Cycling through mid life rather than having a crisis has become the mantra of a growing number of baby boomers choosing bicycles rather than sports cars. Cycling holidays, especially in the over 50 demographic, is fueling an ever growing international tourism industry.
In the past five years, with helmets and cycling shoes included in our vacation packing, the question often is ” Why would you want to pedal up some mountain on a holiday?”
Here’s a secret. I love cycling and I hate cycling. It’s one of the best things that happened to me in my 50’s. There is a small problem however. I sweat more than an average football team. I huff and puff and gasp as if some bagpipe accordion combination gone mad while pedaling up hills.
How to pick a cycling holiday that’s right for you
The variety of cycling tours available continues to grow as more people discover this spectacular way to travel. Deciding on the type of tour to suit your experience and fitness level will help to make it the trip of a lifetime.
Guided tours take the guess work and the stress of navigating out of the equation. Having local guides who can speak the language, share history and information about the area and arrange meals and lodging means all that is necessary for you is the pedaling and gazing at the astounding scenery. The fact that they know first aid and are competent in the use of a defibrillator doesn’t hurt either.
A support vehicle accompanies the group so if fatigue sets in or a cyclist has had enough for the day the bike and cyclist can load up and sit back and relax. This my friends has made the difference for this boomer bicycle rider, whose lungs sound like they are doing some off key bag pipe pulmonary chorus. It’s not that I have used the support vehicle that often but the knowledge that it is there as back up keeps me pedaling.
Self guided cycling holidays are for the more adventurous and confident cyclists who feel they can get from point A to B with a map. Supported trips can be booked where guides can be called in case of mechanical or navigation issues. Lodging can also be arranged by the tour company.
For the strong and experienced cyclist, I silently detest, I mean envy, these people, an independent trip can be an exhilarating accomplishment. A cyclist of any age must assess their fitness, experience, emergency back up before proceeding on a cycling tour of any kind.
Why are cycling holidays popular with Baby Boomers?
Many people on cycling tours have been active all of their lives. Once running or hiking may have been the sport of choice however with time the knees and hips begin to complain about the incessant pounding. In my case I had been rock climbing for 15 years when the bike became far more appealing than taking long falls on cliff faces. Go figure.
On a bike those who love the open air and being on the go can pursue this without further damaging joints. The addition of electric bikes to tours opens up the possibility to this age group who may have never before considered cycling. Hills no longer are barriers for those on a powered bicycle.
Last fall in Italy one of the riders in our group had an electric bike. As J zoomed by me with her beautiful, sweat free hair blowing in the wind on many a Tuscan hill I had visions of losing my mind and pushing, I mean nudging, her into the ditch beside the cypress trees.
The sound of her battery powered electric bike as it sped by me with her cheerful greeting, ”On your left” made my eye twitch uncontrollably. It was either that or the sweat dripping into my eyes. One or the other.
In all seriousness it allowed J who had a recent knee injury to cycle beautiful Tuscany with her husband and friends on their long planned holiday. The electric bike will be there for me in the years ahead too.
What are some of the best locations of bicycle tours?
The possibilities are endless on all continents so be prepared that once you get on your bike you may be hooked and find yourself planning future cycling holidays for decades to come! Italy, with its beautiful vineyards, rolling hills, castles, not to mention amazing food and wine, is often a great spot to start.
Slovenia’s quaint and fairy tale like setting delighted us. The Picos de Europa in Spain challenged our fitness level. Let’s be honest here. In Spain the cows followed me in packs in hope of a lick off my permanently salt stained face. Did I mention that sweating problem? They were only outnumbered by the vultures circling me.
Cycling Turkey was a historical journey back in time. Peru is next on our list. At least I can blame the high altitude for any gasping.
Tips for the newcomer to cycling holidays
Get on your bicycle at home and get comfortable with cycling. Sounds simple enough but I have arrived on a trip where a fellow rider had done no training. She lasted half a day and after a nasty fall spent the rest of the trip in the support vehicle.
The more you train at home the more enjoyable your cycling vacation will be. Get comfortable with changing gears, doing hills (even if you must gasp and sweat like me, just watch out for cows and vultures), going downhill (many say this is harder than going uphill – not my experience but controlling speed can be frightening).
