Bike tours

Getting around
When you think of travel, what comes to mind? Many people associate travel with airplanes these days, as it is the most realistic means of travel to get to most places.
For some, travel is a necessary evil, making constant trips to the airport and flights all over the world a great hassle.
There are forms of transportation, though, hundreds of years older than our modern transportation of subways, airplanes and electric cars. You probably own one! What is it?
The bicycle!
• Is this a feasible means of travel?
• Are there any advantages?
• Where can you go?
• What can you do?
Let's look at the advantages of this form of transportation invented almost 200 years ago!
Enjoy the ride
Some means of transportation are to help you get from point A to point B as quickly as possible. No one has time to spend weeks on a ship to get to their destination, so they fly, and can make it there in a day! But, as you may know, it can be difficult to enjoy the scenery, the surroundings, or the trip itself on a plane.
There are other forms of travel, however, that might take longer, but allow you to enjoy the ride en route to your destination.
• Have you ever thought of bicycle travel?
• Can you think of any advantages to traveling on a bicycle?
Let's discuss where you can go and what you can do on a bike!
Get there
There are a few ways people use bicycles for travel now. Most commonly it is for people's daily commute to and from work or school. This isn't a form of travel that people necessarily enjoy, but it is convenient, efficient, and free!
But we're not talking about going to work! Travel should be fun and interesting! Let's talk about getting somewhere exciting on a bike!
• Do you like the outdoors?
• Do you exercise a lot?
• Do you own a bicycle?
• Do you know the difference between different kinds of bicycles?
Let's see where we can go on a bike!
Blaze a trail!
If you like hiking and the outdoors, a biking trip out in nature can be a great way to get to a beautiful destination.
Say, for example, you were going to the beach for the day. Instead of driving or taking a train, why not find a bike trail and enjoy the ride up! Many people find that biking to their destination is just as enjoyable as being there. Get a few friends together and fill your backpack with snacks, a water bottle, and maybe a map and enjoy your ride! You can see the countryside, take pictures, and enjoy time with your friends.
It's also great exercise!
• Have you ever biked anywhere long-distance?
Different types
When considering biking, there are a few different types of bikes we should know about, and they're for different kinds of trips. We could divide them into two major groups: road bikes and mountain bikes.
Do you know the difference?
Road bikes are just that: they're for the road, and often for racing as well. If you're traveling in the city or on smooth surfaces, like a paved bike trail, you might want to use a road bike. They're lighter and have thinner tires made to ride more quickly on a street. Everything is smaller and lighter,  and the handlebars are made for the rider to crouch low so he can ride faster. These bikes are often more expensive because they are made of strong, light-weight components and higher technology to make them as light and fast as possible.
Have you ever ridden a road bike?
Mountain bikes
For other destinations, you'll need more rugged gear. Many people enjoy mountain biking, but you can't go nearly as fast in rugged terrain as you can on the street or a paved trail.
Mountain bikes are made for off-road biking. Terrain for mountain biking usually includes crossing small streams, rocky paths, and steep inclines, so the bikes need to have sturdier frames and wheels. The wheels are much thicker and gain traction better. There are many different kinds of mountain bikes for different purposes, but they are all clearly distinguishable from the thinner, smaller road bikes.
Which do you prefer?
What kind of bike are you most likely to use?
• Would you rather travel on a flat, smooth surface?
• Do you prefer to take it easy and have a relaxing ride?
You will probably enjoy a ride on a bike path or a tour with a road bike.
• Do you enjoy the mountains and the outdoors?
• Are you adventurous?
• Do you enjoy challenges and more difficult terrain?
A mountain bike is probably perfect for you.
Depending on your preferences, you might want to choose different destinations. Some people will bike up and down a bike trail and be home in a few hours, while others prefer an exciting challenge or a climb through the mountains.
• What do you enjoy?
Seeing the sights
Some more ambitious travelers enjoy hitting the road and seeing an entire city or even an entire country on a bike.
If you are traveling somewhere known for its scenery or countryside, maybe you can plan a bike tour. Some people enjoy exploring on their own, but others feel better with a guide. There are companies that will allow you to book bike tours and rent the equipment you need to enjoy your adventure. One of these is www.grasshopperadventures.com, and they offer tours in 15 Asian countries. You can pick the kind of tour you want based on the destination, kind of bike, or the duration of the tour.
• Does this sound like something you would do if you were visiting another country?
• What kind of tour would you prefer?
• What would you like to see?
Is it worth it ?
On a bike, you can get to the beach, the mountains, and almost anywhere in the countryside.
Grasshopper Adventures, mentioned on the last page, also offers city tours. One tour they offer is through the streets of Bangkok, Thailand.
• What kind of things do you think you would see on a tour like this?
• Would you enjoy a city tour?
• Would you sign up for a full-day bike ride?
Grasshopper Adventures offers tours as short as a half day or as long as 18 days!
Dialogue:taking a tour
Susan: How was your trip to Thailand? What did you enjoy most?
Jessica: It was fabulous! The weather was great, and so was the food. The most fun we had was on our bike tours!
Susan: Bike tours? Where did you go?
Jessica: We took two. One through the city, and another through the countryside down to the beach.
Susan: Wow. What did you see?
Jessica: It was great to see the residential areas of Bangkok and get off the beaten path. The countryside was also breathtaking.
Susan: I'm sure the beaches were beautiful!
Jessica: They were, but we had just as much fun getting there! It was so much fun!
Susan: I've never thought of a bike tour..
Jessica: We rented all the equipment and booked online. It was great!
Things to think about
If you're going on a bike tour or are planning an outdoor adventure, there are a few things you might want to think about:
1. Are you in good enough health to keep up?
• To keep up with a long bike ride, you will need endurance. If you aren't well prepared, a bike tour could become a long, miserable ride.
2. What will the weather be like while you are there?
• Will it be rainy? Hot? Cold? Prepare ahead for the weather in your destination.
3. Can you get all the equipment you need?
• Most tours will rent bikes, helmets, and the necessary equipment to you so you don't have to buy it or transport it to a foreign country.
4. Will it be safe?
• You might want to purchase travel insurance from a company or look at their policies if a problem arises.
Prepare well
With a little preparation, you can enjoy a bike tour on your next vacation.
You will be able to see the countryside, enjoy and learn about your destination, and even have some quality time with your friends or other travelers, all while getting some exercise!
It's a less common but highly enjoyable adventure that could be a highlight of your trip!
With a bike tour, you might discover that on your journey, getting there is half the fun!

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