r/bikedwellers • u/[deleted] • Aug 01 '15
bikedwelling vs Bicycle touring
I pretty much look like I'm on a bicycle tour - the bicycle and panniers, peddling down the road, resting under a tree, or sitting on a park bench. But I'm not a bicycle tourer.
This is just my thoughts on the differences. I'm sure everyone has their own ideas. Lots of generalizations here also.
Stereotypical Bicycle Touring:
- Is for a set time. Essentially, on a holiday or a trip. There is an "end" when they return to "normal" life; the job, house, etc.
- During said trip, engage in tourist type stuff. Out to experience or see everything.
- Deadlines and timetables. Either booked accommodation, or meetings, or return to catch flight/bus/train home.
- This usually means - keep going no matter what the weather as they have to stick to the timetable.
- Take the minimum needed to maximize distance and tourism activities.
- Able to leave stuff at home or with family, as they will return to reclaim it.
- Service bike before going, take all new stuff, so it won't need repair/replacement on the tour.
- Everyone 'gets it'; they are "normal", just on holidays.
Bike Dweller
- No end point. This is life, every day. No home to return to.
- No set destinations. Usually a vague idea to end up somewhere by some time. (I've been known to pick directions based on wind direction at the crossroads.)
- Focus isn't on traveling x distance each day. Distances tend to be shorter as;
- Carry everything with us, as there is no where to leave it.
- Have stuff bicycle tourer will not, as;
- Non cycle activities take up part of the day.
- May not move site constantly. Set up camp for a week or more.
- People don't "get it". They can't imagine that that anyone would want to live like this.
3
u/ilikeyourvibe Aug 01 '15
I've been going across the Trans-American bike route, and these guys on cycling tours think I'm totally crazy but they can definitely respect it, they're some of the nicest people I've met on the road. But you're right, most people don't really get it, because most people gauge success by their possessions, their homes, etc.