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