for two or three weeks. Cycle camped in lots of different places in western europe. Sigh, life got in the way.

Absolutely a great way to travel - but in retrospect it's hard to take in much of the local sights when you're always eating... but if you want to really sample a region's cusine, there's no better way.

I put up a cyclist for a night last year who after retiring took up long distance fully kitted touring. He would go out for six months of the year, returning home on the Washington coast in October. He's 73 and had been to every continental US state but two! So there's hope for me yet.

Well, who knows what tomorrow may bring...

There is much hope.
Ken here is 82 y/o.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/latest/?o=3Tzut&doc_id=4767&v=6n

I do fully supported tours and short self supported tours staying in B&Bs. I would be interested sometime in carrying enough "stuff" to camp if I went through a stretch with no motels/B&Bs to stay in.

I had always wanted to tour and actually began training in 1977 for a tour that was canceled. Life got in the way. A year ago after retirement I rode a supported six day tour.

Last fall I went out with another man for a couple of nights non supported. This week I returned from my first fully loaded solo trip of 10 days.

I plan on leaving again by the end of the month for a short regional tour.

Then, next year I want to do the Pacific coast or cross country.

I used to do a lot of self-supported bike touring back in the '70s, much of it around the maritime provinces, specially Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, but also down into Vermont. My then-girlfriend-now-wife, and I did a self-supported ride from Vancouver to Montreal.

I have never toured, but I have taken a couple of 4-5 day bike trail vacations, where I ride for 25-40 miles a day. Usually along the lines of riding out 15-20 miles from my motel and then back. Then the next day riding 30 miles to another motel. Riding back the next day. Then finishing with another 30 or so miler from & to the original motel, but along a different trail than the first day.

I have hopes of doing a more tour'ish type trail ride later this year, when I go out and ride 30-40 miles from town to town along one of our long trails (we have a couple that run 100 or more miles), staying in motels, but not revolving around a home base motel as much.

I'm trying to get started, learning as I go. Did an overnight 82 miles last year, planning on a three day 130 to 150 mile one this year. Last time I towed a single-wheel trailer, I'm tempted to try rear panniers and a front rack next time.
P.S. I'm 69 years young.

Yes, but right now only supported.

Joe

My wife and I enjoy 2 to 5 day credit card tours ... that's self supported, but with good restaurants and motels with jacuzzi's instead of camping. We take it easy with max miles at about 50/day. We are planning several two week long trips this year.

We have also hauled the bikes to somewhere interesting and then made day trips around the area for a while. Last year we spent one week each in Glenwood Springs and Frisco CO.

So far I have only done supported tours where someone carries my camping gear and clothing for me. I hope to do some long self supported tours after I retire in a few years. I may try a couple of overnighters this summer if I can find the time.

Interesting that many 50+ riders have been on supported tours or credit card tours. I did a couple of those, but after the freedom I found being self supported, I doubt I go back to the credit card unless I cannot physically pedal the heavy load on my Surly touring bike. Time is my #1 problem, so I am limited.

I did ride a two day and then a three day self supported tour before taking on the week tour. The things I learned on the shorter rides came in very handy for the full 7 days. Therefore, I highly recommend some short rides before setting off on a longer adventure.

With any luck I'll be leaving on my first self supported tour in two weeks. Had planned on a couple shake down excursions, but that's not gonna happen. Figure the worst that happens is I hate it and hole up in a cozy tavern for the duration. Nice thing about being 50, is better expectation management + better credit rating = more options to success.

I don't do tours but Like to stay at a camp site in a good area and spend days sightseeing on the bike. Depends on the area but can get in some good hills or some longer distance rides and still get back for a beer and a bite to eat at some pretty good cafes.

I did some self contained touring during the late '80's early '90's. I have all the necessary gear, and I just bought a new touring bike. All I need now is motivation.

I have crossed the U.S. twice solo unsupported. And have done a supported tour in Italy. Good stuff.