Do not decide to try clipless pedals on a tour. Having your cycling shoes attached to your bike adds to pedal power and it also requires practice to unclip in a timely manner when coming to a stop.
Most cycling tours try to keep you off main roads however there will be times you are riding with traffic. Getting used to the rules of the road, hand signals and the sound of vehicles, not to mention animals, beside you will keep you calm.
There is no polite way to say this. If you are squeamish stop reading. No matter how comfortable your bike seat is if you sit on it for 6-8 hours per day for days on end (pun intended), you may not want to sit anywhere for a very long time. Buy the best padded cycling shorts or pants you can find. Spare no expense here.
If you have a comfortable bike seat bring it with you. Wash your shorts after each day. Girls bring some vaseline and I don’t mean hand lotion.
Eat, drink and sleep. Learn what your body needs for fuel when you cycle so that you can carry those healthy practices with you on tour.
My Top Tip for Enjoying a Cycling Holiday
Pick a tour that fits with your ability. You don’t want to sign up for the cousin of Tour de France if you are a beginner. Watch for words like ‘very hilly terrain’ and ‘for experienced riders’.
You do not need to be fast. I can not stress this enough for the enjoyment of your vacation. Constantly feeling like you are on the verge of some cardiac event is no way to vacation. I am typically the slowest rider on a cycling tour. Cycling holidays are not races, well not the ones we are on (see note above about not choosing the Tour de France).
Besides if you are at the back of the pack someone else will have refreshments organized by the time you arrive at the end of the day. If you are a fast rider and enjoy that, fantastic. If you are a slow rider and enjoy that, fantastic. You both paid the same money.
Do you think is a cycling vacation for you? Any other cycling tips to share?
Thanks for sharing. I am going mountain biking in Colorado springs for the memorial day weekend and really very excited. Great tips.
Have a wonderful time on your trip! In my days of rock climbing I passed through Colorado Springs and remember it as being beautiful countryside. Happy to share the tips!
Thank you Sue 🙂
I am not sure if I am sold on this yet or not. I think I prefer the eat, drink, sleep and travel part rather than the cycle part… unless it is the Netherlands and not too windy. Happy cycling, Cheryl
Cheryl although I have not cycled in the Netherlands I understand the tours there are fabulous and flat as a pancake. I think it would be a good spot to start actually. I’m pretty fond of the eating, drinking sleeping while traveling part too. 🙂
Thanks. I have a particular fondness for flat when cycling and did live there for a year and cycled tons, albeit a million years ago when I was in better shape. Think it would be ideal for families as well and family travel is our schtick these days.
Thanks for adding that as I have frequently been asked about cycling for families of which I have no experience. The Netherlands are on our bike radar. 🙂
How times have changed from our grandparents and parents’ days, but who could afford a faraway holiday in those days? 😛
Some of the best locations of bicycle tours can be found in my dreams.
The bicycle seat tips reminded me of the time we went horseback riding. My ‘date’ (this is during the stone-age) ended up with blisters the size of marbles. The silly fool wore bluejeans and nothing else underneath I later found out. :- 😀 😀
Tess my eyes are watering at the thought of your date. I cracked up at your reference to the Stone Age. Hopefully a stray pterodactyl didn’t leap out to spook the horse. 🙂
Cycling holidays can be done close to home for less cost and certainly doing it non guided would decrease the cost. I agree though this is very different from generations previous in my experience.
Yeah. People retired, spent a little time in a rocking chair and never left home. 😮 🙁
The world is definitely now so much more accessible isn’t it Tess?
Yup. People can afford to travel more.
I have yet to try a cycling tour Sue, but I would love to do so at some point. I am certain it would be a fabulous way to see the sights! When do you leave for Peru?
I think you would love a cycling holiday Lynn. One thing I didn’t add was all the wonderful friends you meet.
We leave for Peru the second week of June. I can’t believe how quickly the date is coming up! Any plans for trips for you this summer?
Yes, I am certain I would love it! No definite plans. My friend from Cochrane is driving home for a 4-6 wk stay so am considering doing the drive back with her in July & visiting for a bit before returning to Ontario. Will keep you posted:)
Oh definitely keep me posted! We are around most of July and August. I will keep my fingers and toes crossed. 🙂
Will do! It would be wonderful to be able to connect in person!
