We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey.” I never understood that statement's truth until I took up bike touring. When I first decided that I wanted to go bike touring, the easiest part was researching, making a route plan, and getting the gear. However, I had no idea how I would find people to go with me.

I didn't know anyone who was into bike touring, and the thought of doing it alone was a bit daunting. So, I did what anyone would do: I started by searching Facebook groups and forums for people interested in bike touring and went through my contacts. At this point, I was starting to get a bit discouraged. Finding people to go bike touring with was harder than I thought.

The more I searched, the less luck seemed to be on my side. People were telling me this idea was crazy and too much work for a vacation- no one wanted anything to do with it! But then again, when you love what's inside yourself as much as I did, there wasn't any other option left but to keep going until someone says "yes".

When I was scrolling through Adventure Cycling’s Companions Wanted page, something clicked - the idea of doing a bike tour myself seemed crazy. There were so many trips planned for three months or more that looked like they would test my limits as an inexperienced biker.

I'm not one to back down from a challenge, so when my friends told me they thought it was crazy to want to ride 500 miles on Companions Wanted's 3k mile tours? That just made me more determined than ever! I've never been very comfortable putting myself out there - but this time around, things felt different. The idea of being seen by others as someone who can't take care of themselves properly bars all chances at happiness in life for some people but not mine!"

After writing a post about my plan on TransAmerica Trail, I was excited to receive feedback from another bike tour cyclist. This 19-year old college student had completed four tours. Moreover, this passionate traveller was happy enough to share her love for bicycle traveling with me.

What are the odds? I had been talking to my hiking buddy for a week and received a random text from him. “Hey, I just bought this bike! I’m in. It was like something out of Star Wars! The three companions stand before a Continental Divide sign, but there's no turning back.

The journey was not going to be easy, but I had prepared for it. I arranged a meeting with the two others in my group via Zoom, and before we could start our big race, some things needed clarification - such as mountain passes or even what kind of terrain might await us along our path. It turned out pretty neatly when they told me about these "mountains”.

I was so scared. But then again, that’s the power of community and accountability for you!
The thought of letting down my new bike buddies terrified me even more than being on an actual ride with them. The day finally came for this trip, and I felt far more relaxed than before- especially since it's Lyric who'll be joining Rich and me on their journey. The three of us had an instant connection. We quickly realized we were very different people, but now so much the same in our one quest: to tour 500 miles together!

The trip of a lifetime was finally over, and I realized that my biking adventures didn't have to end. The landscape was nothing like what you would expect from pictures or movies; it's vast, with green valleys surrounded by snow-capped mountains! It felt like we went back in time. They showed us incredible hospitality throughout our entire journey, which made all those difficult moments worthwhile, especially since most travellers don’t meet such kind hearts during their travels.

You may think you are alone in your love for bike touring, but don't let the idea of finding companionship stop you. Join Companions Wanted, and you’ll be able to connect with people all over the world who are looking for adventure! This can be a great way to find some company along the journey and make connections through mutual interests and understanding.