If any of you out there are looking for a moment of inspiration, or a moment of vicarious living through the faces of strong, beautiful, and smart women, then venture to this website to check out their wall of inspiration. Women on Wheels is a collection of women just like you, who are touring solo on their bikes. Yes, you heard that right. Solo.
These women are riding all over the world, and not letting their own fear or the fear of others stop them from accomplishing their dreams. And, not only that. They are finding that all those fears that were lurking in the cobwebbed corners of their brain, are myths! These women are safely traversing every continent and country from Nepal to Sulawesi.
If you are female, I can guess that 100% of you have been told by someone in your life to "Be careful," "Watch your back," "Don't travel alone," and the list goes on and on and on. Maybe you have even been lucky enough to have your inbox spammed with well-meaning chain e-mails from your sister about how to "Avoid getting mugged" and "How to get rid of a rapist". On the extreme end of things, I have even known women who were afraid to drive at night for fear that they would break down and be stranded on the side of the road at night. The thing is, is that you can't let the possibilities of what COULD happen rule your life. (Besides, how will we achieve total female domination if women stay at home all the time?! -I'm kidding). But, seriously, while your grandmother's adages and advice are well intentioned, don't let them stop you from living your life to your utmost fullest. I think that getting the courage to do a bike tour by yourself happens when you allow your dreams and your desire to explore outweigh the fear that has been instilled in you since you were old enough to ride a trike.
Unfortunately my own touring story does not end so happily. I really wanted to do a short bike tour this fall when I had several months in between jobs. My plan was to join the hundreds of other riders who trek up the lovely coast of California on Highway 1 from San Francisco to Oregon. Sadly, I listened to my grandmother's and friends advice as well as the little voice of fear in my own head, over what my heart wanted to do. However, armed with inspiration from Women on Wheels, I fully plan on entering into a touring trip of my own even if I have to do it by myself!
These women are riding all over the world, and not letting their own fear or the fear of others stop them from accomplishing their dreams. And, not only that. They are finding that all those fears that were lurking in the cobwebbed corners of their brain, are myths! These women are safely traversing every continent and country from Nepal to Sulawesi.
If you are female, I can guess that 100% of you have been told by someone in your life to "Be careful," "Watch your back," "Don't travel alone," and the list goes on and on and on. Maybe you have even been lucky enough to have your inbox spammed with well-meaning chain e-mails from your sister about how to "Avoid getting mugged" and "How to get rid of a rapist". On the extreme end of things, I have even known women who were afraid to drive at night for fear that they would break down and be stranded on the side of the road at night. The thing is, is that you can't let the possibilities of what COULD happen rule your life. (Besides, how will we achieve total female domination if women stay at home all the time?! -I'm kidding). But, seriously, while your grandmother's adages and advice are well intentioned, don't let them stop you from living your life to your utmost fullest. I think that getting the courage to do a bike tour by yourself happens when you allow your dreams and your desire to explore outweigh the fear that has been instilled in you since you were old enough to ride a trike.
Unfortunately my own touring story does not end so happily. I really wanted to do a short bike tour this fall when I had several months in between jobs. My plan was to join the hundreds of other riders who trek up the lovely coast of California on Highway 1 from San Francisco to Oregon. Sadly, I listened to my grandmother's and friends advice as well as the little voice of fear in my own head, over what my heart wanted to do. However, armed with inspiration from Women on Wheels, I fully plan on entering into a touring trip of my own even if I have to do it by myself!
Pictured is Shirine who says, "I'm on a quest for beautiful mountains and untouched cultures, the bicycle has proven to be my key into both of those things! I'm a twenty year old gal cycling around the world. During the last nine months I have cycled the highest passes in the world (Northern India), slept in a slum, and stayed in rural farming villages in far western Nepal I didn't even know still existed. Maybe our wandering trails will someday cross! I love how you have set up a page for solo females, people tend to think we are a bit nuts don't they?" Her website is: http://awanderingphoto.com/
"If you are told that this is impossible, do it and you’ll see how easy it was! " -Genevieve Fortin
Another inspirational cyclist is Genevieve Fortin who muses, "I'm a french Canadian woman. For two years, from 2006-2007, I biked with my ex. I have decided to hit the road again and to not be scared or wait for someone else to go along with me...live your life with no regrets. If you are told that it's impossible, do it and you will see how easy it is! I love being solo. I will be on the road for a year (2014-2015) heading east, who knows where I will end this trip." Her blog is: http://onthebikeagain.wordpress.com/
Stay courageous, my friends.
Chelsea
*First photo credit: http://www.skalatitude.com/2014/06/how-would-you-end-bicycle-tour.html
**both Shirine and Genevieve Fortin are quoted from: Women on Wheels
Stay courageous, my friends.
Chelsea
*First photo credit: http://www.skalatitude.com/2014/06/how-would-you-end-bicycle-tour.html
**both Shirine and Genevieve Fortin are quoted from: Women on Wheels