{"id":3979,"date":"2013-01-01T23:44:08","date_gmt":"2013-01-01T22:44:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.worldbiking.info\/wordpress\/?p=3979"},"modified":"2019-12-30T12:52:45","modified_gmt":"2019-12-30T17:52:45","slug":"why-2013-is-the-perfect-time-to-go-bicycle-touring","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.worldbiking.info\/wordpress\/2013\/01\/why-2013-is-the-perfect-time-to-go-bicycle-touring\/","title":{"rendered":"Why 2013 is the Perfect Time to Go Bicycle Touring!"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Lots of people me meet confess that they dream of dropping everything to cycle around the world.<\/p>

Some of them actually do it.\u00a0 Like Martin and Pierette<\/a>, a couple we stayed with in the Yukon.\u00a0 Here\u2019s why these two seemingly normal individuals sold their home and most of their possession and headed south on touring bikes:<\/p>

By embarking on this new adventure we hope to discover the strange and new and escape the routine that we have become accustomed to. \u00a0We discovered in recent years, from our few travel outings, that we enjoy the foreign lands, the different cultures and lifestyles and chance meetings with locals more than the big ticket attractions. \u00a0By travelling slowly (like the turtles\u2026)on bikes, we hope to enjoy not only point A and point B but every inch of the way in between. \u00a0We want to smell the flowers, feel the breeze, be warmed by the sun, be refreshed by the rain, and laugh with the people along the way.<\/p>

We plan to travel simply and within our financial means and our physical capabilities. \u00a0We have no definite route, and no time constraints\u2026when we\u2019ve had enough, we\u2019ll stop; until then\u2026 we pedal.<\/p><\/blockquote>

What’s Stopping You?<\/h3>

Many more people stick with the status quo.\u00a0 They write from time to time to say they\u2019re still dreaming of a tour, but a new job or a big move or the kid\u2019s schooling has gotten in the way.<\/span><\/h3>

I realize there are legitimate reasons for foregoing a bicycle tour.\u00a0 Some people have financial obligations that stand in their way, others are committed to partners or families who don\u2019t share their dreams.<\/p>

But what about the rest of you?<\/p>

Why haven\u2019t you<\/em> set off on your dream tour?<\/p>

Is it money that\u2019s standing in the way?\u00a0 Granted, these are tough economic times for many of us.\u00a0 But I don\u2019t see the market for i-phones, $4 cappuccinos and SUVs drying up any day soon.\u00a0 Bike touring is cheap (if you want it to be).<\/p>

We just spent 3 months touring Australia.\u00a0 Total cost\u2026$1,500.\u00a0 Really.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0$8.30 per person per day.\u00a0 In one of the most expensive countries on the planet.<\/p>

Wow!\u00a0 $8.30 a day.\u00a0 That\u2019s cheap, you\u2019re probably thinking.\u00a0 A crappy calorie-filled lunch at McDonald\u2019s costs as much.<\/p>

$10 a day is enough to do a minimalist bike tour (wild camping, couchsurfing, self-catering) in a developed country.\u00a0 For $20 a day you can live comfortably (budget hotels, restaurants) in the developing world.<\/p>

As I see it, money shouldn\u2019t stand in the way of a bike tour (at least not for most people living in the developed world).\u00a0 Get a decent job, live a minimalist lifestyle<\/a> (without depriving yourself of any happiness) and save.<\/p>

A Question of Priorities<\/h3>

Maybe it\u2019s time that\u2019s stopping you.\u00a0 You need to focus on your education or your career and don\u2019t have time to travel.\u00a0 Fair enough.\u00a0 Unless you\u2019ve been dragging out the same excuse for the past 10 years. \u00a0\u00a0If bike travel is a serious goal for you, make it a priority.<\/span><\/p>

Since our society doesn\u2019t prioritize travel, we have a tendency to put it on the back burner.\u00a0 Most people say they\u2019d love to travel more.\u00a0 Yet, they don\u2019t do it. \u00a0Why?\u00a0 Because they\u2019ve bought into the idea that extended travel is unobtainable.\u00a0 Sure, freelancers with high-paying jobs can travel round the world.\u00a0 And retirees with fat pensions can take off for a few years.\u00a0 But me?\u00a0 No way!<\/p>

I\u2019m here to tell you that you can.\u00a0 If you really want to.\u00a0 Choose 6 months in Southeast Asia over a flat screen TV.\u00a0 Give car-free living a try and see how big your bank balance has grown by the end of the year.\u00a0 Don\u2019t give in to fear mongerers who warn you that you\u2019ll never again be employable if you take time out for travel.<\/p>

Justin and Emma<\/a> took time out for a multi-year bike tour across Asia.\u00a0 They\u2019re now back in New Zealand–gainfully employed and enriched by their experiences abroad<\/a>.<\/p>

The Berg brothers of North Dakota<\/a> spent nine months cycling between Alaska and Argentina.\u00a0 Did a gap year throw a wrench in their futures?\u00a0 Absolutely not. \u00a0Youngest brother David is in his first year of college.\u00a0 Nathan is busy pursuing a career in music and big brother Isaiah is getting in shape for Marine Corps Officer Candidate School.<\/p>

Brits Becki and Matt set off with a toddler in tow for an 8-month bike tour and have settled back into life in Manchester. <\/a><\/p>

What\u2019s my point?\u00a0 People who take time out for cycle tours don\u2019t end up down and out in a homeless shelter once they return to \u201cnormal life.\u201d\u00a0 They earn degrees, find meaningful work and go on to raise families.<\/p>

You\u2019re Crazy!<\/h3>

Those closest to you may find the idea of extended travel absurd.\u00a0 They\u2019ll cart out the usual reasons why you should stick around not rocking the boat.<\/p>

It\u2019ll ruin your career.\u00a0 It\u2019s not good for the kids.\u00a0 Finish your education first.\u00a0 The world is a dangerous place beyond our borders<\/em><\/p>

Go ahead, listen.\u00a0 Then talk to someone who\u2019s experienced the magic of bicycle travel.\u00a0 Somebody like Martin or Pierette.<\/em><\/p>

For more inspiration, check out his photo gallery of happy, well-adjusted bike touring nomads we’ve met:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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