My wife and I are doing an Adventure Cycling 8-day Washington tour. They'll haul our tents and such, but we camp out.
We'd like to tour next year, self supported, but that would require a large cash outlay for new tour-possible bikes. Not to mention a lightweight tent and all the tour panniers stuff.
Could be 3-4 grand for the two of use. YIKES.

I did some self contained touring during the late '80's early '90's. I have all the necessary gear, and I just bought a new touring bike. All I need now is motivation.

I'm a bit behind you - I am keeping my eye on ebay for the right size surly, don't have the camping gear yet, and like you am also looking for the motivation and I also need the time. I would like to do the cross the USA ride but that will have to wait for retirement.

One tour: My wife and I rode from Atlanta to New Hampshire to Milwaukee in 1981. Camped out half the time, the rest in motels or with friends/relatives (in NH and Milwaukee). Somehow have never got around to another grand tour. At the time we had no kids, no mortgage and flexible jobs.
Now we have an empty nest, mortgage paid off, but less job flexibilty and a mother-in-law who needs lots of help. We plan to look into some short tours on our tandem at some point. (No camping, please)

I last did a 5 day tour 2 years ago. Would love to do some more, but I only do motels, no tents.
I spent so much time in tents years ago, I'd rather never do that again.

That's what I think too.

Several years ago I was part of the support staff for a good sized RAGBRAI team. I'm glad that I did it but I don't particularly care to ever do it again. In my opinion there are three things necessary for civilized living: hot showers, flush tiolets and air conditioning.

I've done one 7-day motel tour during each of the last several years. I let Dr. J and Bubba schlep my baggage to the next motel. I must enjoy it because I keep going back.

Recently I went on a 7 day self supported tour ride. Four of us made the ride with a couple people joining for a while. Each of us carried our own tent, sleeping bag, clothes, cooking equipment and all else it takes to live 7 days on the road. We did spend the last (6th) night in a hotel. We rode 350 miles through mostly hilly terrain which ncluded a few 3 to 4 mile climbs. Two days included rain. My load, which was about average for this tour, came in at about 50 pounds added to the bike.

It was a blast. I will go again.

Well, from the title, I immediately thought about a trip some of my friends took recently. But apparently you know far more about the trip than I do. :thumb: I enjoyed the travelogue at the BACA (http://www.bacar.org/) meeting

Did you have a frog on your helmet or get a spider bite?

I did a couple of 3-day self-supported tours in the late 70s. Always wanted to do more and finally got around to it in 2002 when I flew to Austria for 18 days and cycled along the Salzach and Danube river valleys. Liked it so much I went back the next year to Germany and France and cycled the Rhine and Mosel valleys. Both of these trips were alone and with lodging in hotels and hostels.

My trips got a friend interested and we have done five trips of 4 to 6 days here in North America. Then we went to Austria together with another friend and retraced some of my 2002 trip. You can see a slideshow of that trip here: http://s229.photobucket.com/albums/ee202/cycletourist/Austria%202007/?albumview=slideshow

Touring is a wonderful experience and leaves a great sense of accomplishment.

I've been doing self-supported tours since my 20s. I'll be 58 next week. Last summer I did the Northern Tier from Omak, Washington to Glacier National Park. This summer I was planning on doing the Lewis and Clark route from Great Falls, Montana to Portland, Oregon, but my mother's declining health may prevent it. I'm still young enough to sleep on the ground (on my cushy Big Agnes air mattress!)

I have never traveled by bike, but I am planning on taking an overnight trip to see how I like it. I now have an appropriate bike, racks and some of the gear.

I have never traveled by bike, but I am planning on taking an overnight trip to see how I like it. I now have an appropriate bike, racks and some of the gear.

I had been pondering a similar move, I planned to ride to Maumelle State Park. The good thing is that Maumelle State Park is only 5 miles away. ;)

I've never traveled by bike but am starting out, along with a couple friends, with some organized supported events this summer.
I'm doing this mini-tour soon: http://www.bikeandbrewwinerytour.com/bbwt/Home.html

Then this one later: http://www.tourdenebraska.com/

I am glad some of you are current tour riders. I am actually surprised by the number of 50+ riders that do not want to camp. It is a little tough and a whole lot of fun. After a couple nights to get accustomed to the tent and the sleeping bag it became home. No trouble resting and sleeping.

