7 wise quotes from cyclist authors
and the times on my bike that brought them into my life
Keep my wheels going round and round, keep my bicycle on the ground, keep my tires full of air, bless and keep me everywhere. - Paul V. Stutzman, Biking Across America
I was solo touring the paved Western Maryland Rail trail after two jarring days on the C&O Canal Trail. Nearing the end of the afternoon’s blissful smooth cycling, the undeniable hiss of a rapidly deflating tire brought me to a stop. The pannier-laden bike’s back tire was pancake flat with a 2” gash.
I was focused on moving forward to a shower and soft bed. I booted the tire, replaced the tube, and rode on a prayer that the tire would hold for the fifty miles to a bike shop. I made it to the bike shop and replaced both tires. I adopted this prayer for the start of my touring day. Lord, Keep my tires full of air.
I’ll call it “Stockholm bike touring.” The victim is so grateful to the day’s cycling for not inflicting intolerable pain that it becomes mildly pleasurable. - Mick Dolan, Travels with Surly
The most memorable times on a bike tour are the most difficult. My introduction to bicycle touring was with my friend Chuck. We were virgin bike tourists. We overcame obstacles, gained touring knowledge, and understood each other better as the miles passed under our tires.
Every aspect of our days was well planned, at least we thought. This day was hot with long cycling. Water became nonexistent. Campsites were full. We cycled to our campsite in darkness after many bonus miles, a memorable introduction to touring on a bike. A Stockholm touring day it was!
I consider myself a tourist who likes to cycle – not a cyclist who likes to tour. - Mick Dolan, Travels with Surly
I toured by bike in a variety of ways over the years. I have seen many styles in fellow bicycle tourists from the fast and furious to stop-and-smell-the-roses. Touring is doing what you want, going where you want, and cycling the miles and speed that make you happy.
I joined friends on a leisurely 20-30 mile-a-day tour around Lake Constance through Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Each morning we stopped for coffee and cycled through villages exploring gardens, museums, and farm markets taking in the local flavor. We were tourists who liked to cycle.
If you are overly worried about getting wet when cycling, you really should consider alternative methods of transport in the long run. - Andrew P. Sykes, Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie
There is an unwritten rule that no bike tour is complete without drenching and slogging in the rain. I have had more than my fair share. I welcome cooling rain on a sweltering day and curse it on a freezing day.
A year into rediscovering cycling, I chose a 150-mile 2-day Bike MS ride as a challenge. Day one was sunny cycling more than I ever imagined. The next morning threatened rain with dark clouds thickening as miles passed. I cycled the final ten miles in torrential rain, crossing the finish line a soaked happy victor.
The farther one travels the more one becomes aware of the extraordinary wealth of generosity and kindness that exists in the world. - Dervla Murphy, Full Tilt
I am a cyclist who happens to like solo touring. It gives me a chance to meet people. People are more apt to approach a lone cyclist than a group of cyclists and engage in conversation.
On the last night of a 7-day tour I rode in memory of a friend who passed away from cancer, a couple engaged me in conversation as I walked my bike into the hotel. We dined together that evening with delightful conversation. They insisted on paying my tab and donated to the charity. This story inspired me to share the extraordinary wealth of generosity and kindness.
There was a certain peace and quiet that I found only existed in the very early morning. - Ian Lacey, Half the World Away
I love cycling on a trail or country road just as the sun breaks the horizon. The air has a refreshing scent. Nature is awakening and welcoming me to a new day with the morning mist kissing me.
A friend and I were on a 20+ mile climb into the mountains. A rockstar cycling day was unfolding. Mother Nature was generous. Wildlife, mountains above, and the valley below treated us to views missed on fast downhill spins. Peace and quiet in the very early morning.
I realized why I traveled by bicycle. I wanted to be a part of the landscape, a member of each society encountered, rather than a spectator on a passing bus. Scott Zamek, - One More Horizon
Most people will not experience the world at the speed of a bike. Interstates bypass the county roads, small towns, and the history they wrote. Cyclists trade in planes, trains, and automobiles for a bike to venture into this far more interesting world that the bus passes by.
Miles of rail trails and canal towpaths bring life to backroads and forgotten towns. Cycling historical pathways that built our nation allows me to step into a world of unspoiled lands and hospitality often absent in larger cities. I would rather be a part of this society rather than a spectator on a passing bus.
Learn more about the books and authors
Happy Trails!
Tom on the Trails
Your stories and the quotes make me happy!
Thank you Tom! I enjoyed reading your reflections on these cycling quotes.
Paula Bz.