Bicyclists are bums
Mentioning that we will be staying in two historic hotels brought to mind the misconception of cyclists that some people have. One of the first bed and breakfasts I contacted to review for our book, Bed, Breakfast & Bike Midwest-, seemed rather surprised that bicyclists would even stay in anything other than a dumpster. She was certain that most bicycle tourists were people with garbage bags strapped to the back of their clunker bicycles. Maybe she got that first part right.
Look at those garbage bags on the bikes.
I have put my sleeping bag, thermarest and other stuff in a big garbage bag bungied to my rear rack. No, she wasn’t talking about this. Surely touring cyclists are lowlifes with multiple DUI’s who forage for food from dumpsters. Now, I have traveled with some fellow hostelers who raided the “free food” pantry at a hostel and concocted some tasty dishes like salt and pepper sandwiches from all that stuff in the freebie closet.
We passed over that bed and breakfast realizing that if they had these distorted images of the touring cyclist, they would not treat them properly as guests in their homes. Fortunately, other hosts gladly welcomed cyclists into their homes and knew that they are ideal guests.
For a while, I had all the statistics about bicyclists on hand. I resented the ignorant and condescending remarks from those who haven’t a clue what a typical cyclist is, but immediately
categorized him or her as that homeless, drunkard on the street. One time, I had to explain to such a person why a cyclist might enjoy a massage after a long day on the road. The owner of this establishment didn’t think that dirty, garbage bag carrying scumballs were worth marketing to. I don’t know if she became enlightened or if she still believes anybody who rides a bike to be some kind of second-class citizen. How sad that people think this way.
We enjoy all kinds of touring. We like to mix in some camping with hotel stays. We have no intent on cooking just because we don’t want to carry the extra gear required for that. We don’t mind eating cold food. We could eat PB&J a few times per day if necessary.
I noticed UHT milk in the store the other day. I hope that is readily available throughout our journey. It’s perfect for when there is no place to keep regular milk cool. It will be ideal for packing away and using on cereal when we are in the boonies.
All touring cyclists don’t cook either. Some never eat anywhere except for restaurants and that is perfectly fine. There are many variations on the theme, but the common element is getting on the bike and touring at that perfect pace to really experience the world.