It definitely would Lynn. I very much look forward to the possibility. 🙂
I can see what you mean about clipless pedals! I just started using them, it’s a bit terrifying to start with! 🙂
It took me a solid year to feel comfortable. I will admit to having two nasty falls. Luckily I didn’t get seriously hurt just shaken up. Now it seems as natural as riding itself. Good luck with it and definitely well worth using clipless pedals in the long run.
Thank you! 🙂
Thank you for the laugh, Sue. I could picture vultures circling your head. I love to bicycle. My problem is, no one else wants to join me, so I ride alone most of the time, but that’s okay because I’m used to exercising alone or with strangers surrounding me, whether it’s at the gym, taking a walk or bicycling.
Good for you Donna Jean to get out there even if it is on your own. cycling is something we will be able to do for a very long time.
Happy to provide a laugh. There really were vultures in Spain. A bit disconcerting. 🙂
These are great tips! I admire your fitness – me? Maybe a 5 mile ride will do. Cardiac issues and falling glucose… Beautiful photos!!!
John I am always preaching that getting on a bike at whatever speed for however long is fantastic. It’s why my last point comes across so strongly. I think sometimes people feel intimidated, I know I did when I started cycling. My message is it’s all great.
Thank you for the kind feedback. Some of our favorite photos over the years.
Very interesting post. I have never been a strong cyclist so I don’t think I will take it up now that I am in my 50s. I do like it but on short distance. Also, as I like to take pictures, I find that on a bicycle it becomes more difficult as you have to stop too often. I think I still prefer hiking to cycling; it does allow for an easier picture taking format. (Suzanne)
Suzanne it might be of interest to you that I ahd not been in a bike in decades until my late forties. A friend suggested a cycling holiday to Italy and that is how it all began. vI will admit Dave does most of the photos on these trips. I sometimes use it as an excuse to stop. 🙂
Ow, ow, ow! Okay, I can’t say that enough. Ow! I love to be active but after spending one day on a bicycle about thirty years ago, my desire to pedal the countryside was permanently cured. Your “Vaseline” tip just cemented my resolve. If I’m going to sightsee from two wheels, it’ll be from the cushy saddle of a motorcycle. Or I’d be pleased to drive the support vehicle while everybody else labours and sweats…
P.S. What a funny post – I love your sense of humour! 🙂
Diane I am laughing out loud at your comment. Without getting too graphic, let’s say getting used to that bike seat is a bit like breaking in your hiking boots.
I love the drivers of the support vehicle. They tend to swoop up beside my red faced, gasping , almost stalled self and repeatedly say in some lovely foreign accent, ” Suuueeee….Are you okaaaayyy?” I think you would be great at that job. 🙂
Happy to make you laugh. That made my day.
I’m so impressed by your mental and physical strength. being able to get back on a bike seat after a day sounds already like a miracle to me. This is also inspiring, and thanks for that. Reading that you’ve started quite late (no offense), it can give hope to all of us that didn’t shine with sports during their teenagers years 😉
Have you ever been scared of not being able to cycle until the end ? Or are you starting with confidence and good spirit?
During my moment of crisis I stopped driving, stopped buying things, rented a garden plot, and started working on my “Bucket List”. I did buy a bicycle and I now ride everywhere. I enjoyed your post, my next adventure is a long distance tour.
Charlie I love the sounds of your lifestyle shift. I would have never dreamed a holiday on bicycle could be so different than any other way of travel. the hills are hard for me but the benefits of exploring a country on two wheels and speaking with locals at the side of the road far outweighs any discomfort.
Great post, you had me in stitches! Sadly, my cycling days are over (poor balance and muscle fatigue the culprits) …..but I have fond memories of cycle tours years ago. I shall just enjoy reading your posts about your latest adventures!
Sue I am smiling at the thought of you having a few chuckles while reading. Thank you kindly.
I am glad to hear your memories of trips in the past are positive ones. For now then I will take you on my bike, albeit virtually. A pleasure to have you ride along. You can cheer in my ear. 🙂
I will! But there’s always the risk I make you laugh, and topple off the bike ?
Laughing is always good. We will just pull over and have a giggle. It will be a great excuse for a rest.
Of course we will! ?
