Above all, cycle touring really brings you back to nature, you are completely in control, able to stop anywhere any time. You can actually 'feel' the country and its culture through the stimulation of your senses. You have absolute freedom, never dictated to by bus or train timetables. Checking out places to stay in large towns is easy, as no walking is required. You can also, escape from the many 'hawkers' and so called 'tour guides' who usually 'swoop' on unsuspecting travellers.
Freedom takes on a new meaning.
Don't get me wrong, cycling does require hard work which is why so much satisfaction is derived. Wherever the chosen destination, you know it is your own efforts that got you there. There will be 'agony' days - cycling into a headwind, plagued by the wet, the cold, hunger, diarrhoea, punctures and atrocious roads. These hardships form part of the overall memory. Every day brings a different adventure no matter if it is a weekend away or travelling through deepest Africa.