Touring, it’s all the Rage

With out a doubt, one of the best experiences of my life was going on a long bike tour.  The every day of it, the riding and the scenery, the people you meet, the food you eat and of course, the beer are experiences that are hard to even put into words.  There is something so peaceful about the pack up, ride, eat, rest, ride, eat rest ride, make camp, drink beer and go to sleep schedule that is a bike tour.

There are so many ways that people out there tour these days.  On road, off road, minimalist, maximalist you can pretty much do what ever you want out there, carry as much or as little and just go.

People sometimes ask me, what’s the best way to “get into” touring?

I’m here to tell you that the best way to get into it, is to just do it.  By yourself, or with your family, or friends, you can just pack up your bikes and go.

Start with the style of riding that is your favorite and tour there (on or off road) research your equipment needs (or if you wanna credit card it, research places to stay), make sure you cover your bases, and make sure that there is someone back in the “real world” who knows roughly were you are. And then just go.

Make your plans, buy a map and just go.

I guess what I’m really trying to say, is JUST SHUT UP AND DO IT.  That’s the best way to get started (you know, get started).

Here is a bit of touring inspiration for all your bike porn needs.

Here is a link to this awesome family that is doing a pretty impressive tour right now.

http://www.thefamilyride.com/

This dude is pure awesome!!

http://www.whileoutriding.com/

Of course there’s always the Adventure Cycling Association for tips and an endless mire of forums for you forum nuts out there.

http://www.adventurecycling.org/

There are tons more links out there and too much information to digest, but jump right in.

Here’s a sweet picture from our tiny tour, we went the maximalist route for sure.

Cheers and get out there and ride!!