Originally Posted by Exurver

That's a great point, I probably chose the wrong term for that category. My intention for the category was to describe those for whom getting from A to B is the sole purpose of the ride and usually do so at the sacrifice of comfort, like the sea voyagers of the past intending to expedite trade routes. Maybe "Endurance tourist" or something like that would better describe it.

Originally Posted by Exurver

Backpacker on wheels – you want to explore another part of the world -- what better way to see the countries and meet locals than on a bicycle?

Originally Posted by Sachelis

As with a few other comments, I'm not sure I fit into the definition of any one category. I'm closest to a "Backpacker on wheels," but to me that means I mostly camp. The description about "see the countries and meet locals" probably fits any of us who have toured in another country (including all of the other categories) and it doesn't seem related to the backpacker label. Thanks for starting this thread.

Originally Posted by zeppinger

I hit lifestyle before reading what your definition of that word was. After reading those I think I fit more into your backpacker category.

Originally Posted by tarwheel

None of the above. Most of my touring is on supported tours or hub-and-spoke tours where we camp or stay at a hotel in a central location with daily loop rides. Our rides range from leisurely to fast, 60-100 miles/day, with no gear except for water bottles and seatbags. Time ranges from 3 days to a week. People on this forum tend to view bike touring strictly in terms of loaded tours, but that is not the only way to do it. For me, bike touring a pleasant way to travel while doing a lot of cycling.

Originally Posted by Exurver

I've come up with five categories that I think encompass the type of people I've met while on the road. Just wondering about the demographics of this forum.

Vacationer - you plan a comfortable low-stress trip, don’t overdue the miles, enjoying new locations and experiencing what they have to offer, local attractions/restaurants etc.

Lifestyle – a true bicycle vagabond, travelling for many months at a time, perhaps years or indefinitely.

Expeditionary – you find reward in pushing your mind and body to its limits, travel long distances quickly, prone to scanning the roadside at dusk for a suitable place to lie down.

Backpacker on wheels – you want to explore another part of the world -- what better way to see the countries and meet locals than on a bicycle?

Casual – no strict plans or goals, you just like riding your bike and being outside. Pick a place and start pedaling in that general direction. Also could include those that go on short or weekend trips.

Originally Posted by Cougrrcj

I chose 'vacationer' because of what I'm planning to do either late this summer or next, August/September timeframe.

The 1000-mile tour around the perimeter of Ohio I'm planning will be a very relaxed affair - starting off around 8-9 each morning and riding until around noon-ish to early afternoon. Figure 45-65 miles/day, most all on very flat terrain, so 3-4 hours in the saddle. That will leave me the afternoons to check out the town, and asking about good places to eat, seeing any local cultural/historical sites, etc.

Sleeping will be indoors or in city park picnic shelters, with camping being a last resort - I've already started contacting the cities/towns I'll be riding through/stopping at for their recommendations/advice.

Riding only on nice weather days because not only do I hate riding in the rain, but also for safety/visibility reasons to motorists (especially on State highways). Therefore, there is no set schedule. Just enjoying the scenery. Taking the tour a day at a time. The 'plan' is for this whole thing to happen over 3-4 weeks, but time will tell.