The 5 to 9 Tourist
An overnight adventure might be what you need in your life
My frequent readers know that I am a fan of Alastair Humphreys, a world bicycle traveler. He chronicled his 4 ½ year around the world journey in two books. He returned to England as a sought-after adventure speaker.  Through those talks he saw that adventure need not be an epic circling of the world but a few days close to home.
He coined these short adventures close to home experiences microadventures. These overnight, weekend, and short adventures fit into most people’s busy schedules. They are simple with little planning and gear, close to home, and more affordable. They are about having fun, taking on a challenge, and connecting with nature.
An interesting take on a microadventure is the 5 to 9 adventure. It’s heading out of work at 5:00 pm and enjoying 16 hours of freedom and adventure before returning to family and work the next morning. Even the busiest person can spare an evening and morning to experience the outdoors on foot or bike.
Trails are excellent gateways for 5 to 9 adventures. Ohio has 111 rail trails that total 1,086 miles. The Ohio to Erie Trail is the spine that connects many trails and regional trail networks. These trails are short drives, bike rides, or hikes for most Ohioans. The possibilities are limitless for novice or experienced adventure tourists.
Short
Adventure is discovering or revisiting trails and places in a new way. Destinations range from large cities to small towns by 10–20-mile hikes or bike rides on trails. This distance allows 5 to 9 tourists time to enjoy the time on foot or bike with evenings and mornings for adventures beyond the trail.
Simple
Little planning and gear are required, making trail adventures accessible for beginners. Cycle to a nearby town or park for an overnight. A change of clothing and a few essentials are easy to carry on a bike or in a backpack. Overnight at a campsite or small-town motel to escape cookie-cutter chain hotels. Enjoy breakfast over a campfire or at a locals diner.
Local
You can find adventure in your backyard eliminating the need for expensive travel. It’s not the miles but the experience. Hike or cycle to a neighborhood in your city or nearby town you have not visited. Explore as a visitor for a unique experience. Most of us fail to appreciate where we call home. Â
Cheap
Microadventures are affordable and fit into a tight budget. Primitive camping in parks is often free and low in cost. Last minute Hotel or B&B reservations and destinations off the beaten past tend to be more affordable. Adventure can be found everywhere, not just places with 5-star Google and Yelp reviews. Â Â
Fun and Exciting
Microadventures offer a chance to break away from the routine. Most of us cycle or hike the same trails. We gravitate to familiar destinations. This is your chance to visit the trail others rave about. A first visit is one of excitement and discovery of the new, making memories, Â and mapping the unknown.
Connecting to Nature
Lovers of trails are lovers of the outdoors. Spending time outdoors is a way to connect with nature. Parks and trails allow us to leave our homes and work behind and be surrounded by wildlife and green spaces. A single evening and morning refreshes and clears your mind for the day ahead.
In summary
Short, simple, local, cheap, fun Exciting, and connecting to Nature are what makes microadventures appealing. The snapshots above are a few of the many motivators. You, the adventurist, chart your adventure. It need not be a 5 to 9 overnight. It may be a day trip or a weekend. It might be solo or with friends. You might be spouse or friend supported.
Touring by bike or foot need not be a 326-mile cross-Ohio adventure. The most experienced hikers or cyclists seek adventure in smaller doses of time and miles. Adventure is enjoying every minute of the hours on foot or bike experiencing the undiscovered.
Summer is upon us in Ohio. Look beyond the weeklong vacation to distant beaches or mountains. There is much to be discovered in our state. Play the tourist. Be the adventurist. A day outdoors is a welcome respite on a sunny warmer day.