Originally Posted by
RedRider2009
Now I am so lost in emotion that I do not know what to do. I still really want to begin long distance touring, but I do not want to split my family up. Even though my brother and parents really piss me off sometimes, I still love them.
You said ...
Originally Posted by
RedRider2009
1) I do not ride everyday right now, because I have school and work. I am done with school at the beginning of June and had the trip planned for the middle of July, so I would have plenty of time to ride centuries back to back days, and that sort of extreme training.
2) I ride all over the place, county roads, city routes...just about anywhere that seems enjoyable to ride in SE Wisconsin.
3) I have like 5 routes that I ride pretty often, they vary in length and destination, some are lakefront rides, some are county roads. There is plenty of exploring that I do, I have done plenty of rides to Milwaukee, and Kettle Moraine (a state park) about 50 miles away.
4) She always is a bit nervous about me getting hit by a car, because last summer 7 cyclists were hit by cars ( 1 survived). Other than being nervous about me getting hit by a car or shot by a thug or something she is fine with it. She is happy that I have found a hobby outdoors and great to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
So ... just start riding as often as possible. Ride long distances on weekends here, there and everywhere. Get your family used to the idea of you being out doing long rides.
Involve them in your cycling ..... invite them to meet you at that park 50 miles away ... they can drive there (or cycle with you) and you all can have a picnic together there, and then you can cycle back home. Invite them to camp with you out there ... again you can ride out there, and they can meet you, and the next day you can cycle back home.
Really
show them that cycling is something you're serious about ... and something you'd like to include them in if possible.
And don't bring up any plans of a long tour to your mother again until you've got a detailed plan. You need concrete evidence that cycling is important to you, and you need that detailed plan. If you want your mother to get on board, you need to show that you aren't just "hot air", and you need to show that you are a mature responsible adult who has looked at and considered the whole situation.