One-day more on a tour
Another night here would have been perfect. Next time, for sure.
One of the things I love about bicycle touring is the planning before the wheels hit the road. My analytical mind loves pre-trip planning. I try to resist the urge to schedule every waking moment. The best adventures often happen by chance.
Retirement has given me more time for bike tours but fitting them in is still challenging. I remember how busy my work and family lives were in my pre-retirement years. It’s now just as busy but about the things I love, trails and touring on my bike.
I find a block of time, usually a week, and plan how the bike tour will come to life. The number of miles and hours I want to spend on the bike drives the planning. I keep in mind that this is a tour and not a ride. It is about everything in between and not the start and destination.
I keep in mind that this is a tour and not a ride. It is about everything in between and not the start and destination.
My Garmin and Ride with GPS route keeps me on track, but I often miss opportunities to be spontaneous. Too frequently, I wish I had stopped talking to that person, walked through that small town, or took a scenic detour. I tell myself, Next time, for sure.
I'm not the only one struggling with this. I hear similar stories from other bike tourists. The pace of cycling differs from driving where estimating time, distance, and speed is more precious and crucial. My tendency to underestimate these factors often leads to more "next times" and fewer "these times.”
I've become more skilled at budgeting bike tours, meaning I'm enjoying more "these times." A simple solution is to add a free day, one day more. Cyclists tend to be pressured to stay on schedule covering the planned miles every day. Is this due to time constraints, or is it driven by pride, a desire for validation, or human nature?
Two self-guided bike tours in Europe inspired me to change my time budgeting. The tour operators included rest days in charming, bike-friendly towns and cities. This allowed me to wander wherever my curiosity led, whether on two wheels, on foot or by public transportation. These days created many lasting memories.
One day mores
Beyond the miles, a bike tour is an opportunity for exploration. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or love the outdoors, adding an extra day allows you to delve deeper into the local color and culture along your route.
Let me inspire you to add an extra day to your next bike tour. Here are a few examples along the Ohio to Erie Trail that would make memorable additions to a cross-Ohio journey.
European flavor: Ohio's industrial and agricultural past attracted many European immigrants, leaving their cultural imprint throughout the state. Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and the neighboring Covington and Newport showcase their Germanic heritage. Columbus' Italian and German Villages offer charming neighborhoods with vibrant entertainment scenes. Cleveland's diverse Eastern European heritage is evident throughout the city.
Brewery trail hops: Ohio's thriving craft beer scene offers a diverse range of brews for enthusiasts along the trail. From cities to small towns like Mount Vernon, Xenia, Millersburg, and Massillon, visitors can enjoy unique brewpub experiences that reflect the region's heritage and the passion of local brewers.
Museums and the arts: Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati boast diverse museums for many interests. For a unique experience, consider visiting Cincinnati's National Underground Railroad Freedom Center or the American Sign Museum. Explore the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) or the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus. Cleveland offers the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center. These are just a few of the many fascinating museums these cities offer.
Sports: Ohio is home to numerous professional and semi-professional sports teams. If you're a soccer, baseball, football, or basketball enthusiast, consider extending your trip to catch a game. Cincinnati, Columbus, Akron, and Cleveland all have stadiums and arenas near the trail. Join the local fans and experience the excitement of a live game in person or at a dive neighborhood bar.
History: History enthusiasts travel the trail's railways and canals. Ohio's diverse urban and rural landscapes offer unique insights into how history has shaped the present. Small towns and cities have revitalized their historic downtowns and buildings. A particularly noteworthy historical look-back is Westerville's Anti-Saloon League Museum, which highlights its significant impact on the prohibition movement.
Natural wonders: The trail's shaded paths through rivers, creeks, forests, and farmlands offer a gateway to nature. Winding through local, county, state, and national parks, it offers a variety of outdoor activities including camping, hiking, cycling, and river sports. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, with its trails leading to waterfalls, scenic vistas, and natural experiences, is an ideal destination for those seeking a retreat into nature.
Good times: An often-overlooked extra day can be filled with local festivals, farmers markets, fireworks displays, holiday celebrations, First Friday downtown events, and more. Attending a big-name concert or a small-town street fair is easy and often costs little or no money.
Spur of the moment: Unexpected adventures can arise from turning a brief stopover into something more. Meeting interesting people and discovering welcoming places can lead to a spontaneous extra day. The Internet can highlight popular attractions. It can't capture the chance encounters that leads to hidden gems and experiences. Unplanned discoveries can add an element of surprise and adventure to your tour.
The experience
After thirteen years of touring, I've learned that the most enjoyable tours are about the overall experience, not just the miles. Balancing cycling and off-bike activities is key, just like managing priorities, obligations, and wishes in life.
An extra day is an ideal that reflects the delicate balance between work, family life, and touring. Sometimes, these factors heavily influence how much time you can dedicate to touring on the bike.
Adding an extra day isn't only about extending your trip; it's about making the most of your available time. It might be adjusting your daily and tour mileage or overall tour duration. You can enhance your journey by shifting expectations and prioritizing experiences equally with distance and time.
To change your life, you need to change your priorities. – Mark Twain