The Joys of the Side Trip

Feb 18th, 2019
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When planning out a bike trip, it is really easy to focus solely on the route from point A to point B.

However, once you hit the road, you may find a town that you are crazy about and want to hang out in for a few days, or perhaps you will hear from locals about some incredible sights that are 10 miles perpendicular to your direction of travel.

Locals help bike travelers
Locals are a great source for finding your next side trip.
Saara Snow

For these reasons, it can be a great idea to chalk up a few days to mystery. A day to leave the panniers or trailer behind, and take a day adventure you never anticipated.

If you’re on a long extended tour, it can even act as a mental release: You can come back to the same location and bed you slept in the previous night, know exactly where you want to have dinner, and have a good breakfast spot predetermined for the upcoming morning. Most importantly, knowing from the start that your plans are going to be flexible can ease some pre-bike tour anxiety.

Roadside fruit stands are great for a bike treat.
Exploring local produce and delicacies is one of many joys of a side trip.
Saara Snow

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