Cycling around the world
We all would love to go cycling around the world, but life has a way of putting obstacles in the way. Most of us will never go cycle touring around the world. You can choose to see that as a terrible thing, or you can accept the reality of the situation, and do the best you can. For me, that means to go on a gentle adventure.
Gentle adventure
What’s a gentle adventure? Oh, it could be any one of a million different things – the choice of which is mostly up to you. In my case, a gentle adventure is cycling the Somerset Circle, or the Kennet and Avon Canal cycle route. Canal cycling is gorgeous, and mostly flat. Provided the towpath is in decent shape, it’s gorgeous leisure cycling. Probably the biggest risk you’d be faced with would be that of falling in the canal. Unpleasant as that may be (ask my mate Dom about it) in the greater scheme of things it isn’t exactly up there with being eaten by a pack of hungry lions, now is it?
Look at your life as it is right now. You’re probably working most days. Weekends might be taken up with chores, and family responsibilities. That means you end up feeling as if though you never get a break. As if you never get to escape, even if only for a short while. There’s a famous saying: Outside your comfort zone is where the magic happens. It’s true. We are all at risk of getting stuck in the same old rut, day in, day out, year in, year out.
Escape
Well, you can have that escape! Even if only for a short while. And believe me, it will put the wind back into your sails! The best, and easiest way is to load up your bike, and head off on a gentle adventure.
There are no limits (or restrictions!) on how far, or how long it has to be, but you should stay overnight for at least one night. Are you seriously telling me that your life is so flat-out busy that you cannot get even a single night away, leaving late afternoon, and returning early in the morning?
Some people have caring responsibilities, some are single parents (especially those with young kids) so it’s true: not everyone can escape even for just a night. However, most of us can, and if you can, you really, really should! Use what you already have! When Robyn Jankel (follow her on Twitter, as she’s awesome) decided to cycle the Trans Pennine Trail, she did so on a bike that many would have said was somehow “not the right bike”. And she did it with what’s definitely not a bicycle trailer. And she did it in heels! (Told you she’s awesome, didn’t I?)
Use what you have
Go off on a gentle adventure with the bike you already have. I strongly urge you to go camping – sleeping in nature is just so much better for us. Of course you can book into a hotel or B&B, should you so prefer. If you go camping, don’t for a minute think you need to spend £1000s on camping gear. I’m very proud of the fact that my little tent is now around 10 years old, and cost me £11 at Tesco! Equally, if you can afford it, and want to, then go right ahead and buy an £800 expedition-quality 1-person tent. Don’t let anyone make you somehow feel ashamed of that. This is your gentle adventure, so the only rules that apply are the ones you set for yourself.
Decide on a route to take, and consider the logistics. Do you cycle away from your front door, catch a train (yes, with your bike), of get dropped somewhere? Then go and have an adventure! Be free! You will come back physically tired, but otherwise completely refreshed, and with a huge grin on your face!