Zen and the Art of Bicycle Touring

Anyone who has watched even a few of our videos knows the enthusiasm we share for bicycle touring. This video is an attempt to explain why. It's what bike touring does for our mind, body, and spirit. Probably nothing does such an incredible job of integrating all the aspects of well-being than traveling day after day on a bike tour. For all the self-help that you can read about, here's something that you can actually DO.

[@jotaylor1684]

A perfect beautiful poetic piece which exactly describes why we love cycle touring. My husband and I set off tomorrow for 5 weeks towards Vienna along the EV6 passing through France, Switzerland, and Germany on our way. We are totally grateful for every day gifted to us - and appreciate our good fortune being retired, fit and living in France. Cycle touring as a couple is about teamwork and simplifies life down to the basics. And we always meet such lovely interesting people on our way. We certainly will be smelling the flowers, listening to the nightigales and watching the storks and eagles flying above us! Happy adventures to you both.🙏

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Sounds fabulous. Everything you say is spot on. Enjoy your trip! The EV 6 is an incredible ride.

[@kasinyvr9781]

Couldn’t agree more about smelling the flowers and enjoying the birds! We love cycle touring for all the reasons Roland described and like you, love the birds. I am particularly enamoured with swifts - what amazing animals. We return to France in a couple of weeks for 5 weeks of cycling and I can’t wait to spot my first swifts. I’m going to take a look at EV6 as a route to consider in the future based on your suggestion.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

The EV6 in France is really lovely, we didn't ride it from the Rhine to the Loire but I hear that section is amazing as well. it's France. How can you go wrong?

[@kenjones5408]

Wow Roland, amazed you managed to capture all our touring thoughts so succinctly, well done and superb film editing!!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Ahh well thanks Ken, I so appreciate that!

[@siemenz1225]

A poet, a philosopher, a sage, and a bike tourer! Thank you so much for all of the beautiful sights, all of the inspirational insights, and all of the smooth yet also persevering touring!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks for the kind words. Being able to share these through the magic of video has been incredibly rewarding for us!

[@seanA416]

The bicycle tours I've done are some of my best memories! Great video, by the way

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks, and I definitely agree, incredible memories.

[@kasinyvr9781]

Thanks Roland and Julianna for a terrific video. We are getting ready to head out on the first of 2 bike tours this year in France. We are counting the sleeps - and you’ve captured the reasons perfectly in this video. Nothing makes these two ‘seniors’ more alive than heading out on a 2,000 km ride through small villages and the countryside of France. One of the joys we appreciate most are the ‘smells’ we experience as we ride along. Each evening at dinner we talk about 3 things we smelled on the trail, something you never experience in an air-conditioned car whizzing down the motorway. It really connects you with the countryside you are riding through. It’s one of the zen experiences of bicycle touring we love. Happy trails!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you! It brings me joy to hear others who have the same sensual response to this kind of travel. It really does open up all kinds of new ways to experience the world. I'm curious, how are you dividing France up into two tours?

[@kasinyvr9781]

@@TheBicycleTourists After 3 successful self-supported, self-guided tours of France using rental bikes (and 5 commercial tours), we've just shipped two e-bikes to France to stay there permanently. It will give us a lot more freedom to ride wherever we want, not within the pick-up/drop-off zone of the rental bike company. And frankly, their bikes weren't very good. Our first tour in late May starts in Bordeaux and then winds through the Dordgogne, ending in Nantes at the end of June. Our second trip starts in early September in Nantes, goes through the Loire Valley ending in Burgundy in Dijon. We will be in France for about 80 days, well within the 90-day Schengen zone restriction. We stay in hotels for about 3 days in each place so we can do exploratory loop rides of the area. We aren't sure which direction we will head in the Spring of 2025 but now that we have our own bikes we have endless options. We will store the bikes at bike shops in-between tours where they get serviced and in a storage locker from October - May. We've booked our flights and all our hotels for both trips already and all the rides have been planned on Komoot. Flights were surprisingly reasonable booked that far in advance and we got our pick of hotels. A number of our friends are appalled as they would rather leave the itinerary open and decide in the moment but this much organization suits us better. We cherish the zen of bicycle touring and the joy of food and wine at the end of the day. Your videos are inspirational and remind us of how much pleasure we get from touristing at the speed of bike. Thank you!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I love the Dordogne, seems like a perfect trip for an eBike. Burgundy was in our original itinerary for our 2022 trip but plans change... I think riding your own bike is by far the way to do it. My daughters and I rented in Slovenia last year and I really missed my steed. Enjoy!