I could have seen myself doing this when I was in my 50s! Sounds fun and invigorating! 😀
Thank you Linda. I love the cycling holidays 90 percent of the time. I’m not so fond of that gasping part but a small price to pay for the adventure as a whole. I’m happy to have you sit on my handlebars, albeit virtually.
I appreciate you letting me ride along! Get me off your handlebars and you wouldn’t have to huff and puff! 😆
Haha well that could be true. Thanks for the smile. 🙂
You had me at “cows and vultures.” 😕 We once rented bicycles on Martha’s Vineyard, and went for a 30 mile trip down to the coast and back. I hadn’t been on a bike for over 40 years, but I managed okay, except when we had to actually ride through the town next to other vehicles. That made me very nervous, and I know i wobbled quite a bit, every time I sensed a car coming up behind me. Strangely enough, I don’t remember having a numb bum afterwards. 😀
Sylvia it sounds to me like you had a great seat on your bicycle if your butt was aok after that length of ride. I agree very much that riding in traffic takes some getting used to so as to ride confidently. Add some cows and vultures and one’s concentration really takes a beating. 🙂
beautiful post as always, Sue! awesome destinations for cycling tours! thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you so much Lola. Yes many wonderful spots to get on two wheels on this planet of ours. 🙂
I wish so bad I didn’t have a bad neck as I can’t ride for more than a few miles hunched over. I think it is wonderful that so many baby boomers are taking us such a healthy sport!!
Nicole I remember you mentioning about your neck and agreed that is too bad. I am happy to take you with me in the virtual sense. In turn I am enthralled by the trips you do for social good and the amazing parts of the world you travel to.
Wonderful post! The hubs and I are saving for some bikes this year so we can switch up our outdoor activities…hiking 5 miles or biking 20.
This might be TMI, but may I ask what would the Vaseline be for? I have some guesses in my head but I don’t exactly want to fall off the seat either if I didn’t place the Vaseline just right! =)
Happy to answer. The vaseline is put on the skin in the genital area and then your padded bike shorts on top. The friction of the bike seat on your ‘bottom’ over time combined with the sweat can be irritating for the skin. If the skin breaks open then one really has a situation. Changing one’s position on the seat frequently, standing up and pedaling too, also helps.
I hope that wasn’t more information than you wanted. 🙂
That’s what I was thinking it was for but haven’t been cycling for that distance. Thank you for answering honestly!! =)
Happy to help. If you have any other questions feel free to email at traveltalesoflife@gmail.com
In 1970 when I was 16 together with some pals we joined the Youth Hostels Association (YHA) and set off on a bike ride to the Derbyshire Peak District. My mum didn’t want me to go, our bikes were old and heavy, we had no lycra or helmets and we carried all of our luggage in panniers and saddlebags. It was really hard work. That week cured me of wanting to be a cyclist! In 1971 I didn’t renew my membership!
Well it doesn’t sound like you exactly had the right equipment Andrew. Imagine a lighter bike, not having ot carry your gear, a noggin protector and the promise of cold beer and fabulous food at the end of each day. Have I convinced you?
Not a flicker!
Well it was worth a try. 🙂
Thanks, Sue, for this highly interesting article. Tell you what I like very much about bicycling? It’s shown in your last picture! 😉 As the saying goes, “Some people eat to ride, we ride to eat!” 😉
Safe bicycling,
Pit
Oh this is the part I do live indeed Pit. I eat like mad on these trips. I just have to look at my bike and I am starving immediately. The food is delicious and I love these picnics for lunch the guides often come up with. It’s wonderful motivation to keep pedaling I think. 🙂
I agree.
As far as I’m concerned, there isn’t a pair of cycling shorts in the world that can make a bike seat – any bike seat – comfortable after 2-3 hours 🙂
I doubt I will ever go on a cycling trip again. Gilles and I are simply too different in our ability levels and what cycling means to us. For him, it’s all about training to race – and race hard. I had suggested I get an e-bike so I could ride with him but he looked at me like I had 2 heads :/
Great pictures …but the second last one showing the climb in Spain left me gasping. I think I would cry 😉
Joanne Dave and I have incredibly different speeds. He rides with me a lot of the time, the long suffering soul. But the great thing about these trips is there is always a guide at the back. So he can go zoom off ahead and I chit chat my way along with the guide. I think an e-bike will be great for me one day. I laughed out loud at the ‘two head’ comment.
