Bicycle Touring Pro - WorldRiders2.com

CRAZY SENIOR CITIZEN & HEARTY HEART ATTACK VICTIM,
RIDING BICYCLES AROUND THE WORLD:
Posted by Pat & Cat Patterson
www.worldriders2.com
January 7, 2008

You're Riding Bicycles Around the World? You must be CRAZY!

Despite hearing this many times, from friends and family, this Crazy Senior Citizen and Hearty Heart Attack victim set off in 2002 to do just that. Cycling 23,000 miles through 57 Countries and being away from family and friends for 4 years.

Cat says, "It's a tough way to travel". They both agree that riding into places less traveled always brings curious locals out to ask, "Why"? "Where"? and "How"?

Most of the early portion of our odyssey was practice for Africa. Yes, we experienced trepidation, maybe even fear, when we stepped off the Ferry in Morocco, but we also felt prepared.

Our bikes? Inexpensive LandRiders purchased from a TV Infomercial. They shift automatically on the rear derailleur which we thought was an advantage when carrying a total of 90+ pounds. Did they work? We still ride them (the same machines) today.

We chose Ortlieb bags and they worked very well. They did begin to break down due to spills and leaning the bikes, but kept our things dry. (After 2 1/2 years we had to use plastic bags in some of our panniers.)

Our North Face 3 person tent was perfect for storing panniers with room for us. Our bags were North Face, too.

For way more details (TMI) please check in to our website www.WorldRiders2.com. We always caution that there are ten million words and 15,000 photos, but they are pretty well organized and easy to navigate.

Would we do it again? No more 4 year journeys, but we are planning a 6 month sojourn to Southeast Asia in late 2008. If you've been there or know of contacts or information we would appreciate your help.

Currently our focus on staying in shape takes premier effort. We stretch and do light workouts at our Health Club 3 days weekly and cycle 20-30 miles thrice weekly, too. "At age 68 this is more than important" says Pat.

Best advice from another? Kinta a young Japanese cyclist said, "I want all my life to be an ADVENTURE"! Our best advice, "Plan your LIFE then LIVE your plan!" As for advice, "Don't believe everything our State Department publishes on their travel advisory." This will leave you hiding in your closet waiting for armageddon. Don't go blindly, seek advice from those who have been there before you and from locals who are almost always anxious to help. Ask, ask, ask!

More information available at: www.WorldRiders2.com

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