The packed tour bike became your home on the road. The bulging panniers become somewhat of a barrier and actually help if there is a little mishap, such as a slow speed crash. You begin to trust and feel confident with the bike. A very nice feeling.

The weather can be a little problem, but with the correct gear it is tolerable. One morning the temperature was 37 degrees when the prediction was barely under 50. A bit of a surprise, but something we could handle. I have camped on the bike in temperatures in the low twenties, but I was expecting that temperature. Being prepared is the key.

I am within a couple weeks of turing 60 and believe I am enjoying camping more now than ever. If you have been thinking about it, but not gone, GO. Pack up a bike and get out of town for a few days. It really is a freedom that is hard to equal.

I did have a little problem with an injured leg, as Arkansas refered to earlier. About over it now. See even us "older" guys and gals can camp and recover after some problems.

Time is the issue more than anything else... however, I have gone to Colorado 3 times to do Ride the Rockies, which is a week long supported tour--with lots of other riders. This year, there are 8 of us doing a supported Blue Ridge Parkway ride-- starting in Cherokee, North Carolina, and riding to Front Royal in Virginia-- I believe somewhere between 6-700 miles, which we will do in a week in June. We do have hotel reservations for every night, so we will be comfortable, but the riding will be great-- especially since we can do all the climbs without being weighed down by all the tour equipment...

train safe-

hi buelito. Is the BRP ride public, or just with friends? I may be interested in doing something like this next summer (I'm pretty booked this year, between Bike Virginia, and Ride Idaho.) PM me if you want to.

for me, only solo and unsupported. I am a young 57, retired now for 6 years, in great shape, largely due to bicycling (and skiing, hiking swimming etc)

I just finished a solo unsupported three week tour of Northern Yunnan Province China. see
this link (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=3Tzut&doc_id=5065&v=Ka)

Since this thread poped up it got me looking around at tour rides. My only real overnight tour was 25years ago with full camping gear. In August there is a supported 400 mile trip to Montreal (200 mile 1 day up, a rest day in Montreal and then a 200 mile day to return). This is fully supported and you don't have to load up your bike. Two 200 mile days even with an off day inbetween seems rather daunting but doable. The cost is not too great seeing as you get a 2 night hotel stay in Montreal. I'll put it on my list of things to think about. Over memorial day weekend I will do a 75 mile ride up in the Adirondaks, stay overnight and an extra day and then ride back on Monday. I never considered this a touring ride but It guess it would qualify...

jbpence, your tour is amazing! The photos are excellent. Everyone should look at them and drool.

jbpence, your tour is amazing! The photos are excellent. Everyone should look at them and drool.

gosh thanks. It was an amazing experience. Still the last two days to post, but you've seen the best parts.

My style of touring is to ignore the clock except when figuring out when to quit, where to stay. I do make a plan before I start, usually stick to the route, but not the timetable. I dont mind riding at night, just cant see the scenery so I usually dont do it except to leave early in am to avoid wind or heat later in the day. I stop for the unexpected festival, sometime only go 20 km in a day, and sometimes 160 km in a day. I take a day off, sometimes two about every 5 days of riding.

longest day on the china tour was about 120 km. Yunnan is surprisingly mountainous, the roads are often as steep as out appalachian roads, but for sometimes 40 km. Good workout. I bet I averaged only 30 miles a day, (including the days off)

The picts were taken with the latest coolpix - a great camera.

so goet out and tour. start reading the touring section of this forum. dont worry too much about what kind of shape you are in - just be aware that when you start, pace yourself and your pace will pick up.

and pack light. if you look at an item and say, i'd like to take this but do I need it - dont take it.

I've been doing self-supported tours since my 20s. I'll be 58 next week. Last summer I did the Northern Tier from Omak, Washington to Glacier National Park. This summer I was planning on doing the Lewis and Clark route from Great Falls, Montana to Portland, Oregon, but my mother's declining health may prevent it. I'm still young enough to sleep on the ground (on my cushy Big Agnes air mattress!)


thats a great route. especially through idaho.

