The challenge of a tour

Maybe, "it is being out on the road early, and the feeling of well-being knowing you've just covered 100 miles under your own steam, or just seeing different countryside and places". So said a tourist when asked "what was the challenge of touring?"

Most weekends there are organised rides by some group or other - the CTC is a typical example. In the spring and summer months you are spoilt for choice as a plethora of tours, cycling holidays, organised rides and events are organised throughout the UK for cyclists of all levels.

But what about that tour, where do you go, what do you need? The answer to the first question is, go where you want to, within reason - that's the beauty of touring. There are hundreds of planned routes, or maps which you can use, or there are always the Ordnance Survey maps which will enable you to organise your own route.

When planning your tour, always bear in mind your level of fitness and the distance you can cover each day. Your brain has an incredible capacity for riding long distances, but your legs may not oblige. Better to end the day pleasently tired than "totally stuffed". Plan your stops, morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea etc - the reasons are countless, that's the beauty of touring - you ride or stop whenever you want to. What's a typical touring speed? Up to you, but 12 - 15 mph is a reasonable average.