Touring - first tour...advice needed.

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View Full Version : first tour...advice needed.


bwhite829
07-08-11, 10:49 AM
Hey guys, I'm thinking about doing a tour in Oct or maybe Nov'ish when it cools down around here. I'm in the panhandle of FL, and have about 8 routes i'm deciding on. one is in nw florida, one is al, and the other is in la along lake ponchartrain. i'll be staying at state parks campgrounds in every place except for 2 places in AL. I will not go on solo tour due to my wife's wishes to have a partner, and sbhe is up in the air about going. she doesn't want to yet, since she's newer to biking and not quite comfortable with the idea yet. i'll have smaller panniers and a tent and it will be similar to lightweight touring. anybody have any advice/input or anything else like that? thanks!


MNBikeguy
07-08-11, 10:57 AM
You mention she is newer to biking. Is she experienced with tenting / camping?
To gradually get her hooked for good, you might want to split up the tenting with some hotels (if possible. I'm not familiar with your route.)
And keep the daily mileage to a manageable level.
Goodluck!

zoltani
07-08-11, 11:28 AM
First get your wife doing longer day rides/tours with a nice stop planned, a park, restaurant, or whatever and see if she even enjoys being on a bike for 5+ hours.

Do you have any specific questions or areas of advice that you are interested in getting help with?


bwhite829
07-08-11, 07:40 PM
yeah, she has camping experience w/ a pop up. the rides for routes i have planned are anywhere from 25-70 miles a day...nothing in particular, just hwatever y'all have :)

Booger1
07-08-11, 11:08 PM
Is there some place close,you and the better half can try an overnighter? 30 miles-60 loop.Set up camp,build a fire,howl at the moon.Test the waters and see how it goes.You still have time.

It's just 2 days and 1 night of mystery/horror if things go bad.....
Or plenty of time to act like children if you like it....