Cycle tourism is an emerging way of understanding a set of economic activities involving cycling. It is the meeting point between trade, tourism and advocacy.
Because it is so multidisciplinary, takes many forms and does not fit into the traditional discourse of promoting cycling or tourism. It is difficult to define exactly what cycle tourism is. Some tourism industry definitions classify a tourist as someone who travels more than 80 km from home. Of course, this definition breaks down when you consider the physical characteristics and use of a bicycle. For a car, 80 km is not a great distance, but for a bicycle, depending on the rider and the terrain, 80 km can be a whole day’s journey.
As far as we are concerned, we define cycle tourism as any activity related to travel for the purpose of pleasure that involves the bicycle. This definition is broad, but it is so voluntarily, because the use of the bicycle is very varied.
5 reasons why cycle tourism is the best way to travel.
-
Your senses heighten.
Your senses will awaken like never before when you live outdoors 24 hours a day for days, weeks or months. You’ll feel the sun on your face, the wind in your hair, the rain on your head and the cold through your clothes in a whole new way when there’s no escaping the elements. All your senses awakened all day on a bike will make you feel more alive inside and out. There is nothing better than traveling like a bird, free and independent.
-
You are more likely to meet people.
A fully loaded bicycle represents an adventure and a long physical journey to get where you are. People are naturally curious and you quickly gain respect for your effort and sense of adventure. You’d be surprised how well that translates to invitations to stay or a free meal.
-
Find mindfulness on the go.
When all you have is the road ahead and your senses are exposed to the elements and scenery, you can be distracted from your past and your future. Because you live your day without the usual distractions of a deadly routine or a stressful daily life. Bicycle touring will also give you the time you need to work on various issues or challenges that have held you back in your normal life.
-
Take on challenges and discover yourself.
Bicycle touring comes with a mental challenge:
- Potential loneliness or uncertainty if things don’t go as planned.
- Few people are actually used to cycling 50-100 km every day.
- Issues may arise that you need to fix or need help with. These are the usual challenges of bicycle touring.
- More importantly, these are challenges that you can overcome and feel more proud of and good about yourself.
-
Make new friends all over the world.
Whether you share your journey on social media or not, people love being part of a great story. And because you’re easier to approach by locals, you should be prepared for lots of casual conversations. But also to deeper conversations and welcoming invitations that lead to friendships.
Tips for riding safely while cycling.
-
Bike maintenance:
The maintenance of your bike becomes (or at least should become!) a matter of routine during a bike tour. Making sure the tires are properly inflated is a no-brainer, but sometimes the simpler things, like tightening the bolts, are overlooked.
The rear rack bolts are particularly susceptible to loosening over time. And you really don’t want them to come loose and get caught in the spokes. Monitor the tires regularly, swapping front and rear to balance their degree of wear. Also, check that the rims are not cracked.
-
Obey local traffic laws:
Knowing the local traffic laws, or at least doing like the locals do, is another way to stay safe on a bike. Without wanting to start a debate on the helmet for cycle tourism. It goes without saying that if the country you are riding in requires it, you should wear one!
-
Pedal with both hands on the handlebars:
You may think you’re cool pedaling down the road with one hand on the handlebars and taking a selfie with the other. You probably won’t look so smart when you hit a pothole and go over the front, knocking out all your teeth.
-
Control your speed:
Riding too fast on a loaded bike on a bike ride isn’t a problem many people face, except in one particular situation: descending a hill. After spending hours climbing a hill, it can be tempting to let go and descend the other side as quickly as possible. But common sense dictates that we keep control. Even if you have to stop a few times, it’s better than crashing at 60 km/h.
Cycling at night: the prerequisites to consider!
First, it’s important to make sure your bike has the proper lighting. A headlight should be bright enough to illuminate the road ahead. While a rear light will help drivers see you from behind. Secondly, it is also important to wear reflective clothing in order to be visible to other road users. Third, it’s wise to stick to well-lit, well-trafficked roads where you’re less likely to encounter hazards. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your night walks are safe and enjoyable.
