Local Touring

June 3, 2014

One way the dictionary defines the word tour is “a traveling around from place to place.” With that definition in mind, my biking around town, to the office, running errands has turned into bike touring. This type of touring doesn't show up in our Tours Catalog and is far from a grand adventure such as riding through the wildly stunning scenery that the Big Bend Loop Van Tour offers. Each day I ride, I get to script my own version of a mini bike tour. I have lived in Missoula for almost two years and my best discoveries in Missoula have come when I was either out exploring on two wheels or two feet.

This time of year is especially great to be out touring your local community and around your neighborhoods. Each day there seems to be something new blooming. Top reason I enjoy touring in my own town is because I am connected with the community rather than whizzing by the details in my car.  

Here are several other reasons local touring inspires me: 

•  I can leave from my house with very little preparation and come home rejuvinated from the fresh air, feeling relaxed and refreshed without having to take vacation time
• I become immerssed in the surroundings — hear the dogs barking, lawns being mowed, smell the scents of spring, the BBQs, and say hello to the neighbors (and possibly get invited over to their BBQ).  
• I notice things firsthand — trees blossoming, flowers blooming, the longer lasting daylight, and the changes in temperature
• touring ignites curiosity — I don’t normally explore local alleys in my car but on my bike I love riding the alleys and back side roads

When you are out touring your neighborhoods, you can’t help but become aware of your surroundings and learn what is going on in your community.

Here are a few shots of bike touring Missoula. Send us some scenes from your local touring.

Post and photos by Lydia Hess

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ON THE ROAD is written by the tours team — Lydia, Darrah, Mike, Mandy, and Arlen — tours specialists and intrepid bicyclists, covering all things related to the Adventure Cycling tours department. Check out our 2014 Guided Tours today