Bicycle Road Trip to Lumsden, SK - Saving Money

Yesterday was the day that I took the plunge and rode out to Lumsden, Sk on my bike.

The total trip was around 60 KM or 37 miles.

I've been training for the last few months on the bicycle, riding around town. My goal for this summer is to go to Lumsden, SK (60 KM round trip) and back on the bicycle, and as well Regina Beach, SK (168 KM round trip).

I've driven by Lumsden many times over the years, but had only cycled out there once with my dad, and that was around 1970 ( I was 5 or 6 years old).

I didn't do this trip to save money. I did it as part of my losing weight program, however, I did think alot about saving money as there were hundreds of cars whizzing by me on the highway. They are paying $1.40 per litre for gas to travel around in the car. I was paying nothing except for snack fuel.

Being my first trip out of town, it was all about experimenting to see what it would be like to drive a bike instead of driving a car. Let me tell you that although it was difficult, it was highly satisfying. It wasn't a good selling point for people to get out of their cars and take their bikes though.

This trip really drove home why people are so reluctant to give up their cars and drive bikes. With the wind and elements, it was a difficult trip, and I am in reasonable shape.

I was trying to picture the cars going by as bicycles. Everybody driving bicycles instead of cars. It seemed like a ludicrous idea, since I've never seen anything like it in Canada in my lifetime.

Going green is going to be more difficult than it looks. People like their conveniences and are willing to pay for them.

In total, the 40 mile trip took me 4.5 hours which included a stop over in lumsden. By the time I got home I was pretty exhausted. I'm not used to road travelling on the bike just yet.



Monty Loree - June 14, 2008 - Ready to go to Lumsden, SK


Highway sign - Lumsden 21 KM - Ouch!


Saskatchewan open highways and prairies. And wind!


Approaching Lumsden Valley - Always beautiful this time of year!


What a relief! I'm here finally! After 38 years and 1 hour 15 minutes riding!!


Time to Celebrate - Victory Meal - That restaurant is cash only!!


Time to head back - 31 KM back to Regina, SK - My knees are aching!


Taking a break - I get weighed (with bike) at a Truckers weigh scale

That's the end of the tour. I enjoyed the ride thoroughly. I learned alot about bicycle touring, and what I'll need to do in the future to make it possible.

Bicycle touring is a lifestyle. It's certainly not about convenience. It's more about the enjoyment of being on the road and being self propelled and self sustaining. I got a big rush from this small trip to Lumsden and look forward to going again regularly in the future.

Finally, I would never stop to take pictures of these things when driving my car. I was more than pleased to stop (I NEEDED TO STOP) and take these pictures. It was VERY enjoyable.