| Bike touring is the ultimate in self-sufficient fun. Start | | | | and back. Once you've got your equipment, other than |
| and finish at your front door and stay away for as | | | | food, sunscreen and the occasional campsite, bike |
| much time as you've got. Take the road less traveled | | | | touring is virtually free. |
| and see the things you just don't see behind the wheel | | | | There are two main types of bike tours: |
| of a car. | | | | - Self supported - you carry all of your camping gear |
| Touring brings to mind everything from a dawn to dusk | | | | and food. You are entirely self sufficient except |
| day-trip, to a coast to coast odyssey carrying | | | | restocking food and water. |
| everything you need to camp along the way. Just you, | | | | - Credit Card Camping - The fun of riding without the |
| your bike and all the gear you need to get away from | | | | work of setting up camp. Ride from hotel to hotel. You |
| home for as long as you want. While all aspects of | | | | don't need as much equipment making your bike lighter |
| cycling are growing, bike touring has exploded in the | | | | and more nimble. This is fun for weekend getaways. |
| last few years. Maybe it's the economy. Maybe people | | | | If you are going on weekend trips, a road bike with a |
| are just looking for a new adventure. While it's | | | | rack will allow you to carry all of the gear you need. If |
| probably a combination of factors, either way taking up | | | | longer excursions are in the plans then a proper touring |
| bike touring is the kind of thing that a whole family can | | | | bike is in order. A touring bike looks like a road bike but |
| do together. | | | | is built sturdier with longer wheelbase for stability. |
| A low cost vacation is very attractive these days. If | | | | Positioning on a touring bike tends to be more relaxed, |
| you want to go for a week or two in spring, summer | | | | offering comfort for those long days in the saddle. |
| or fall, you can start and finish at home. Tour Niagra | | | | Also common are mounts for front and rear racks, |
| wine country or follow the Escarpment to Tobermory | | | | fenders fenders and up to 4 water bottles. |