I was reminded of the Yin and Yang of bicycle touring

Exploring the contrasting dynamics that influence my touring experiences.

Photo by author taken somewhere high above the Rhine in Germany

I watch Ohio to Erie Trail end-to-end tour videos to see cross-state tourists' diverse perspectives, styles, and experiences. Recently, It was Alexandra Jean’s reflections on her 326-mile solo tour. It caught my attention, being late in the Ohio bicycle touring season.

I connected with the video's subtle message of finding the silver lining by challenging negative thoughts. I find myself in similar situations on my tours. My goal for the week is to have fun and experience adventure. Negative preconceptions disappear when I put them in the past and focus on the positive aspects of the day.

Negative and positive thoughts on the bike speak to the Chinese concept of yin and yang. Yin represents negativity, whereas yang signifies positivity. These opposing forces complement each other by creating balance and harmony. A day on tour is about balancing the negative and positive to bring harmony to my pedaling.

I am sharing Alexandra’s thoughts that resonate with me and hold meaning. As she moves through her day, her perspective evolves, transitioning from yin (negative) to yang (positive). This shift cultivates a positive mindset, enhancing the enjoyment of any journey.

Yin: I am averaging eight miles per hour.
Yang: I have all day to enjoy the ride.

I often tour by bike to escape from my daily routines. But even on a bike tour, I can get caught up in schedules with an eye on the destination. The joy of touring lies in the journey, and everything in between. I ditch the clock-watching, embrace the moment, and savor every mile.

Yin: Did I plan enough for this day?
Yang: It’s a beautiful day.

I'm an over-planner and struggle to be comfortable in unexpected situations. I used to stress about missing details, but now I adapt and handle surprises as they come. I've managed this on every tour in the past. The only thing that counts is that it is a beautiful day regardless of how I foresaw it.

Yin: It is a mental challenge, not a physical challenge.
Yang: Start the day with anticipation. End the day with appreciation.

Even after many years, anxiety over miles, weather, and the unknown lingers. To quiet doubts, I anticipate the unknown at the start of the day. At the end of the day, I appreciate the experiences.

Yin: Morale is at an all-time low, but I must go on.
Yang: There is something unexpected around the corner to look forward to.

It's easy for my morale to dip when I wake to rain, cold, and aching muscles. I've learned to push through discomfort and doubt. A reward, a moment of beauty, or a sense of accomplishment always appears during the day.

Yin: What was I thinking of cycling this many miles?
Yang: I can do it. I must do it. I did it.

Some days, the miles drag on endlessly, testing my limits. I remind myself why I am doing this and the adventure ahead. Pushing through discomfort makes it worthwhile. Accomplishment at the end of the day makes it worth any pain and challenges.

Yin: Those hills were killers.
Yand: it was such fun. Nothing is better than coasting downhill.

I hate hills. I know many cyclists love them; but not me. I grumble the whole time I grind uphill. My mindset does a 180 at the crest. I begin coasting downhill like a kid head down with the wind whipping by. Hills often lead to more hills. I regrind and experience the thrill of the downhill.

Yin: Why in the hell am I doing this?
Yang: I was never happier seeing the finish line.

Frustration mounts when unforeseen issues arise on my meticulously planned first day. 'Why in the hell' voices get louder as challenges mount. I overcame the hurdles that day and the remaining days. By the final mile, frustrations of the moment fade, replaced by excitement.

Yin: Why can’t I let go?
Yang: This was one of my best days doing what I love.

I set out on tours to escape the demands of daily life and immerse myself in freedom and happiness. It’s difficult to detach from my responsibilities. My anxieties are rooted in my self-imposed imitations. As the miles roll, I remind myself to enjoy the moment and leave worries behind.

Yin: I don’t want to be on the bike anymore.
Yang: It's been a long couple of days, but I am having fun.

After a challenging day on the bike – battling rain, conquering climbs, and enduring long hours, negative thoughts creep in. These worst-day experiences often become the most memorable. Celebrating and overcoming challenges can be more rewarding than only celebrating the best days.

Touring is about balance.

Remember the yin and yang of touring: challenges are inevitable. Embrace them as part of the journey. While overcoming them might not always be easy or go as planned, the sense of accomplishment is always worth it.

By reframing negative thoughts and experiences as opportunities for growth, you deepen your passion for touring. This aligns with yin and yang – the interplay of opposing forces. Just as these forces push and pull, challenges on the bike evolve by embracing this philosophy of growth and transformation.

Alexandra's video powerfully demonstrates this concept. Watch it and reflect on your experiences. How have you faced similar challenges and found your path forward?"

Happy tours!