[@markfeldman6509]

What a wonderful,insightful , peaceful essay. It instills peace of mind and focuses on living life and absorbing the present. Thanks for posting. I will be listening to it tomorrow morning again while riding through the marshes and cranberry bogs on Cape Cod in the chill of early morning. Thanks again.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

That sounds like a very nice time. You're making me want to come to Cape Cod!

[@tykematlack7588]

OMG you’re spot on Roland!!! We just totally love watching you guys!! Thanks for the vicarious journeys and your constant appreciation for life! YOU AND JULIANA ARE JUST PLAIN AWESOME!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Ahhh thank you so much!

[@joyfultrails]

Like you, I love seeing the sights, hearing the birds, feeling the sun and the wind, listening to rushing waters. Exploring bike trails gives me time to think about my life, work out some problems and make future plans. And as a Christian, spending a day on my bike also gives me extra time to pray, to spend some quality one-on-One time with my Maker.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

These bike tours really are spiritual journeys.

[@frankcauthorn1472]

Dang Roland, really great video! I've been too busy with life I need a bike tour!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

You and me both, Frank! Thank you!

[@lindahowes5949]

Beautiful and poetic. Couldn’t agree more! 💕

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you Linda!

[@electreked]

Well said !

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks!

[@HackHunter1835]

Good stuff as usual Roland. The way you tell a story of life events is good listening.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you so much!

[@chiparooo]

Great discussion! It’s all true. Just have to get out there and see. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Nothing like a bike tour to get your head back on straight! Thank you!

[@hbjtf]

I’ve read Pirsig’s book a couple of times. I understand what you are thinking. Nice job.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you!

[@charlenegehrig8284]

Here's a tip I use when I bike!! Instead of using dark sunglasses, I use clear sunglasses like safety or lab goggles when it is windy or rainy!! Love your channel!! Keep up the great work Rol and Jul!!!!!!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you! And, yes, I've used the safety glasses when the skies are dark as well. It's a good tip!

[@vhs10907]

I do this too! Glad that I am not the only one.

[@tonyorme6446]

Another great video…riding a bike does everything your video says!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you. Amazing how many share this feeling of peace when bike touring.

[@tomsitzman3952]

Well said. To those new to touring start slow, growing and going and one morning you will wake up to a new you. You are now a nomad living the life not based on clock time but on the phases of the moon, the flowering of the plants, the seasons of the year of growth, death and regeneration of the world around you. You will seek thoughts in solitude. You will tire of the cacophony that surrounds our lives and seek the open trail, as you peddle in a world suspended between the azure sky and the carpet of green fields you become more alive. Then you will realize touring is not a race to prove how fast you can travel through the landscape or the newest light weight equipment you were told you need. It is about something deeper that keeps bringing you back day after day month after month year after year.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Beautifully said Tom. You really have to live it. And as much as I appreciate the comforts of home it's always hard for me to get back into the groove of "normal" life. Life on the trail is at my center.

[@larry4674]

Living in the moment is what does it for me...

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Funny how elusive that can be... it's definitely why we ride.

[@vanomadcyclist3474]

I love bike touring and this video sums up why perfectly!!😊

[@TheBicycleTourists]

So glad it connects!

[@maxdugan5319]

Cycling changes everything--great points Roland! Love the fresh perspective!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks Max! Always appreciate you!

[@craigmccurdy2280]

We can only give your video 1 thumbs up but wish we could give it more! Minute 2:23 is right out our back door and rode to that water fall last week. 😁❤

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you! You live in a beautiful part of the world!

[@macsmandy1]

AMEN! AMEN! Years of cycle traveling and people asking me those questions. I could never really convey all that I felt. I don't make many videos or post on youtube.. Kindred spirits for sure. Now that you have spelled it out so eloquently, the next time I am asked I will just give them the link to this video and say Roland can explain all! Happy trails! M...😃😃

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Well thanks! It definitely seems that a lot of us who bike tour have this in common!

[@mariusvanzyl4897]

I think one of your best videos yet. Me and my wife Lea tandem and has done the whole California coast. You explained the experience very well. If you ever have a live event we would like to meet you when we are in Denver. Keep up the good work. You inspire us all.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Well thank you! I bet that coastal ride was amazing. I like to think we all inspire each other.

[@frankducett9]

I apply and experience all of those zen benefits on every commute or errand every day. 5 miles or 50.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

And people wonder why we like riding so much!

[@duanedes1gn]

During my bicycle commute is the only time during the day i truly feel present. Not worrying about the future or fretting about the past.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I used to love the ride home after a stressful day of work. All that intensity would just slip away.