Without being too graphic I would have to say that it seems the more cycling one does the less of a problem the seat issue is. I guess one needs to train from the bottom up so to speak. 🙂
Cracking up- I’m a sweaty rider too. The cows and vultures would be so confused trying to figure out which of us to go after! I definitely want to try a cycling vacation but don’t think my Dave will be on board. Pretty sure I can get a couple of friends to do it though. Do you bring your own bike or use one provided by the tour company?
Sue we always rent bikes. It seems like quite the procedure to bring one’s own. I have cows and vultures to worry about, let alone dogs and goats, so I don’t need anything else on my mind. 🙂
Lol! I was thinking it would be a hassle to bring your own bike overseas so glad to hear renting is an option. So how many miles do you usually go a day?
Well it’s in kilometres and that ranges from 35-90. Of course whether it’s flat or with three mountain passes it makes quite a difference. That’s why really getting an understanding of the difficulty before signing up is a good idea.
My wife and I are talking about starting a touring company in the near future… Great post Sue and fantastic tips.
Oh that sounds like an excellent idea Jim. I think it’s a huge market out there waiting to be tapped. Thanks for the kind feedback on the post. That means a lot to me.
That last photo appeals to me. Can’t I go straight to cacktails?
Absolutely. I think you would make a great cheerleader in the support vehicle. I can only imagine the stories you would be telling the driver! 🙂
That’s a nice thought but to tell you the truth I wish I had the fitness to be on the bike. Your cycling holidays look spectacular. I have a little issue with my wrists at the moment and my bike is sitting idle in the garage. 🙁
Oh I am very sorry to hear about your wrists Carol. I hope you are able to get back on the bike soon. Hugs and healing wishes across the miles.
Hugs and wishes gratefully received. I will be posting about it next week. <3
Great post…loved it!! Love your sense of humor!!!
Kirt that made me smile. Always good when someone gets the jokes. 🙂 Much appreciated.
Not for this old lady. That’s my one regret, I should have learned to bike as a kid, now it is too late. But your journal is very informative.
Well you can ride along with us via the blog. 🙂 Thanks so kindly.
wow – electric bikes – who knew? – and interesting that you note they have a buzz sound – very cool option for those who need it (or who might want ti later – as you note) – anyhow, really interesting tips and nice glimpse into this area – 🙂
One of the great things about electric bikes is you can pedal on your own and then they kick in when the hills appear, thus the little buzzing sound. Happy to share some of the spots that we have loved, and some that I have hated, well just for a bit. 🙂
I also wanted to just say that a nice takeaway form this = which applies to almost any type of trip == is this:
“Constantly feeling like you are on the verge of some cardiac event is no way to vacation.”
well said
I am smiling at that pick up. Yes it really takes away from an enjoyable experience. 🙂
🙂
Great article Sue. There’s no better way to explore than by bike. You really do see things that completely pass you by in a car or a train. I’m not a fan of the organised tour but love making my own way day by day. The best ever one was last year when we cycled around Lake Konstanz in Southern Germany. Eight days of absolute bliss. It really was one of the most amazing things I have ever done. Recommended to anyone.
I totally agree that on a bike I have had some of the most interesting experiences of my travels. The chats with the locals, the smell of the flowers, the sound of the call to prayer echoing over the Turkish countryside. Hard to beat.
Good for you to do the cycling independently. It sounds like you had an amazing trip. How was the topography?
While a cycling vacation isn’t for me, I can see the appeal and adventure. I can’t imagine trying to carry my camera gear on a bicycle. I also sweat my own great salt lake every time I move. Between the side effects of one of the meds I am on and the fact that my internal thermometer is mis-wired, all I have to do is think about physical activities and I start to sweat.
It sounds like you have some challenges and I appreciate your sense of humor very much. I love your phrase ‘sweat your own salt lake’.
When on our bikes we only carry point and shoot cameras, basically something that will fit in a cycling jersey. It does make everything more challenging on two wheels. 🙂
Ummm, I’m thinking this is definitely not for me. Your photos look fabulous but I think I’ll stick to walking those hills and mountains. I’d rather have sore knees than a sore butt. ???
I am afraid I may have scared people off with that section on how to protect your butt. Walking and hiking is a wonderful way to see the countryside obviously. The bike just allows more of it. 🙂
???
