This is a common question I had before, during and since. Obviously not by cyclists.
Explaining your reasons does get a little old – mainly because they have a point. There were definitely side tracks or detours I didn’t take because I was on my bike and either couldn’t get there or I just couldn’t be bothered. On other days I was on the best route, but the hill was so steep I had too much sweat in my eyes to see the view.
It was also more dangerous than driving. I had a lot of people overtaking dangerously. I never really got used to this and avoided high traffic roads as much as possible, but this often took you so spots you’d normally miss in a car.
So would I do it the same way again? Yes.
This isn’t saying I wouldn’t also enjoy one day driving around the state, but this trip was an irreplaceable experience. There might be things I would do differently. Mainly involving eating more consistently… This trip challenged me physically and mentally, then rewarded me with amazing views, great people and a feeling of achievement at the summit of every hill.
You get to cover a lot more km than when you’re hiking, but you aren’t cut off from society in the same way. A great part of hiking is on trail is everyone you meet is in the same place to do the same thing – that’s a connection in itself. With cycle touring you’re around a lot more people, who have their own objectives. They want nothing to do with you or don’t notice you exist. However, this also leaves room for interactions with a variety of people.
The guy who’s living in the trailer park and shares his fire and makes you eggs on toast for breakfast.
The fisherman who invites you for dinner in his little shack by the lake and helps you finish a bottle of whiskey.
The cyclist you meet in the middle of the national reserve, who’s in the middle of a year-long round the world tour, who shares her stove with you and yet another bottle of whiskey.
The man who opens his home for you and other cyclists for nothing in return.
The young couple who cooks you Christmas dinner in the back of their van just hours after meeting you on the side of a beautiful lake.
I wouldn’t have met these people, or at least not interacted with them in the same way, if it wasn’t for my trip, my bike and getting out there.