Bike Forums - Where To Ride. The Annual Dilemma

I am retired now but for the past few years I had set aside a least a week to bike tour. Some were supported, some were self contained. It was always a constant back and forth of where to ride. This year is no exception, however the rules have changed a bit. I am trying to get a couple of friends to try bike touring. They both ride a lot and in the summer do three or four hundred miles a month.

Camping to them seem like it would ruin the whole thing. I tell them that camping while bike touring is different from driving to a campground to spend a few days lounging around. Most nights while touring, I was asleep just about the same time my head hit the pillow. It was also a sound sleep. There is nothing like being really tired when you hit the sack, it does wonders to help you sleep.

The plan this year is to stay close to home and ride Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Either or both can take a ferry or ride home if they don't like it. There are Hostels available at pretty reasonable rates, but the hotels and motels are probably already booked through the summer, and also are very expensive.

If they do this trip, I'm betting that the first time we are shut out of indoor accommodations and they camp for the night, they will be hooked. If they don't go, #3 son and I will do a tour if he can get time off from his new job at the local shipyard. If all else fails a supported trip is in the picture. Holland/Belgium barge and bike with wifey and a few friends.

This retirement stuff is working out just fine. Biking is great, and touring is like double dark chocolate frosting on the cake.