BIKE TOURING

One of the widest ranging words in the world of cycling is perhaps the term bike touring. I could dare to say that the bike tourist is a cyclist who does not compete and enjoys the mere act of pedalling.

Bike tourists come in very different forms. From the cyclist in street clothing using a tour bike as a means of transport, to the cyclist travelling with a saddlebags, the cyclist with an electric bike or even the cyclist imitating the professionals, with the same bicycle, clothing, etc.

We must note that, in recent years, bike touring has tended to evolve towards competition. What was previously known as “Bike tours”, that were not timed and did not have classifications, now have a timed route or part and classifications. Therefore, the gap between the styles of bike tourists has become even greater these last years.

Depending on the level, image and ability of the cyclist, the bike tourist is usually catalogued within a cyclist hierarchy. The closer the cyclist resembles a professional, the more respect they will gain in the world of cyclists.

Some cyclists might use the nickname Globero disparagingly, but I believe the vast majority of us use it with affection. We must not forget that our whole “cycling ecosystem” is based on this great species. The trainers and biomechanics specialists have more and more Globeros in our schedules, the bike shops make a living thanks to the Globero and the majority of race organisers or cycling fans are also Globeros.