"You must be crazy!" is a reaction we often hear from people who take interest in our favorite way of traveling; by bicycle. The pace at which the landscape flows by is just right - a car zooms by too fast, disconnecting instead of connecting with the surroundings and thus missing out to some extent. The fact that its passengers are hidden behind glass doesn't help either.
Bicycle Touring
Feel the wind! Feel the rain! Creep up that mountain slope in 'coffee mill gear' at four miles an hour and develop humble respect for these grotesque mountains! Feel the sun burning on your skin! Don't be afraid for a little hardship! Its trade-offs are many times greater. And it's not as heavy as most people unfamiliar with bicycle touring think...
It's right there: an amazing man-powered vehicle, carrying all the stuff you need - which is limited, for you soon find out that less gear is better - allowing you to travel self-sustained for as long as you please. This is a very empowering experience.
Did we mention the amazing people you get to meet out there? Meeting 'strangers' spontaniously is exciting, interesting and fun! And as you're very accesible on your bicycle, this is bound to happen! Even when you don't speak each other's language, like we experienced in Thailand and Cambodia - in which case laughing is your best option! Indeed, we all have more in common than what separates us.
This way of traveling fits in well with principles we regard highly: voluntary simplicity, open mindedness, environmental awareness and slow living. Traveling has given us many awesome experiences and has taught us so much!
Not convinced yet? Next time you see a loaded down cyclist going down the road, move over and have a chat!
