Planning a Tour

Each bicycle touring trip requires a different amount of planning.  Some people like to plan more than others, and the scale of the trip affects how much preparation is necessary.  There are many different variables to planning a tour: supported or unsupported, time length, distance, terrain, climate, country, etc.

The most important thing is to get out there and do it!  Whether it is a day trip or an around the world adventure, often the hardest part is taking the first step.  Many people ask us where we find the time or money to take such a trip.  Simply put, it's all about priorities. If you really want to go on a major trip, you can find the time and find the money. All the roadshow riders are in school or just finishing school, so we do not yet have many long-term commitments or over-bearing responsibilities. On the other hand, we do not have much financial resources.  We are doing this trip as frugally as possible, camping along the way and preparing our own food.

After the trip, I will add a section on how to plan a tour.  Right now I'm still learning the ropes for putting together a tour.  Road Show USA has required a significant amount of planning and preparation due to the fundraising and street performing aspects in addition to the cross country bicycle tour.

Here are some helpful resources for planning your own tour:

• Ken Kifer's Bike Pages
• Cycle Touring Resources
• Adventure Cycling Organization
• Harv's Cycle Touring Pages - checkout the links page
• Bikelist.org - Bicycle Touring Newsgroup