During the course of a year the BBTA holds many weekend and several multi-day tours. These tours are generally self supporting (you carry your gear), but they also can be supported (your gear is carried for you). . . to a certain extent. BBTA tours range in difficulty from the very basic 'Introduction to cycle touring' weekends (held throughout the year) to multi-day self supported group tours (typically held during school holiday periods). Tours are usually graded on the same pace and gradient rating system as the single day tours, and include a daily distance tally. Longer tours, (being more involved than the shorter ones) necessitate pre-tour briefing which is conducted directly by the ride leader. Typically BBTA tours attract up to 30 cyclists (on occasion up to 50).
If you're new to cycle touring it's probably best to start with a short introductory weekend and work up from there. To encourage newcomers to try us out, the BBTA offers one weekend tour, prior to becoming a full member. Longer tours are for BBTA members, or associated touring club members only. It is recommended that you consult the tour leader as much as possible before the tour so everyone knows what to expect. To assist you a range of maintained equipment is also available from our Equipment Officer, for a nominal fee.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, BBTA country cycle touring is one of the most pleasurable experiences you can have on a bike. Daytime is leisurely cycling at your own pace, generally with a break every 25km or so for a cuppa and a bite to eat. The pace for each day is as relaxed as suits you to travel to the next planned place to stop. At at night, lulled to sleep by the peaceful sounds of nature, some people sleep more soundly. And at night you'll notice the difference in the sky. . .away from the lights of our capital city the Milky Way of stars is incredibly visible, and you'll see shooting stars as well. Being awoken early in the morning by the array of bird calls and the sun creeping over the horizon is an exhilarating way to start each day.
People often marvel at the weight of the loaded pannier bags the self supported touring cyclist uses to carry their gear but our cyclists often say the loaded bike kinda feels better than otherwise, . . more stable, . .more 'laid back'. Serious tourers will usually be riding a touring bicycle, which has with a wide range of lower gears (than a typical road bike), stronger wheels (to carry you + your load), and a longer wheel base (to accommodate the panniers so you don't hit them with your feet as you peddle!) and the weight fairly evenly distributed between front and rear.
Distance travelling in the Australian countryside takes on an more intimate and gentler nature than by motorized vehicle.
It's leisure time spent appreciating the simpler aspects of life at a gentler pace. As you turn the pedals, the wheels trundle you along, and the distances creep by. . barely noticing how far you've gone. Travelling this way you can see, hear and smell every single living thing. For us it's not about the speed you can go from point A to tourist lookout B, it about the journey in-between. So, come along. . .you will be made most welcome!
There are several distinct types of touring, each has their own way of doing things, so I will outline three types for you. The first type is generally referred to as 'Credit Card Touring'. You carry very little: basic tools, a few changes of clothes, some emergency food supplies (using perhaps one standard set of pannier bags on the rear, or a backpack). The trip is planned around staying in accomodation (Bed and Breakfast or motel/friends house/etc) at night. You buy your nights food, pay for the lodgings and maybe lunch for the next day. Then put on a change of clothes and do it again the next day. It's the easiest way of touring, (probably the most expensive though!) and relies on being able to find accomodation. As you're not carrying a significant load any maintained bicycle can serve to meet your needs.
The second type is what most seasoned bicycle tourers do who are completely self sufficient. All four panniers loaded up (front and rear), changes of clothes, pots, pans, food, water, tools, tents, sleeping bags, all loaded on a touring bike that has probably seen thousands of touring miles. These are the people that might camp along the road side, in a park somewhere, or sometimes in a caravan park. They're quiet happy to ride all day, stop where they want, cook some food that was stored in their bags and sleep away the night camped beside some placid lake staring at the stars. Sounds good? Well it is, and you'll find many people willing to tell you all about it.
The third kind of touring is what people might consider being a trip away to go fishing or something, but taking their bike along instead of a car. It's the tour you do without thinking it's a tour. For a trip to a friends place in the next town we'll hop on the bike, take some lunch, and just ride around until we get there. It's easy, its fun, and you'll probably do this more than you might realize. Cycle touring is a great leveller. You'll find people who will start their tour straight from their front door, fully packed and ready to go. For them the tour doesn't end until the ride back to the same door they started at. Others like to travel by car or train until they get to the destination and then travel around on bike from there. You'll find people from all walks of life, a complete spectrum of personalities, and of all ages.
Singles, couples, even whole families go touring. You might also see the occasional recumbent bike tourer, folding bikes are popular as well, and off road touring with mountain bikes is gaining in popularity as well. There is no 'one' defined way of bicycle touring. The BBTA offers our members outings to suit nearly all of these different kinds of touring. To find out what's coming up you can check the bi-monthly Tours and Events Calendar. When you find a tour you like get in contact with the tour leader. They can tell you all the details you'll need to know and are always helpful and friendly.
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