just kicking the idea around
 

Just getting into biking as a means of improving health. The thought of doing a little overnight trip really appeals to me and I thought I'd work up to it nice and easy. Been sedentary for 12 years and now commuting about 7 blocks to work, three times a week. Going to work is downhill so I only get benefit when going home. I thought that once I can do it five times a week I'd tackle a trip out to the airport. About a 6KM ride.... some flat, some downhill and some uphill. After that comes the trip to the township down the road.. prolly a 25KM trip there. Then I thought a nice ride to a nearby town but how far away should I travel to make it a worthwhile trip. I figured I'd ride one route there, stay in a pub overnight and trundle back the next day.

As you can see... I like to plan ahead.

Your thoughts will be of great value.

Well....you don't have to go a long way to make it a satisfying trip. When I was a younger man, it was about 12.5 km to my girlfriend's house. The thought of a 25km round trip was too much to even consider. I had to spend the night!
;)

Need to crack on to some sheilas in nearby towns then. :D :D :D

Go for it, for all its reasons.

Planning ahead is good. I started that way around 12 years ago. Now I bike 25 km to work and also tour for fun.

Make sure you have the right equipment and clothing. Taking off on a sunny day in a t-shirt and not having a jacket for when it cools off can take the fun out of the ride.

I always make my self as comfortable as possible and try to anticipate problems. I hate the word, but being "proactive" really helps.

yes, go for it! the first one you´ll always remember because it´s something new. i remember my first ride to the next town, didn´t know anything about bikes or touring really just strapped my backpack to the rack, a map borrowed from my flatmate on top of it (yes, on the rear, not exactly ideal for quick access) and, man, i did have a wonderful time. it felt good when other cyclists wave at you and vice versa, but the smile on a pretty girl when i fought my way up that damn hill back to my town was even better! wasn´t tired anymore (well, even if i did, had to pretend like it was nothing you know) anyway, just go for it.