Your cycling vacations look very fun, Sue. And who cares if you are the slowest rider in the pack always – all of you are going to see the same sights and end up at the same place 🙂 I would love to join you but I do not cycle…never able to balance myself writing a bike, sadly. Perhaps one day. And on the topic of sweating, I sweat a lot too when I too strenuous activity under the sun 😀
Welcome to the sweat club Mabel. 🙂 Does your face turn bright red too? I look as though I might explode at any given moment even when I don’t feel that way. Oh well.
You are absolutely right that the speed just doesn’t matter. Enjoying the sights and the experience is the important thing.
Actually, if I do strenuous exercise for twenty minutes or more, I go quite red, like a tomato. I suppose that is what you look like. It was worse when I was a kid and some people thought that was a sign I was overexerting myself.
Oh Mabel I constantly have people asking if I am all right due to my red faced sweaty look. 🙂
Every time I see some crazy foreign tourist cycling here in Tasmania I shake my head and think of you and Dave. I admire your courage and your adventurous spirits but I shall stick to the lovely serenity of a rental car 🙂 But if hear of any crazies wanting to do cycle tours I shall refer them to this excellent post (had quite a few giggles) 🙂
Cycling is healthy sport, and I can see why you enjoy it and as well hate it 😀 I was cycling to work before and always hate the moment when the weather was not friendly to cyclist, like rains and Dutch winds..But back to enjoy the cycling when the weather was pleasant 🙂
The scenery for holiday cyclists is impressive! Thanks for the insight of cycling holiday tour, sounds an interesting one!
Haha! I feel you Sue, these are the same exact sentiments that I have although you keep going at it and I stopped after 1 try…haha…but the one time I did a cycling tour, I was the last one trailing behind everyone else, panicked at cycling on the major roads and oh the sweat! I looked like a drowned cat at the end of the 3 hour tour where I just wanted to collapse and not move till the next day but good that you still kept on…I think I shall keep to walks instead… Hahaha….:)
Sha the first time out I often the hardest. One doesn’t know what to expect and yes that feeling of panic at being at the back of the pack. I laughed at your description of looking like a drowned cat. 🙂
Lol, yes…but everytime I think of trying again, I think back on this one tour and I choose something else instead…haha..perhaps one day soon…perhaps. ..?
I think you just need to get back on the horse, or the bike. 🙂 I hope the next experience is much better Sha.
Terry and I have always talked about doing a cycling trip somewhere in Europe. My concern has always been the hilly terrain. We love to bike but I would not consider myself a serious cycler. Perhaps a little training is in order? Thanks for this information post Sue.
LuAnn definitely training will make your trip far more pleasurable. Although I have not been to the Netherlands I understand the flat terrain makes for a good spot to start on such a cycling trip. I appreciate your kind feedback as always. 🙂
Thanks Sue for the Netherlands tip. 🙂
As I say no personal experience but I have heard that from quite a few different people. I’m afraid LuAnn you might get bored without some mountain to hike up on a rest day. 🙂
You might be right about that! 🙂
There in lies the dilemma. I love the challenge and I hate the challenge. 🙂
I’m right there with you! When we started our 11-mile trek yesterday both Terry and I looked at each other and said “I’m not sure I am up for this.” But we wanted to see what lie ahead so up we when, and we weren’t sorry.
Yes it’s always such a great feeling of satisfaction at the end. What’s a little gasping here or there? 🙂
Or a lot! 😉
🙂
I’m into some other sports more than cycling, so if I was to do a trip, I’d have to do some serious preparation, both physical and shopping for appropriate shorts 🙂
Good one! Yes some shopping for the proper equipment is in order. 🙂
This is simply awesome, cycling holidays and the choice of locations…the beautiful scenes, the full submission of self – rest on the bed and the sumptuous array of snack and the drink, it is tempting…I can keep cycling and why not if these are there to drive you after the cycling.
Lovely post!!!
Thank you for your most generous comment Nihar. Cycling holidays are both invigorating and exhausting. Overall a fabulous adventure.
I have tried few short distance cycling and I know it needs good amount of stamina and you just cannot do unless you keep practicing…
Nihar definitely training for it makes a big difference. However hopping on a bicycle for a short leisurely ride is great for the mind and body too. 🙂
Walking and Cycling such wonderful way to keep us fit and healthy…
Top of it it activates our thinking cells sleeping .
