Like seeing the country? When I was a kid, my family took shoestring-budget road trips in the Summer; and we got to see quite a few of the USA’s national parks. We all loved it!

But do you find  it dissatisfying to have the scenery whiz past a car window at 55 mph — or even faster? Would you rather have time to look about you? What about touring by bicycle?

There are different “flavors” of bicycle touring. There are the fully supported kind, accompanied by motor vehicles that carry the riders’ everything-but-the-bicycles. At the other end of the bicycle touring spectrum come the self-supported tours that can last three months; cross the continent; and the participants carry everything: sleeping gear, cooking gear, and so on.

And that’s “only” organized tours. Some folks undertake their own tours. They ride at their own pace; and take “side trips” if they like. They can camp where they choose, or even take advantage of Warmshowers.

Naturally a prolonged bicycle tour means a touring bicycle. Such a bike must be sturdy enough to withstand days on end of riding, and be able to carry loads: panniers front and back; and bedroll on a rack behind the saddle. Don’t forget the handlebar bag for snacks; maps; camera — whatever you’ll need to get out quickly and frequently.

Especially make sure your touring bicycle has sturdy wheels. Don’t go for sparse-spoked, aerodynamic wheels now! A touring bike carries not only the rider; but all the rider’s gear. You might have to traverse rough ground, which is hard on wheels and tires. Does your planned trip include lots of climbing? A low-gear crankset won’t hurt.

As of January 2024, I’ve never taken a long bicycle tour. Yet I catch myself thinking that, if I ever relocate, it might be neat to make a big bicycle trip out of it!