Just wondering how many of us cycletourists have and maintain a current passport?

We've used ours to cycle tour in France twice recently (just got back a week ago, Pyrenees in September. Simply grand). They are up for renewal, next year -- and, we'll be renewing as we are not done with France and the rest of Europe, and ...

Mike

I'd be lost without one.

I'm never going anywhere ever again, particularly not the US. Going to get dicey if Quebec separates, cause I need to go east several times a year.

These days, what with security and identification, photo-id is essential even for those who don't tour.

In a couple of weeks I'll actually have two. Oh the joys of dual nationality.

I let mine lapse a few years ago but with the new border security regulations between US and Canada you will need one by 2008, so I reapplied and got mine a few weeks ago. only took 3 weeks.

Absolutely ridiculous though, the US can't possibly hope to retain proper effective border control between the two countries. A little cyclocross action and us tidy maple syrup eating wierdos will be rolling down your precious highways without so much as a by your leave.

Absolutely. I read in a Toronto Star article that 20 percent of US citizens and 25 percent of Canadian citizins mainatain an active passport. I was surprised the number for US was that high.

I keep mine current, for both business and touring. As far as the border security goes, how about this month's Adventure Cyling magazine? All the helecopters and agents must have been off for the weekend! Keep safe!

Mine expired, but I got a new one when I cycled the alps a couple of years ago.

Bringing us universal health care, tolerance, a rational respect for international law and back bacon. We could do worse.

Steve W.
Who gets 'aboot' sometimes

I constantly maintain an updated passport since I want to be prepared on a moment's notice when I find a deal on airfare to Europe.

I have one just in case I need it.

Joe

Two years ago I crossed the 1000 Islands bridge during a code orange alert. They closed the sidewalk because of the alert, but the bridge administration carried us cyclists across on a truck. What I can't understand is why they are concerned about cyclistists and pedestrians when our carrying capacity is so much smaller than all the trucks and cars that can still cross. Perhaps we look subversive.

Sorry, I neglected to answer the question. Yes, I do maintain a passport. However I forgot it during that trip 2 years ago. We entered the US on the ferry from Wolfe Island (Kingston) to Cape Vincent NY. There were no other vehicles, just us two cyclists. As we docked the border agent, an elderly, gruff-looking man, walked to the middle of the road and stood there, hands on hips, looking like Wyatt Earp confronting the desperados on Main Street. "What's the purpose of your visit", he snapped. "Just doing some bicycle touring, sir." I showed him my driver's licence with photo, but he also wanted passport or other proof of citizenship. I showed him another piece of photo ID that showed I worked for a government agency, but that wasn't good enough. As I looked through my wallet he grabbed it out of my hand and said "let me look". He eventually found an expired AARP card and said "that's the only one that counts", and let us in. I have never forgotten my passport again.

I ahve the fattest passport you have ever seen, with all the stamps and commemorative stamps I got on my world tour a few years ago, plus other assigments to Japan and the Asia mainland.

roughstuff

We'd maintain one even w/o my cycle touring..Been to Europe 18 times..And my wife is about to take on a teaching job after completing International ESL certification class. For which we leave today. I will miss California. Betting on fact, Europeans worship cyclists far more than Californian's.

Where are you off to?

Exactly my thinking!!

Yeah, that does seem high considering the number of US people I've talked to who respond to questions about travel with, "there are enough nice things to see here, why would I want to go anywhere else"


But even here in Canada, sitting around the lunchroom chatting with co-workers etc., I'm surprised how few people have a passport. I've wanted to travel around the world ever since I discovered there was a world out there! I can even remember, at the age of about 6 years old, wanting to go to Europe!!

i got one in 1997, and so far have been to australia 5 times, usa and fiji once ... not done yet either ...
interestingly, kiwi passports are highly sought after amongst thieves and other crims ... guess that is why they are now only valid for 5 years instead of 10 years like my current one is [until it runs out ...]

Passport, yes. Condition, well used and very ragged after going through the washer and dryer in Toulouse.

https:/www.dulcinea.crazyguyonabike.com

Wow! Timaru/Oamaru, New Zealand (location of Hoogie). South Island. Isn't that cycling heaven?