I used to watch airplanes and wonder where they were off to, now I watch bicycle tourists. How far is the ride? Where did it start? What is in the panniers? Are the roads better here or there? What have they seen and what is ahead?
One day. Someone will watch me and ask themselves the same questions. I will smile because I will have the answers.
Boy do I know that feeling, I am bitten hard by the same bug. Every time I set foot or wheel on a road I feel an exciting pull. But I'm a dad for now, so I have to temper my desire to roam. If you want to read some really joyous stuff, look up the story of Anne Mustoe, a British woman. I'm not sure it will help tame the wanderlust though.
ReplyDeletenifty photo....and i am certainly relate to Bill E's comments about parenting, which is my key focus now...
ReplyDeleteI have been focusing on parenting for the last 17 years. I think they are old enough for me to leave them for a few days to cruise the open road. There are some great 2 day tours all around me. Soon. Soon.
ReplyDeleteAde,
ReplyDeletewhich bike would you take to go touring ?
That's easy- my Raleigh touring bike. If I added a front rack it would take the weight well and I can ride it 80 miles before I start to hurt.
ReplyDeleteAlways curious about other cyclists, what they are carrying and where they are going. Everybody has a story and I think most people are pretty interesting when you get to talking to them. Lately, I'm having a lot of Path Less Pedaled envy and fantasize about my husband packing our bikes and hitting the road. I'd definitely follow the lead of Russ and Laura and take my folder so I could more easily supplement my travels with rail. Heavy sigh. Wish I was more adventurous.
ReplyDeleteAdreienne, My pipe dream is to ride the length of the Erie Canal--and then down the Hudson--from Buffalo to NYC on a big heavy cargo bike. Someday...someday. Someday soon.
ReplyDeleteI passed two separate packs of family touring cyclists (kids in trailers and/or ride-behinds, etc) riding up to the Grand Canyon last year, and I very nearly ran off the road: I hadn't even considered that an option!
ReplyDeleteNow, of course, I can't help but think of taking a glorious bike vacation, too...
Adreienne - The bear went over the mountain.
ReplyDeleteJoe - Sounds like a plan to me. I've done most of Syracuse to Pougkeepsie on both sides of the river so far, but not in one go and not on a cargo bike. Fair chance I'll give it a go on a single speed, balloon tire cruiser though, just, as they say, for shits and giggles; as well as a demonstration that you don't really need 276 exotic gears just to enjoy getting out and about on a bicycle.
heehee, want to know where i went? stay tuned...
ReplyDeleteSRAB- I have been wanting a folder for awhile now. I wish I could justify the expense, but I think the Metrofiets put me out of the new bike pool : )
ReplyDeleteJoe- I would TOTALY do that ride with you! I am trying to get my oldest daughter to take a ride across Pennsylvania later this Summer.
Amanda- start with more challenging day trips in your area to get them ready for it. My youngest has done two trips of over 25 miles while on the trail-a-bike and in a couple of weeks we will attempt a 30+.
KFG- Yes, it did. I must follow it!
CTX- I expect nothing less : ) Can't wait!!!
Go for it! I plan to do the same one day.
ReplyDeletePeace :)