Pedaling for pleasure

BICYCLING AND RVing are similar in some respects, as anyone who thoroughly enjoys both types of transportation can testify.

There are many ways to traverse this stunning country of ours. Some see it by motorcycle, others hop in the car and watch the scenes whiz by, and the lucky ones, like you and me, jump in our RVs and see the country at what I hope is a slow-to-moderate pace.

Traveling by RV is a fun way to venture out and examine our state I know; I've been a full-timer for many years. However, I've found that RVing also allows me to explore the country in other ways, most notably by bicycle.

Although bicycling is definitely the slowest way to see the country (in relation to RVing, it is slower; compared to walking, however, it is faster), the advantages of cycling are many. Can you think of a better way to firm up, lose weight and strengthen your heart and lungs? And if you love to eat, but you feel guilty pigging out after sitting behind the wheel all day, then try bicycling. You'll be able to eat all that you want.

There are many ways to tour by bicycle. If you have a loved one who isn't into cycling, but is willing to carry your gear for you, you can spend the day pedaling while your partner drives or pulls the RV, checking on you off and on throughout the day.

I was married when I rode both the Oregon coast and the California coast, and my ex-husband (who was not into cycling at the time) was kind enough to drive on ahead of me around lunchtime. By the time I caught up with him, he had hot soup and hot tea waiting for me. At the end of the day, the water heater was lit when I arrived in camp, and a hot shower seemed like heaven. Slipping into my own bed at night was another plus.

RVing and bicycling also make a nice blend for a twosome who both enjoy bicycling. I met a couple who take turns bicycling, trading off every hour or so. Although I can't get excited about trading off every hour, it worked for them. Perhaps a better trade would be to split the day in two. For example, if you plan on covering 70 miles, each person could ride 35 miles. Or you could switch days, one person riding on Monday, the other on Tuesday, and so on.

If you're like me, and you just can't stand the thought of riding half the distance, you can always store your RV. Of course, arranging for the ride is much easier when home is a 30x8-foot rectangle. I just store my fifth-wheel trailer, choosing a covered space if available, and I'm off on my tour. You can do the same.

Self-contained long-distance touring is the most difficult method of bicycling, but highly rewarding. Loaded with front and rear panniers (bike saddle bags) and a handlebar bag, you pile a tent, a sleeping bag and a sleeping pad atop the rear rack. Most cyclists prefer to camp out and cook their own meals, but opt for a motel or a hostel on occasion, especially when the weather is uncooperative.

Last summer, I crossed the United States by bicycle, and several years before that I rode from Florida to Maine, but touring doesn't have to be a mega-tour from one end of the country to the other. It can be a three-day loop from a campground of your choosing, the RV waiting for your return.

If you haven't done any touring and you'd like to, I'd recommend taking off for a few days or a week to pedal the trip of your choice. A level route with plenty of services is always nice for a first trip.

My first and all-time favorite week-long rip is along the Oregon coast. With its spectacular scenery, wide shoulders, ample services and abundance of state parks, most of which offer reduced rates for bicyclists, you just can't go wrong.

Bicycling and RVing are similar in several respects. Both activities require some planning and ingenious packing, both benefit from tailwinds, and both need to link one roadway with another. Most of all, both groups need to be considerate of those who share the road with us.

Whether touring the country by bicycle or RV or both, may the wind always be at your back]

Donna Ikenberry is a professional photojournalist who specializes in hiking, bicycling and auto-tour guidebooks. She travels full-time with a fifth-wheel trailer.

Copyright T L Enterprises, Inc. Jun 1996
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