Heyho dear readers! How are you? This time I want to talk about PROS and CONS of bicycle touring. Check it out.
Now that I'm back home and preparing for my next adventures, I have time to stop and evaluate some things: What's the best way to move from A to B? That's the biggest question I have when planning to go around the world.
I've travelled in a variety of different styles and budgets, all with the same motivation "If I want to visit a place, I'll do it no matter how" and so far it's been working. Actually, I jokingly say that my motivation to travel remains the same, but the transportation has been envolving.
My last adventure was about riding the coast of Uruguay on a bike, something I had never tried before - To be honest since 2008, when my old bike was stolen, I hadn't ride a bike.
What I'd like to present here are the PROS and CONS of travelling by bike based on my own experience and things I've learned along the way. If you have any other thoughts, please, feel free to comment down below.
PROS OF BICYCLE TOURING
1. IT'S "FREE" TO MOVE
When I say it's free I'm referring to the fact that you don't need fuel, which in some places (Brazil) can be holly dear pepperoni a little bit expensive. Your fuel is food, your body will demand more energy intake, but you'd need to eat anyway. Doing anything without eating properly may become a problem.
Then, you have zero expenses on border crossings. Since you are not 'exporting' a car, the only expenses will be for your own 'persona' in countries that you need to pay for the visa (bloody bastards xD).
2. IT'S HEALTHY
In a bike you'll exercise, a lot! If you are a skeleton skinny like me, taking care of your nutrition is a must in order to maintain your body weight. On the other hand it's a good idea for those wanting to lose some weight. You'll not only keep your cardiovascular system working, but you'll develop your leg muscles. Unless you are smoking cigarette, drinking alcohol and eating junk food all day during your trip, that way you'll probably have a heart attack on long distance cycling.
3. BETTER CONTACT WITH NATURE
Being on a bike is not like being enclosured in a fast moving vehicle. You'll not only feel the wind and the smells, but not rarely you'll see wild animals by the road. You'll be able to stop whenever you want to contemplate the landscape and many times you'll have the possibility to enter places that motorcycles/cars can't go (e.g. some national parks/ecological reserves).
4. LOW PURCHASE/MAINTENANCE COST
Even though there are bicycles that cost the same as a motorcycle or even a car, you don't actually need all that to travel. In reality the more advanced and expensive the bike, the more maintenance it'll need.
There are really good bicycles offered with a great price-performance. The secret here is to take good care of your trusty friend. With a couple of tools, extra tire tube and grease/oil you can perform the maintenance yourself, for free.
5. YOU'LL MEET TONS OF GOOD PEOPLE
Nothing like a bike fully loaded to catch attention!
From cars honking to cheer (I hope it's to cheer hehe) you to curious locals wanting to know that the heck you are doing. I'm sure you'll have a lot of conversations along the way and with luck locals will be glad to invite you to their homes. So don't be grumpy when you are trying to change that flat tire below a burning sun and someone approaches to chat.
6. IT'S CLEAN
This is the coolest pro of traveling by bicycle, it's environmentally friendly. That's why after I've bought my bike I abandoned my car for use in the city. Go green!
CONS OF BICYCLE TOURING
1. YOU'LL FIGHT AGAINST THE ELEMENTS
Yes! And it'll be one hell of a fight.
If you've been reading my story you are familiar with the worst element of a ciclist: The wind. Riding a bike against the wind is like riding with the brakes slightly pressed, a lot of body energy wasted. I feel tired just remembering.
Being on a bicycle is just a matter of time until the rain washes you, the dust from gravel roads will impregnate, the sun will burn. If you are aware, it'll be all fun, but still it's a negative part of a bike. Specially on really cold places where you can suffer hypothermia. Be careful and don't forget to have fun.
2. IT'S SLOW
I don't see this as full negative when traveling, but remember that you'll need time to go from A to B and not always the path will be enjoyable.
If you are in the mood for a slow pace travel, and time is not a problem, then the fact of a bike being slow will not affect you at all. Now, if you have limited time you should consider a good planning, because there's no option, eventually you'll have to stop to rest.
3. LIMITED BAGGAGE
Do you like to carry your wardrobe everytime you travel? Forget about it on a bike.
Space is limited and shared with many other items (e.g. coking gear, food, tent, sleeping bag, tools, etc.), not to mention that all your gear need to be protected from the elements. Finding out that the clothes are wet from the rain after a day of cycling is terrible.
Nothing that a good dose of thinking and engenuity can't solve. I've seen great homemade and waterproof saddlebags. All you need to do is shrink your baggage, shove them in there and good to go.
4. RISK OF ACCIDENT
This is the most important of them all! You'll be on a bicycle, sharing space with other vehicles. Getting hit on the road is game over.
I know I'm being super negative talking about accident, so please, do a favour to yourself and use protection gear, equip your bike with as many lights as you can and be extra careful on the road. Be safe!
5. IT'S TIRING
Unless you are used to ride a bicycle a lot, you'll be tired at the end of the day. Remember, you'll be moving yourself, your bike and all your gear through the ups and downs of the road using your legs as engine.
After some days you'll feel better and your body will adapt to the new everyday solicitation, but If you are sedentary and thinking about hitting the road tomorrow, be warned: It'll hurt on the first days.
This goes back to number two, sometimes extra time will be required to rest and recover.
Well...that's it for this post guys.
If you are a positive person you'll see that the cons are actually only characteristics of this amazing travel style, every one of them can be worked around to make your experience the best!
My first experience with bicycle touring was amazing and I'm already excited for the next ones. Being aware of the problems is the best one can do, when they happen the solution will be there, hence you'll know how to act.
Thanks for reading and I wish you an incredible ride!
Have you ever considered bicycle touring? What holds you back? Leave a comment down below, I'll be glad to read your opinion!
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I'm Arthur. I blog about Brazil, Travel, Camping & Life Experiences.
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