Originally Posted by
BobG
I used to lead ACA TransAm tours. The last group bored the heck out of me. Why? Many of them were up before the crack of dawn taking their tents down in the dark. They'd rush through breakfast eating a bowl of cereal standing up at the table. No time to sit, they had to pack their stuff to get on the road right away to beat the midday heat. I'd be brewing my first cup of coffee, enjoying the location we worked so hard to get to the previous day and they'd setting out on the road.
Evening was just the reverse. Many would be in camp well before 4PM and dinner would be served by 5:30. Most would be in their tents by 8PM just to go to sleep and do it all again tomorrow.
For me the fun of bike touring is to enjoy each daily destination that we work so hard to get to. The down time between arrival and departure is my favorite.
I am exactly like that group. Enjoying the places on the trip along the way it is usually done during stops during the day. Stays with folks who offer hospitality is the exception, but even there I like a fairly early start. At home or on tour my day starts and ends early, but in hot weather or windswept regions I really strive to get as many miles in early before the heat or wind get too bad. I absolutely love that hour or so on the road before the sun comes up, dawn, and sunrise. It is the best time of day on the road.