There have been a few local musicians who have started doing short tours by bicycle. It is very cool, honorable and maybe a little crazy.
In July, local musician Ben Weaver rode his bike 1400 miles around Lake Superior playing music and also to raise awareness about the lake and the state of America’s freshwater supply.
He is also performing this weekend (10/3), a special “Welcome Home” show at The Cedar Cultural Center. He’ll be sharing stories, songs, photos and a special video he made about the trip.
Weaver was nice enough to make us a handy touring by bike tip-list just in case any of you musicians out there want to hit the road on two non motorized wheels. Also, check out his route at the end of this article.
Ben Weaver’s Bike Music Tour Tips
1. Unless you are visiting very remote areas you can buy almost anything you need, forget, break, run out of, or loose. This includes, clothes, food, bike parts, books, maps, etc…. Sometimes it’s better to see what you come across on the road rather than try and bring it all from home.
2. Decide what kind of trip you want to take. How far do you want to ride everyday? Will you camp, stay in motels, crash with friends. Once these things are determined pack accordingly.
3. You only need two changes of clothes. One for on the bike and one for off. Add a warm layer and rain coat/windbreaker.
4. Humans built your bike so anything that goes wrong with it can be fixed by you if you pay attention and have patience.
5. We are too dependent on phones and technology. Google maps is one way of navigating but nothing beats a real map in your hands. I prefer to ask strangers and then compare that local intel to my map. I usually end up with a route that is part my choice, part stranger recommendation and part happenstance. Usually the happenstance parts are the best.
6. Eat eat eat. Try and put bits of food and water in your body every 40 minutes. Pay attention to what your body responds to best. Everyone is different. There is no substitute for eating while you ride so that you don’t sugar crash half way though the day and then spend the rest of your day recovering from it.
7. Decide what conditions you are comfortable riding in. This can help plan your route in terms of road quality, traffic, and weather.
8. There are light, heavy, efficient, fast, slow, and a million other ways a person can travel by bike. I don’t think there is a wrong way. At the end of the day you need food, water, shelter and a bike. Don’t get caught up in the gear. Get out there and find out what works for you.
9. The pont is to learn and interact with yourself, the landscape and circumstances you encounter.
10. It’s impossible to get lost.
http://riftmagazine.com/event/ben-weaver-surrounding-water-welcome-home-show-with-twin/
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