Started out on my first self supported tour on a 5 speed Murray 38 years ago from South Carolina to Michigan after finishing stint in Marines. 2 years ago at age 60 was my second chance, did a 20 day self contained tour around Lake Superior with my son and daughter.

If health holds up plan to do some more when I retire for good. Camping out just seems to add to the experience of being a part of what you are travelling through. Can't wait to do another one.


Tour Link:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=3Tzut&doc_id=2976&v=OE&term=karl%20krueger&context=all

Hey, BikeArkansas, "hi" from a fellow Arkansan (not too far from Eureka Springs). I'm 52, did a 6 day tour last year, unsupported, but stayed in hotels:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/4286
Have signed up to do Ragbrai next month, planning a week long ride in September that will be lots of camping, maybe Katy Trail.

I live to do loaded tours.52 years young and do 2,week-10 day tours twice a year and 3 day tours as many times as possible during the year.Been doing that since 1976.In about 3 years I'm selling everything I own,except touring stuff,and will be on the road until I can't take it anymore,which my be until I die.

When I grow up I want to be a bum rambling around the world on a bike...

There was a article in today's Omaha World-Herald about BRAN (Bike Ride Across Nebraska), now in progress. It seems that over half of the 600 riders are over 50.

Link: http://omaha.com/article/20090612/NEWS01/306129979

I normally tour solo, although I did 2 tours with a fellow from work, each approximately 1500 miles, and I really enjoyed both trips and his companionship. I always take full camping gear along because most of my tours are in remote northern areas (Alaska, Yukon, British Columbia)
I prefer to use motels if available though, so I can lock everything away, which gives me the freedom of exploring the area/town at the end of the day without worrying about theft. On our ride down the western coast, we took full camping gear and never used it at all.(packed all that weight all the way for nothing) Several riders on this site have suggested my trying a guided tour as they have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and are sure I would if I would give it a try. I have been off from riding for the last 1 1/2 years because of cancer, but am now starting to ride again and hope to do a 600 mile tour this fall. If everything works out, I'm considering a guided tour next spring in Oregon or California.

I do a tour every year. They haul the gear but it is camping. They also do the food which is good.

I have done self contained touring but can be a bit tedious especially if you do your own cooking.

Hello BikeArkansas

The thread title was 'go on bike tours', and your question in your message was 'self-supported'.

So from me, the answer is 1) Yes, enthusiastically and 2) No, wimpily

I have had a number of great supported tours. Not a shill by any means, but 'Explore', 'Headwater' and 'Skedaddle' have me as a happy and delighted reference.

Have a great time

I've been a backpacker for years and will do the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in August for the 4th time. But no bike tours yet...my wife is NOT an enthusiastic camper so we've been discussing a credit-card tour for last year or so. She's got a Norton's Neuroma under her left foot so 16 miles is sort of her limit in terms of rides, unfortunately.

I found some used Arkel panniers last year and bought them. Have a TailRider, a front handlebar bag, have all the camping equipment to be comfortable. But riding out from central Texas on a self-contained bike tour means traveling at least a day before hitting someplace nice enough to enjoy riding through it. Drivers aren't accustomed to seeing cycle tourers much - the only ones that typically pass through our city are the ones who don't own a home and are permanently on the road.

<sigh> yes, I envy you your tours - Arkansas & Missouri would be nice regions to cycle through and camp....one of these days, yes, one of these days...

CW

Good subject for me;Ive just completed my 3rd training ride after a 60 day layoff[way to long for 69 y.o man but im gaining[I think]about 30mi. /my wife Linda was always my support for my long mountain bike rides in eastern Maine and Canada before you needed a passport.Im going to Quebec to bike along the Saguenay river from where I leave the ferry to Roberval [I should have my passport back in time to do that leg of a try to bike to the Arctic over the next few years[Since Linda has died Iwill look for supported Arctic Adventure venues if I could afford them/Kenneth