Touring - The essence of real freedom...

My first real bike touring experience was a trip around Peloponnese. When I wope up that morning, I felt really miserable because everything on my DIY touring bags wasnt working right (and I'm not that fond of early awakings). Anyway when finally everything looked right, I rode the gentle beast and off I went.

Man, the feeling riding your bicycle loaded with everything you ll need in a big trip is just pure magic. You know you are self-sufficient! You can go wherever you damn please! You only need to pedal hard, just it. The absolute essence of freedom.

The chilling morning breeze was coming through my ears and I could feel the suns warmth on my face. I couldn't resist and closed my eyes for few seconds. It was so spectacular man, I really understand and connect with those crazy sons of a gun who travel the world on a humble bicycle. It is THE experience.

Do you remember the feeling when you lost your virginity in bicycle touring?

I have days that feel like THAT on everyone of one my tours. Not everyday, mind you, but enough to keep me wanting more.

Do you remember the feeling when you lost your virginity in bicycle touring?

Yes, I was about 12 yeas old heading out on my bike with my fishing pole and lunch, and riding with a good friend!

I have days that feel like THAT on everyone of one my tours. Not everyday, mind you, but enough to keep me wanting more.

Yes!

My first big tour is coming up and I can't be more excited. In essence, I still haven't lost my touring virginity but I certainly know when the desire was planted in me. My dad told me when I was a kid about how he and his friend bicycled "around the state of rhode island." To me at the time, this seemed like a feat unlike any I could imagine! Cycling around a whole state!? I even knew that Rhode Island was tiny as states go but a state was still a massive object to a kid who had only cycled around his block. It was the essence of freedom as you describe. That stuck with me and has been in the back of my mind ever since whenever I've considered a bike tour.

Oh yes! My first tour was a ride across Missouri and back, mostly on the Katy trail. I actually got doored on my way to work the morning before, and spent 1/2 the day in the ER with bruised ribs, arm, shoulder, and a big cut on my forearm.
So after work I hustled to REI so I could replace my bent handlebars, and the next morning I hopped on my bike and hauled butt. I had that freedom feeling the whole trip, made only more awesome by the fact that I'd refused to cancel it because of injury and bike damage.

Not yet.

My first tour wasn't so exciting,I was busy changing spokes and had to buy a new rear wheel.......But I'm still doing it 35 years later,so I must like it.....:)

I tell all my friends that biking is the King's way to travel. None of them believe me. :p More open road for me.