[@luisduran1467]

I'm planning my first travel to another town in my country, almost 200 km travel, and despite I was expecting tips on how to prepare, this is definitely way much better that I was looking for, this is pure gold. Thank you for every word in this video. New subscriber.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you very much! So glad it spoke to you!

[@aprilek6003]

thank you for this. I recently discovered multi-day bike riding and love it. Doing the Erie Canal trail going east to west in July

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Your welcome, and enjoy the ride!

[@mikedooley8347]

Wow ….. you’ve really caught the essence of bicycle touring 👏👏👏👏. Well done…… putting all those feelings into words 👍

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you so much, Mike! glad it spoke to you!

[@osterizeme]

Again with the beautiful! Well said.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Ha. Thank you!

[@terylteeter562]

Well stated Roland 👏👏👏

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you Teryl!

[@dennispiciullo8060]

That is true, my wife complained that I was riding too much. Told her I was riding that next day, she said....your riding again! So guess what I did, started riding less and less. I just should have said, too bad! Now years later, my doctor heard something not so good going on in my heart. Had an echo scan, it's called aortic stenosis. Heart valve not closing all the way. Well, the cardiologist said its moderate, so no surgery needed, at least right now, maybe in 3 years. Guess what, time to get back into it, this time I'm not listening to my wife, and listening to my mind and body! Thank you Roland for this video, I need a good kick in the ass! Lol

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you Dennis. Yeah, I get it. There's a pull to not ride so much, people look at you and think that you're obsessed or something. I look at aging like Salmon swimming upstream. Once you stop swimming, things don't go so well. We all have to work at staying active, and yes, sometimes go our own way. I wish (or hope?) that your wife might join you!

[@bobalinga]

Well said. I wish I could tour now but I'm a Carer. Day trips will have to do.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Yes, not everyone has the same amount of freedom. Make those day trips count!

[@ralphlong9973]

Thanks, I needed this.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Glad we could help!

[@jonmcmichael7461]

So well put- thank you

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you so much!

[@bjornjensen3382]

Very well said Roland 🫶😊👍🏻

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks Björn!

[@bjornjensen3382]

@@TheBicycleTourists so, where goes next tour? Any chance the Nordic countries are in your plans?

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Well, no, we're hoping to get out to Amsterdam, and then south, ending in Venice or thereabouts. I've heard such great things about Scandinavia and hope to try it out some day.

[@bjornjensen3382]

@@TheBicycleTourists sounds nice. We are tenting this summer. I need to adjust my vacation because of two employees left us now and no time to onboard new before summer. I have to train new employees, but heck I make extra bucks 😅 Scandinavia is very safe also. I know Stockholm have a bad rep, but still quite safe. Countryside is totally safe and great nature. Best time is mid June and to mid September. Vacation time is basically July to mid August. Take care 🫶 /Bjorn

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Yeah, life got in the way of our plans as well, hopefully just postponing things...

[@randibechtel879]

This is beautiful

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you!

[@anneliesevoelker2502]

The long distance cycling I have done was very Zen, peaceful and relaxing while riding.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

It's amazing how much we all seem to have that in common!

[@anneliesevoelker2502]

@@TheBicycleTourists yep. Then we have to deal with the toxic followers and toxic town people if we stop for too long.

[@anneliesevoelker2502]

@@TheBicycleTourists the craziest ones are the people who say "I have always wanted to do that", then they run you over.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Ouch!

[@anneliesevoelker2502]

@@TheBicycleTourists my bike is in bad shape, I recovered.

[@TheCyclingAdvisor]

great video, I can totally relate!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

thank you so much!

[@barbaratremblay8756]

Roland my husband I just love your videos. Could I ask what editing software you use? It’s all so beautiful to watch. Thank you, Barbara

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks Barbara! I use Premiere Pro.

[@Martin-on2pp]

Very recognizable. But the peace can also be partly explained technically/biologically. When you cycle (or skate) you must always pay close attention to what you are doing. That is also necessary. Otherwise you'll be on the ground... So your focus is by definition on cycling or skating. Also ask a sports psychologist

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Yeah I agree. You are focused but almost unconsciously. I think that focus is the mantra.

[@viralprimenetwork]

The perfect blend of zen and adventure! Can't wait to join you on this journey of bicycle touring. We sent you an email, check it out!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks!

[@dondonner1095]

Very glad to see this. Keep it going Sir you have fans for sure.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Well, thank you, Don!

[@klasjansson5814]

Very well said!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you so much, Klas!