Only if I had more riding time

[mustang1]

Then I would ride at night, or go to a bike park, or go touring, or any number of different things.

Truth is I now do have the time but I still don't do those things. Truth is I never really was going to do that stuff: I am just too happy with my life the way it is!

I still admire those who tour, or go on solo night rides in the spooky forest. And I love that you have those adventures and I will continue to read your books and stories and dramas, but I am not one of them.

And that's the truth.

 

[Windle]

As long as you're riding your bike and enjoying it, then that's all that matters, Ride whenever you feel like it, wherever you want and as far as you can be bothered on the day. Those other adventures will still be there should you get the urge to try any of them.

 

[cyberknight]

I literally dont have the time lately , been working 6 day weeks for months and i have had to cut back as i dont have the time and i am getting to burnout stage .

 

[wafter]

I'd like to tour, but realistically I struggle to stay on top of basic life stuff let alone plan something so significant...

I'm just glad to be able to integrate cycling into daily life and maybe get out on some more leisure rides now I'm back in Oxford; although in this context I don't think anything will ever come close to the glorious, deserted summer days of the 2020 apocalypse..

 

[presta]

I don't know whether I would have toured if I hadn't quit work. I just used to pack the bags, get on the bike, and disappear indefinitely for up to a month at a time. It was having trips that were open ended that kept me going, and that's not very practical when you're working.

 

[Elswick Cotterpin]

Got to agree with the OP, I always dreamed of longer bike rides, nothing complicated, just out all day kind of thing. Richard Ballantynes fault!Now I have the time I kind of realise/accept that I'm not that kind of cyclist. I like to pootle and I like to tinker with bikes. I take photographs, I look at scenery, I stare into space.Probably I'm a dreamer, but that's okay. There's still time, maybe..

 

[sevenfourate]

I have too many hobbies, interests, other things I enjoy……and of course responsibilities: to ride too much more - irrespective of work.

I also really enjoy every ride because of the above. If I was in a position to retire tomorrow I’m not actually sure I’d do that much more than I currently do 🤷‍♂️

**I’d probably do more non time dependent rides into Town, to friends etc. Maybe more photographic based runs ? And I’d likely fettle more, build up a few project bikes, make good some for charities etc as I am mechanical and really enjoy improving anything. But I’m not sure I’d ultimately do much more ‘proper riding’ per se……

 

[tyred]

I must admit I love touring and would love to have more time to do it. Being out and about in the fresh air exploring is what I find most enjoyable about cycling.

I can sit for hours with a roadmap just thinking about where I could go next.

The problem nowadays is the cost of accommodation.

 

[All uphill]

I must admit I love touring and would love to have more time to do it. Being out and about in the fresh air exploring is what I find most enjoyable about cycling.

I can sit for hours with a roadmap just thinking about where I could go next.

The problem nowadays is the cost of accommodation.

Exactly this for me.

I'm too old, soft and spoilt now to sleep in tents, hostels, bus shelters or hedges. The cost of a comfortable bed and a cooked meal each evening is a bit scary, but I often compromise by using trains to get me further away and then cycle home with one night's accommodation on the way.

An example from last year was a train to Barnstaple, cycle to Okehampton, overnight, then cycle home in Somerset.

 

[Jameshow]

I must admit I love touring and would love to have more time to do it. Being out and about in the fresh air exploring is what I find most enjoyable about cycling.

I can sit for hours with a roadmap just thinking about where I could go next.

The problem nowadays is the cost of accommodation.

Try camping but that isn't cheap these days cost me £15 for a bare field this week!

Haven't plucked up the courage to wild camp yet!!

 

[tyred]

Try camping but that isn't cheap these days cost me £15 for a bare field this week!

Haven't plucked up the courage to wild camp yet!!

There are very few proper campsites left here now as most only really want motorhomes or built glamping pods during covid.

There are a very select few places along the coast where I might wild camping from time to time, but I know the areas and know I'll not be disturbed. I wouldn't try it places I don't know. I don't want the stress and hassle of someone asking me to move or something. People here are very territorial.

The big downside to camping all the same is the weather. It can be very changeable very quickly in the west. I really enjoyed my few days in Connemara last month despite getting soaked both days. I wasn't bothered as I was staying in a hostel, and could get everything dried out, and then sit in a nice comfy armchair by the fire and read. It wouldn't have been much fun coming back soaking wet to my little tent which is little bigger than a coffin.

 

[tyred]

Exactly this for me.

I'm too old, soft and spoilt now to sleep in tents, hostels, bus shelters or hedges. The cost of a comfortable bed and a cooked meal each evening is a bit scary, but I often compromise by using trains to get me further away and then cycle home with one night's accommodation on the way.

An example from last year was a train to Barnstaple, cycle to Okehampton, overnight, then cycle home in Somerset.

I wish I had options for taking trains but the nearest station is about 22 miles away and even when I get there, my destination options are somewhat limited.