Originally Posted by
Machka
I've said it before, and I'll say it again ......
c) Cycletouring is not for everyone. It's not easy ... there are a lot of challenges and difficulties. You've got to be very flexible and adaptable, and willing to put up with some rough conditions ... even if you do opt to stay in hotels (which is a completely acceptable way to tour).
d) Therefore it is a good idea to do some short tours in relatively familiar areas to find out if cycletouring might be for you ... and to experiment with your equipment. And yes, borrow the equipment if you can.
As inspirational as it might be don't spend too much time on Crazyguy..some of those folks have mental discipline that borders on the superhuman.
I like 4-5 days, which is the max for me in a tent. What I'll do sometimes is drive to an area of the country that I want to ride in and then map out a loop route back to the car which I park in a long term lot or work something out with a hotel. An exception will be my first crack at RAGBRAI this year..... self-contained