The effects on the soul from the peace and tranquility of backcountry bicycle touring is immeasurable and nearly instantaneous. The moment the pavement ends, the adventure begins, and the inner child, a quiet observer during the prep and planning, is released into the wild. One by one, structures of city life fall away: plans and goals, concerns, joys and regrets, all flatten under the weight of this moment and disperse into the breeze like road dust kicked up by endless wheels.