😀
Yes indeed Nihar. Good to wake up one’s mind and body!
Great article on this but I think I would have a lot of training to do before heading out on the road. The photo of you on the bed might be what I would look like every night.
That photos was taken on our very first cycling trip. I really was quite unprepared and nervous besides. Yes some good training and looking for a beginner easy trip would be my best suggestions.
Sue, I smiled the whole way through reading this! I don’t know which part was my favorite…the cows, the vultures, the Vaseline or the lady with the perfectly-coiffed hair on the electric bike!
I give you my highest accolades for taking cycling trips because it looks like a super way to see the countryside and to get a great workout!
As always, your posts are so informative, helpful and make me dream of my next adventure!
Cheers to you!
*Lia
Lia you have made my day dear friend. I am delighted that you enjoyed the post and had a smile. Always happy to inspire the ideas of adventures and travel. We hope to be cycling our way around the world for many years to come. 🙂
I’d love to have your enthusiasm, Sue, and a sense of balance would be a welcome asset. The thought of padded knickers, however, not to mention the Vaseline… not the most glamorous of activities 🙂 Next time a cyclist goes past me in the slick gear I shall be closely examining their rear end 🙂
But I do envy you Peru…
Jo I am afraid my post has left some vivid images in readers minds. 🙂 I will take you with me to Peru, albeit virtually. You can cheer loudly from my handlebars and perhaps from time to time you could hand me a towel to wipe the sweat off my face. 🙂
A very enjoyable post Sue, I laughed a lot. I think I’ll save biking holidays for later, the vaseline part always throws me off..hehe:) I am already looking forward to posts from Peru. Is it put on the schedule yet? Peru was my favourite country when backpacking South America. Since you live 1000 meter above sea level the 3-4000 meters in Peru should be a piece of cake you! 😉
I certainly hope you are right about the altitude in Peru. At one point we get as high as 14,000 feet so it could be interesting. I’m not sure what to expect as far as Wifi so the posts will come as we are able. I chuckled at your avoidance of cycling for now. I’m afraid that Vaseline tip threw quite a few people off the idea. 🙂
this is very challenging yet so rewarding 🙂
You have captured it perfectly Joshi. These cycling holidays can have their challenges but the benefits of traveling this way far outweigh that. Than kyou.
Thank you for the kind words. Much appreciated.
Cycling holidays are definitely fascinating. Just enjoyed reading your post, thanks for sharing.
Happy to share it with you! Tahnk you for visiting and taking the time to comment. Much appreciated.
Cycling and vacation – great idea. In March we spent our Holiday in Funchal, Madeira and there were a lot of Holiday bikers. Although there the terrain is very steep! We admired very much. If You have newer been there, it is a paradise for challenging bikers.
We have not been there and it sounds like some challenging terrain! We are headed to Peru to cycle and hike in one month. I think the altitude will be quite a challenge. Thank you so much for you comment.
Hello Miss Sue!
You look great!
My sweet, sweet man and I have taken up bike riding. We enjoy it. In fact we love it!
but… hmmm…hmmm… a vacation bike ride? It looks like a blast…. ya neva know!
I may look into an electric one… I would do that for sure for a vacation bike ride!
That’s great news Nancy and so glad you are enjoying it. Yes an electric bike is definitely an option on many tours. It opens up such experiences to many who might not attempt it otherwise.
I don’t know for sure if you saw that Matt Lauer from the Today Show is doing a bike ride for the charity event Red Nose Day. He is using Bike Guides like you spoke of. He is riding from Boston to NYC. The Bike Guides made the route for him. I just had to share that with you! 🙂
I did catch some of that on the news. Good for him and good coverage for cycling as a sport. I’m sure the guides will be happy with that kind of coverage too. 🙂
What a special trip! I like the photo from Piedmonte – fantastic part of Italy – good wine and delicious food 🙂 But you know that very well! Hava a nice weekend. Kamila
Kamila that Piedmont photo is one of my favorites too. Those fields of poppies were incredible. The joy of riding beside them has not left me. Wishing you a lovely weekend too!
