INTERESTING INFORMATION ON CYCLE TOURING OVER 100 YEARS AGO

CYCLE TOURING IN THE EARLY DAYSWhen I first started serious cycling in the 1950's, our club organised a number of tours every year. Most of these used youth hostels as  cheap and convenient places to stay en route. As we used to combine our recreational cycling with training, we distanced ourselves from the "Tuggos"who loaded up their protesting bikes with front and rear panniers and saddlebags, preferring to travel with just a 'bonk bag' -a large shoulder slung bag, not unlike the courier bags in use today, usually made from deck chair canvas. Some of us would prefer to have a very light wire carrier on the back and carry our essentials in a small duffel bag attached to the carrier by the predecessors to bungee cords. We would send  the heavier stuff ahead to the hostels by way of  Her Majesty's Royal Mail Service.

For a more complete account of touring in the  'old days', go here.