Bicycle Touring – The Ups and the Down From the Saddle

By Lauren Greenfield

So just what is a bicycle tour and why might one ever attempt one?  On Sunday, my partner and I, after many months of discussing, set out for our first bike tour. together.  Surly Long Haul Truckers were the bikes of choice, complete with racks and packs, lights and tights. WE packed for weather, often starting in the early morning before temperatures rose above 50, heat, knowing that a couple of the stretches had us riding more than 50 miles with no services, including water, and comfort, ususally after temps had tipped the 85 degree mark.  Each day following saddle time would end with shower, clean clothes, fabulous food, beer and a bed. In our 50s, we opted for the “credit card” comfort of motels rather than the extra weight of tents, cookstoves and an abundance of food.

Our tour was only four days – as much as either of us was able to sneak away from the reality of work, teenagers and life.  But we packed it in – nearly 200 miles and 12,000 feet of climbing brought some memorable moments: Dipping our feet in the Colorado river while watching the fishermen cast their lines, families accelerating up the loose gravel to Strawberry Hot Springs, peering out their window with that “oh – those crazy bikers” look on their faces; considering powdered milk for our coffee – but opting out after reading the “best by” date of May 2014; Antler Crafts in McCoy, Colorado, where antlers adorn the exterior of this “tiny” store; making a campfire while gazing across the river and eating well deserved chocolate; guessing which way the road might go after that seventh (or was it eighth?) hairpin turnin the road; stopping to rest at the base of descent . . . Because my arms/hands are tired from braking (and beaten up by washboards); stopping on the side of the road to make a PB & J.  And truly enjoying it.  Waking up in the middle of the night to the train . . . . Four times!

The big picture, however, is much different.  Arriving each day by human power provides a sense of accomplishment.  Whether 30 miles or 60, carrying 62+ pounds (bike + gear) is a feat in itself.  Bike touring stimulates the senses – the smell of the sweet grass, the sights, the sounds – of birds, dogs, and sometimes even some cards – and the feeling of the road under your tires and your legs pushing to reach the top of that mountain. While this was my first self-supported bike tour in Colorado, I think back to what brought me to CO so many years ago . . . .a bike tour!  And I still have so many roads to ride, places to go . . . .