Excellent post once again Sue. Your photos here are awesome and emphasize just how many beautiful places in this world you have biked to. I heard myself chuckling as I read, but when I came to the cows and vultures, I just burst out with a big guffaw. Thanks for the morning entertainment today. 😀
You are most welcome Jet. I am always amused by the animals that one meets at the side of the road. Well save for the dogs that try to snack on my ankles. The vultures really did circle in Spain. It’s how I learned they actually don’t land until you stop breathing. 🙂
Jude sent me – Hub and I are Baby Boomer bicyclists and your post nails it all ( I am sweating profusely right along with you; i’m definitely not the glamour babe on the ride OR post ride!!). We’ve taken multiple bike tours in the States and Europe and loved every one of them. We’re planning a bike and barge for 2016. After Hub recovers from knee replacement.
The only reason to love biking vacations you forgot to mention … Burning calories to compensate for the delicious cuisine and locally-sourced libations when traveling. It’s the only way to survive the food fest extravaganzas (not to mention those sag wagons carry the BEST snacks!)
I am grateful for your visit Sammy and for Jude sending you on to us. Glad to hear you can relate to the sweaty red face look. I wish your husband speedy healing so you both can be back on the bikes soon again. Your trip in 2016 sounds marvelous. What location will you be barging and biking through?
We are off to Peru in 4 weeks on a cycling hiking tour. Then we are on to the Galapagos for four days. I may need you to give an extra push, albeit virtually, in those high altitudes!
Awesome as always Super Woman!!! 😀
BTW have you been in a town called Pedemonte which I believe is in Veneto…
My sources come from there as my Family name is Pedemonte… And how neat that in the first photograph it says> “Piedmont Italy”… I will take that as a subtle mention, as well… Love and all the best, dear Sue. Aquileana :star:
Yes were were but not a photo to be had it seems. That would have been fabulous ot share with you.
I am definitely no superwoman just lots of determination. 🙂
Filing all that away for future reference….. (If I can convince the Husband to let me go off on my own again. This is not his cup of tea/coffee/gatorade.)
I spent a lot of years thinking it wasn’t mine either. It’s the great thing about a support vehicle being available you can change your mind hour to hour. 🙂
Much as I enjoy your posts about cycling holidays this is not an option I’ve considered…until now! Electric bikes are available?? This opens up new possibilities?
Isn’t that incredible? It really does make the possibility of such a trip a reality for so many more.
As you know I love cycling tours and I’m not a daily rider. I enjoy the whole thing, making new friends, the different countryside, the fresh air and doing something physical while on holiday. I love the adventure. On our most recent cycling and sailing tour in Croatia I had had my appendix out just before we left and my ebike was a blessing. My husband is a good rider and it allowed us both to do the same tour in our own way. Thanks for your informative post – you are an inspiration Sue!
Deb I remember your surgery prior to your trip. What a perfect example of an e-bike being the perfect answer! Thanks you for sharing the reasons you love the cycling holidays and for your most generous words. Much appreciated!
My pleasure Sue! I love popping by to see what you’re up to.
Always delighted to have you visit. We are off to Peru in a few weeks. We will see how cycling at high altitude goes. 🙂
That sounds good! Look forward to reading all about it.
Thanks Deb!
I’ve been hoping you would write a post on vacation cycling tips, Sue. This is perfect…and funny!
Well done you, to me… Looks like hell. I’d be the one driving the support van, setting up camp, finding the best pubs, not riding. Lol! My bro & his wife (both professional cyclists) would think this is the only way to holiday. 🙂
Anna I think it goes to show that the definition of holiday is very different for folks. I’d be happy to have you in the support vehicle and yes please seek out those pubs too. 🙂
I have been drawn to adventure cycling lately. although very active with hiking, now I’m contemplating to cycling trips. I’m looking forward to doing manali -leh circuit next year, which is one of the top routes. I agree with you that cycling is a big draw. In my youth I would cycle almost 30-50 km a day (in separate trips) but I’m completely off that now. people like you are a big inspiration!
Thank you for the kind feedback. I’m no super star cyclist but I have learned one does not have to be the fastest or strongest cyclist to have a great time. It sounds like you have a great deal of experience cycling. Wishing you all the very best ahead.
thanks sue! getting time out for cycling is becoming difficult especially when you don’t want to barter it with any other outdoor activity! But then cycling has its own attraction! 🙂
Hard to fit in all the fun things one likes to do. Enjoy!