THE TOURING CORNER: The Beginning (Part2)

Last week we proposed the concept of  starting one’s touring somewhat cautiously.  This week we’ll take that a bit farther and go into some detail.

Presumably, if you are at all interested in this idea, then you are intrigued with the concept of using your bike to get to someplace else.  But first off, do you enjoy being on your bike for a long time?  Does the idea of taking time to eat up distance sound right to you?  If so, good!

            Please notice, we did not say that you have to be doing that kind of riding.  But it is important that you want to.  If you aren’t doing longer rides already, then I suggest that you start…  However!  Please do not try to “eat the elephant in one bite.”  Here’s a way to increase your riding endurance.

·      Begin where you are.  (look at your regular riding habits.)

·      Keep a log.  Record your rides, dates, times, distance, and a bit of commentary about conditions and routing is enough.  If you aren’t doing this already, start!

·      Begin increasing the time you spend on the bike, but do it gradually.

·      Increase your regular rides by small amounts each week, and add one day that is devoted to a longer ride, say four to five hours.

·      Build up gradually!  Not more than a 5% increase for any one week, and no more than a 10% increase for any one ride.  (This is where that log comes in handy.)

As you are getting your legs, lungs and back side in condition, you can start thinking about were you might like to go.

Incidentally…    Touring almost always involves carrying some “stuff” on your bike.  Not a bad idea to start doing that.  This is another activity that can be started off small and easy.  You don’t have to run out and buy a utility/commuter/touring bike.  Just start using the bike you have now.  Run errands on it.  A backpack or messenger bag will work to do the hauling.  A trip to the library, the hardware store, the post office, or even light grocery shopping is a great way to begin.  (Hey!  Maybe starting a once a week commute might work too!)

Yes, it’s easier to carry more stuff on a bike that is purpose-built for that.  But we’re starting off slow and where we are.  (Remember?)  Truth is, for shorter distances, it’s quite possible to carry moderate amounts of stuff in packs or bags.  That allows you to start experiencing hauling stuff around while riding on almost any kind of bike.