The "big picture" thing is certainly true. However, I focus on the positive. When I'm riding a paritcular route I may be missing a spectacular sight that's right over the hill if I only knew. But I'm riding a bicycle through the countryside. Unless I've been there before, everything is new. I'm getting exercise and getting healthy in a fun, exciting way. So I miss something. On balance I'm far ahead.

My first "big" tour (longer than a week) was down the west coast from Seattle to Santa Cruz. I carried "Bicycling the Pacific Coast" by Kirkendall and Spring. The book told of lots of attractions along the way. I don't think I saw any of them - except the cheese factory in Tillamook - I went in there to escape a rainstorm. When I got to the campgrounds I often didn't even walk down to the beach. I was simply too tired and wanted to lie down and read or nap. But I was enjoying beautiful vistas from the saddle of my bike all day long. On balance, I don't think I short-changed myself.