Is this one of ours?

[in4]

Great story but for the life of me I cannot make out the tandem's name. Probably not a Thorn but I defer to the more observant and knowledgeable amongst us.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/activityandadventure/10267629/Alberta-by-tandem-bicycle-episode-four.html

[Danneaux]

Yes, it is!

Story here: http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/takeaseatnews.html

Best,

Dan.

[in4]

Well spotted that man, Dan! Such a fascinating story too.

I know its probably drifting off topic a bit, well humour me.
Other than for the sheer pleasure of doing it I was wondering why people tour. Are these voyages of discovery, escapism, personal development, chasing demons, addressing physical and mental health issues? For the men is it a case of a last(ing) fling for the testosterone before succumbing to 'the wearing of the beige' For the ladies is it.....oh, stray not into territories unknown!

On an associated theme I wondered if, after a long tour we are somehow changed, nurtured, calmed, invigorated, renewed or  plain knackered in body and soul.

Yes I know it is drifting off into the stuff of a Phd but I cannot imagine that the process and product (horrible phrase!) of a tour is simply to say we had a nice time, saw some nice places had a few laughs along the way, and perhaps got jailed for a giggle!

[Danneaux]

Other than for the sheer pleasure of doing it I was wondering why people tour.

http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=4009.0

Are these voyages of discovery, escapism, personal development, chasing demons, addressing physical and mental health issues?

Yes.

For the men is it a case of a last(ing) fling for the testosterone before succumbing to 'the wearing of the beige'

Nah, not me. I just like it. Perhaps a grown-up version of "playing fort" in the backyard.

On an associated theme I wondered if, after a long tour we are somehow changed, nurtured, calmed, invigorated, renewed or  plain knackered in body and soul.

All the above at various times in my case, depending in the journey, circumstances, weather, most recently climbed hill or tire changed in a downpour, etc.

Yes I know it is drifting off into the stuff of a Phd

Got one. Di'n't help a bit.

I cannot imagine that the process and product (horrible phrase!) of a tour is simply to say we had a nice time, saw some nice places had a few laughs along the way, and perhaps got jailed for a giggle!

Well...sometimes it may be just that! Occasionally, things are as they appear and for shallow or simple reasons!

All kidding aside, I always view my tours as being a form of spiritual renewal -- putting the re-creation in recreation, a chance to fill myself back up again with the things I enjoy and miss in my daily life Here (in civilization). And...I just like riding my bike. Getting to camp at the end of the day instead of returning home again means I get to see More and Longer than otherwise possible.

Bicycle touring also makes for a very inexpensive yet fulfilling vacation, which appeals to me.

All the best,

Dan.

[in4]

Very interesting insights Dan. On a personal level it took me a long time to realise that touring, along with hill walking are not just indulgences for me, they are a way of maintaining and when appropriate restoring a sense of balance. I worked in Jakarta for a long time and the absence of safe cycling and 'green space' was very frustrating.

Aside from all that, there is nothing quite like exhilaration of riding in the Australian bush, camping under the big skies and putting the world to right over a tincture of the finest malt. 

[jags]

you paint the perfect picture there in4