| Cyclo tourism is a hobby that combines | | | | to local economies help to finance and |
| tourism and cyclism and is practiced by the | | | | develop the "veloroute". |
| cyclo-tourist. The activity consists of | | | | |
| discovering new sites, landscapes and places | | | | History |
| or to visit lands and countries using the | | | | |
| bicycle as a means of transportation. Cyclo | | | | Cyclo tourism was pioneered by Paul Vivie in |
| tourism is not to be confused with long | | | | France in the late 1890's, the first |
| distance sporting racing events such as the | | | | excursions were Lyon-Nice and were executed |
| Tour de France, it is first and above all a | | | | in less than 24 hours. He is the founder of |
| leisure activity, the extra exercise is an | | | | the 7 commandments of Velocio (cyclo |
| added bonus but not the main and only | | | | tourism): |
| objective of cyclo-tourism. It is however a | | | | |
| form of eco tourism. | | | | - Take rare and short breaks |
| | | | |
| Forms of cyclo tourism | | | | - Have numerous light and frequent meals, eat |
| | | | before being hungry and drink before being |
| Cyclo tourism can be characterized by the | | | | thirsty |
| distance traveled, the length of the trip and | | | | |
| the nature of the equipment used. | | | | - Never push until abnormal fatigue that |
| | | | leads to lack of sleep and appetite |
| The short excursion consists of a single or a | | | | |
| half day ride. It doesn't require any | | | | - Cover yourself before being too cold and |
| specialized equipment apart from the standard | | | | uncover yourself before being too hot |
| tire repair kit, water bottle and maybe a | | | | |
| light snack. | | | | - During excursion, limit or eliminate |
| | | | tobacco and alcohol consumption |
| The long excursion can be as long as a few | | | | |
| hundred kilometers ride with camping | | | | Equipment |
| equipment, a more extensive bicycle repair | | | | |
| kit and special clothing and garments to face | | | | The bike is the most important element of the |
| the eventuality of changing meteorological | | | | cyclist tourist. It must be comfortable and |
| conditions. This way a cyclo tourist can | | | | sturdy to accommodate the extra weight |
| circumvent entire countries, cross borders or | | | | required on long excursions. The seat is |
| travel between distant cities. Some cycle | | | | particularly important because if not suited |
| tourists even go as far as traveling the | | | | to long trips it will cause blisters, |
| world and crossing multiple continents by | | | | bruising and pain on long journeys. The frame |
| planning ahead with great precision for any | | | | is usually made of high quality steel from |
| possible eventualities and scenarios. | | | | reputable companies such as Reynolds, Vitus |
| | | | or Colombus. Mud flaps must wide and sturdy, |
| In France and continental Europe a network of | | | | ball bearings must be of high quality, saddle |
| roads dedicated to cyclist tourist called | | | | bags must be roomy and are often made of high |
| "veloroute" is under construction to | | | | quality leather. Most long excursion bicycles |
| facilitate the movement of cyclists across | | | | are actually usually custom made to withstand |
| Europe. These roads are specially designed to | | | | the special and extenuating conditions and |
| be far away from super highways and high | | | | circumstances that cyclo tourism can bring. |
| traffic road ways while using common | | | | Lighting should be complete with head lamp |
| touristic itineraries giving cyclo tourists | | | | and break lights, tires must be of high |
| access to conventional touristic attractions | | | | quality and made for both street and moderate |
| such as camping grounds, museums, restaurants | | | | off road conditions. |
| and accommodations. The economical advantages | | | | |