The inspiration for bike touring came from my parents, Anne and Art Penniman, who invited me on my very first tour through the Dordogne Valley in France.  Though leary of riding 30 to 50 miles every day I knew that only a fool would pass up the opportunity.  Discovering a beautiful region such as the Dordogne, at 10 miles an hour, with time to savor the sites, feel the cool air, hear the birds,  gorge on that fabulous food and wine, enjoy the hospitality of French innkeepers, and especially delight in the company of my folks, sold me on bike touring for life.  At the end of a two-week, 500 mile trek, I flew home dreaming of future trips. They rode for three more weeks!

Since then, my good friend Laurel Brier, who loves to ride more than I, have pedaled the roads of the Oregon Coast, northern California, the San Juan Islands, Olympic Peninsula, Maine, Nova Scotia, and, just recently, the Natchez Trace Parkway. Laurel, by the way, just completed a trans America ride.  She turned south in Illinois and met up with me near Nashville to ride the “Trace.”

Looking for great touring and day trip ideas.

As far as clothes, I use a rain jacket or cape with hood in warmer wet weather, and good ol’ gortex for the cold wet weather. Full-finger gloves, wick-away tights and turtlenecks, fleece jackets or vests help, along with lighter-lens glasses or goggles. A close fitting hat under the helmet makes a difference. Fenders are a must, unless you like that muddy stripe up your derriére; and pick a route with little or no traffic. Make sure your tires have good tread.